Possible P-47M adoption, need reference help

[oboe]

Was thinking about adopting this P-47M from the 62ndFS of the 56thFG by Fencer, but I'm having trouble finding references for it.  It's a sharp-looking skin; I would just remove the glossiness from the paint and keep as much of Fencer's work intact as possible.  Not sure about the leading edge color - were they really gray?   Natural metal makes more sense to me; if they were painted, why not just continue the camo pattern?   But the pic below suggests paint, and a darker color at that - perhaps the cam green?



The only image I've been able to find is the result of a taxi accident:

US ARMY AIR FORCE

Taxi accident
P-47M 44-21228 LM-K of the 62nd Fighter Squadron.Photo shows result of taxi accident at Boxted on 2 May 1945 with Lt. Robert B Jones Jr., at the controls.(rudeerude)

[lyric1]

Im pretty sure I have some stuff don’t recall what I will check when I get off work tonight.

[lyric1]

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205362625

https://www.asisbiz.com/il2/P-47D/56FG/pages/44-21228-P-47M-Thunderbolt-56FG62FS-LMR-trailing-smoke-from-a-generator-FRE2578.html

[oboe]

Lyric, thank you!

So odd, sometimes the cowl band looks like it matches the yellow of the rudder, while in other photos it appears dark, like red.  If I’m not mistaken, red cowl bands were the standard ID for the 56th FG.

Nice to get confirmation on the bare metal leading edges of wings, stabs, and undersides.   Should be an interesting skinning problem, and it should look very interesting.

Many thanks for your help!   

[Vraciu]

Same issue as Horse's Itch photos.  The red is showing as white. 

[Guppy35]

Lyric, thank you!

So odd, sometimes the cowl band looks like it matches the yellow of the rudder, while in other photos it appears dark, like red.  If I’m not mistaken, red cowl bands were the standard ID for the 56th FG.

Nice to get confirmation on the bare metal leading edges of wings, stabs, and undersides.   Should be an interesting skinning problem, and it should look very interesting.

Many thanks for your help!   

It was the type of film used that caused that look. Monochromatic if memory serves.  Lead to lots of confusion as dark colors like red would appear light like yellow. 

[Guppy35]

Not the clearest scan, but from my beat up, often used copy of Roger Freeman's "The Mighty Eighth" is this image showing some 56th P47Ms from above, showing the bare metal leading edges.

[oboe]

Very much appreciated Dan, especially the plan view of the camo pattern!  So often pics are just from the side or front quarter, no many reference photos of wingtop camo patterns...