Author Topic: Starting P-47D 354th FG (Read 1095 times)

Fencer51 · « **on:** August 21, 2006, 08:43:10 PM »

Once I finish the B-17 I am working on, I will be starting this P-47D-30 for a D-40 skin.

Krusty · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2006, 08:45:42 PM »

Is that the one with yellow underneath the skull?

Saxman · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2006, 09:21:40 PM »

Does he charge for the plane rides?

Stoney74 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 22, 2006, 01:26:11 AM »

Does that plane have a dorsal fin? If not, it'd be better to use the D-25 default. I know the factory didn't start putting 'em on until the D-40, but, there were dorsals added to some of the earlier varients in the field. Just checking--can't see it in the photo very well...

Furball · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2006, 02:14:41 AM »

thats one simple solution to getting a rearm mid flight.

Fencer51 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2006, 11:08:48 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Krusty
Is that the one with yellow underneath the skull?

Yes it is.

So what are the rules vis a vis putting D models on D25s vs D40s?

Not being a Thunderbolt expert, I would have thought that the D40 would have been the better choice?

Krusty · « **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2006, 05:11:04 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Fencer51
Yes it is.

Cool!

Basic rules seem to be external features. If it's a razorback -- instantly goes on D11, despite some D22s or whatever having the same feature.

If it's got a bubbletop but early ord setup, or it lacks a dorsal fillet, then best bet would be to put it on the D25.

If it's got the dorsal fillet, and the non-bazooka-tube rockets (that is, if you have pictures of it or anything) or if it's past D30, for the most part it should go on the D40.

Widewing · « **Reply #7 on:** August 22, 2006, 07:00:11 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Stoney74
Does that plane have a dorsal fin? If not, it'd be better to use the D-25 default. I know the factory didn't start putting 'em on until the D-40, but, there were dorsals added to some of the earlier varients in the field. Just checking--can't see it in the photo very well...

That's Eagleston's P-47D-30-RE... Most D-30s were retrofitted with dorsal fillets, as were D-28s. Eagleston's D-30 was later so fitted. So, you could skin it on either the D-25 or the D-40 and still be correct in appearance.

My regards,

Widewing

Fencer51 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 22, 2006, 08:29:10 PM »

Excellent, thanks Widewing.

Krusty · « **Reply #9 on:** August 22, 2006, 09:45:06 PM »

Do it for the D40. It's the closest fit. Plus the D40 was called the D30 (in game) for quite a while.

Fencer51 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 27, 2006, 08:59:50 AM »

Progress, no weathering yet.

Widewing · « **Reply #11 on:** August 27, 2006, 10:43:36 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Fencer51
Excellent, thanks Widewing.

Here's an interesting tidbit on follow-up. About 2 weeks after mechanics fitted dorsal fillets to many of the 354th's Jugs, the entire squadron was re-equipped with P-51Ds. Initially, the 354th was the first ETO squadron to receive Mustangs. The unit was assigned to the 8th AF on a temporary basis as the 8th was in great need of P-51s for long-range escort.

In November of 1944, now based in France and assigned back to the 9th AF, the 354th was re-equipped with P-47s (P-47D-23)as it was deemed superior for tactical work. This resulted in a near riot within the 354th. General Quesada promised that they would get new Mustangs as soon as they were available. In February of 1945, he followed through on his promise and the Pioneer Mustang Group, first to fly the P-51B in combat, finished the war in their beloved Mustangs.

Eventually, the 354th flew the P-51B, P-47D-23, P-47D-28, P-47D-30 and the P-51D.

My regards,

Widewing

Fencer51 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 28, 2006, 07:13:36 PM »

Final review before submitting next week.

Fencer51 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 28, 2006, 07:14:24 PM »

Upper surfaces. Took a while but it's done.