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The Staff of SOH
Next from AH: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt
- Thread starter YoYo
- Start date
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
P-47D "Bubble-Top" Stencils & Markings
Original factory specifications for all external markings and stencils. These all come from one single large Republic blueprint drawing (multiple scans). Most of the stencils are numbered and thus are meant to be traced to the key, where you can read what the stencil is supposed to state (as well as size of font and color), but for any that may happen to be marked with a drawing number (decals), let me know which numbers those may be/which ones are needed, and I can provide copies of those particular drawings as well.
Original factory specifications for all external markings and stencils. These all come from one single large Republic blueprint drawing (multiple scans). Most of the stencils are numbered and thus are meant to be traced to the key, where you can read what the stencil is supposed to state (as well as size of font and color), but for any that may happen to be marked with a drawing number (decals), let me know which numbers those may be/which ones are needed, and I can provide copies of those particular drawings as well.
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
P-47D "Bubble-Top" Stencils & Markings
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
P-47D "Bubble-Top" Stencils & Markings
In addition to all of that stuff...every removable/access panel on the P-47 was stenciled with an individual number. That number was applied to both the access panel and the main body of the airframe, one over the other (as outlined in the drawings), so that each panel could be matched-up easily to the right location on the aircraft. Here is the diagram drawing for each of those numbers that were stenciled onto the access panels and main body of the aircraft:
Here you can see more clearly the way the removable/access numbers are accurately applied as per original/factory specification:
In addition to all of that stuff...every removable/access panel on the P-47 was stenciled with an individual number. That number was applied to both the access panel and the main body of the airframe, one over the other (as outlined in the drawings), so that each panel could be matched-up easily to the right location on the aircraft. Here is the diagram drawing for each of those numbers that were stenciled onto the access panels and main body of the aircraft:
Here you can see more clearly the way the removable/access numbers are accurately applied as per original/factory specification:
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
Some fun photos to share:
Late variant (a P-47D-40-RA) - with tail fin fillet, rocket stubs and dive flaps
Earlier variant (actually a P-47M) - with no tail fin fillet or rocket stubs
Late variant (a P-47D-40-RA) - with tail fin fillet, rocket stubs and dive flaps
Earlier variant (actually a P-47M) - with no tail fin fillet or rocket stubs
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
Note that the majority of the period photos show the Thunderbolt with the 13ft-diameter Curtiss-Electric cuffed propeller, with the bullet-like Curtiss-Electric prop hub. However, the 13ft 7/8in-diameter Hamilton Standard hydromatic non-cuffed propellers, with the Hamilton Standard hydromatic prop hub, was also used (all of the props fitted to P-47's flying today are of the Hamilton Standard type) - and like the unit seen on the AH model. The Hamilton Standard prop type can be clearly seen in the photo of the P-47D "Rae", as well as likely in the photo of "Shirley Jane III". The cuffs of the Curtiss-Electric blades were only meant for use at high altitudes, so for those which only participated in low-altitude work (ground-attack/ground-support assignment), the Hamilton Standard blades fit the bill, with the big, thick paddle blades of the Hamilton Standard units pulling the fully-loaded aircraft off the ground better at takeoff as well.
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
We need a bubble-top P-47 in FSX that looks just like this: https://www.facebook.com/100004877147814/videos/795742097265021/
The video is of the first engine run and taxi-test of the restored combat-vet P-47D "Dottie Mae", the most authentic Thunderbolt restoration to-date - everything about the restoration was done to put it back just the way it was when new from the factory, accurate down to the rivets. Note that the metal is not polished at all, it is fresh Alclad-covered aluminum, as it looked/looks when fresh/new (as it did when new from the factory in the 40's). With the full use of FSX materials, there is no problem in getting this exact look in the sim.
I can't wait to see the restored "Dottie Mae" with its cowlings on and the recreated original and very colorful nose art. Rumor has it that it may be a surprise attendee at Oshkosh this summer. As always, you can follow (and look back on) the restoration of this aircraft, in detail, here: https://www.facebook.com/Allied-Fighters-254129241462297/
The video is of the first engine run and taxi-test of the restored combat-vet P-47D "Dottie Mae", the most authentic Thunderbolt restoration to-date - everything about the restoration was done to put it back just the way it was when new from the factory, accurate down to the rivets. Note that the metal is not polished at all, it is fresh Alclad-covered aluminum, as it looked/looks when fresh/new (as it did when new from the factory in the 40's). With the full use of FSX materials, there is no problem in getting this exact look in the sim.
I can't wait to see the restored "Dottie Mae" with its cowlings on and the recreated original and very colorful nose art. Rumor has it that it may be a surprise attendee at Oshkosh this summer. As always, you can follow (and look back on) the restoration of this aircraft, in detail, here: https://www.facebook.com/Allied-Fighters-254129241462297/
MustangL2W
Charter Member
Really looking forward to this and I agree with Bomber_12th. I was just flying the A2A Razorback "D" over the weekend, and thinking about and hoping this D is even better! I've always had a few issues with the A2A model, but made the very best of it over the years. Getting to see John Penney in "Balls Out" last year at Oshkosh really re-kindled my interest and respect for the "Jug." The airplane reminds me of an Iron Fist....just waiting to 'SMASH' whatever gets in its way! Sure wish there were more flying...to represent and tell the story of the machine and the men who flew and maintained them during WWII.
Bradburger
Charter Member
Looking nice on the AH FB page in the P3D v3.4 screenshots, but I notice the front windscreen and canopy are still not accurate, as pointed out by John.
(Just compare with the Republic P-47 drawings he posted along with the excellent pictures too).
Hopefully this will be corrected before release, as a good quality P-47D-25 is long overdue!
Cheers
Paul
(Just compare with the Republic P-47 drawings he posted along with the excellent pictures too).
Hopefully this will be corrected before release, as a good quality P-47D-25 is long overdue!
Cheers
Paul
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
Knowing what can be done with FSX and P3D materials, if only...
I know some people would look at this and say, "oh, that's polished", but it isn't. The metal, as you see it, is the same as the metal looked when the aircraft rolled out of the factory in 1944, as simply fresh/new Alclad. The metal panels along the bottom of the fuselage are always darker, because much of the panels that make up the bottom of the fuselage are stainless - they have to be, due to the heat of the exhaust and the turbo ducting that runs much of the distance of the fuselage. Republic wasn't known for using very much green zinc-chromate either, and you'll find that the gear wells were always almost entirely yellow zinc-chromate(of course the cockpits were painted either interior green or bronze green depending on production block).
Knowing what can be done with FSX and P3D materials, if only...
"Dottie Mae" will be making its first public debut on August 26th and 27th at the Warhawk Air Museum's "Warbird Roundup" event, being held in Nampa, Idaho. It is being hinted at that the original nose art/pinup will be painted onto the cowls during this event or leading up to it. Note the black circle, or "period", next to the 'S', which is on both sides of the aircraft - this shows up in several original wartime photos and could still be seen on the aircraft when it was pulled out of the lake in 2005, but it always seems to be forgotten about/left off of artwork/profiles that people have done.
I know some people would look at this and say, "oh, that's polished", but it isn't. The metal, as you see it, is the same as the metal looked when the aircraft rolled out of the factory in 1944, as simply fresh/new Alclad. The metal panels along the bottom of the fuselage are always darker, because much of the panels that make up the bottom of the fuselage are stainless - they have to be, due to the heat of the exhaust and the turbo ducting that runs much of the distance of the fuselage. Republic wasn't known for using very much green zinc-chromate either, and you'll find that the gear wells were always almost entirely yellow zinc-chromate(of course the cockpits were painted either interior green or bronze green depending on production block).
Knowing what can be done with FSX and P3D materials, if only...
"Dottie Mae" will be making its first public debut on August 26th and 27th at the Warhawk Air Museum's "Warbird Roundup" event, being held in Nampa, Idaho. It is being hinted at that the original nose art/pinup will be painted onto the cowls during this event or leading up to it. Note the black circle, or "period", next to the 'S', which is on both sides of the aircraft - this shows up in several original wartime photos and could still be seen on the aircraft when it was pulled out of the lake in 2005, but it always seems to be forgotten about/left off of artwork/profiles that people have done.
gray eagle
SOH-CM-2025
Six of the world's flyable Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter
This video shows six of the world's flyable Republic P-47 Thunderbolt (Jug) fighters.
The following five Thunderbolts are seen flying in formation during the 2005 Planes of Fame Museum airshow at Chino, California. That was quite a sight (and sound) having five Thunderbolts in the air at one time!
1. P-47D NX47RP "Big Chief"
2. P-47D NX647D "Wicked Wabbit"
3. P-47D NX47DF
4. P-47D NX9246B "Hun Hunter XVI"
5. P-47G N3395G "Spirit of Atlantic City NJ"
The sixth Thunderbolt, P-47D NX147PF "No Guts, no Glory!" (with the checkerboard cowling) is seen in the close-up taxiing sequence.
Published on Jul 1, 2012
Wonder why the Navy didn't buy into this, perhaps too heavy for carrier service.
This video shows six of the world's flyable Republic P-47 Thunderbolt (Jug) fighters.
The following five Thunderbolts are seen flying in formation during the 2005 Planes of Fame Museum airshow at Chino, California. That was quite a sight (and sound) having five Thunderbolts in the air at one time!
1. P-47D NX47RP "Big Chief"
2. P-47D NX647D "Wicked Wabbit"
3. P-47D NX47DF
4. P-47D NX9246B "Hun Hunter XVI"
5. P-47G N3395G "Spirit of Atlantic City NJ"
The sixth Thunderbolt, P-47D NX147PF "No Guts, no Glory!" (with the checkerboard cowling) is seen in the close-up taxiing sequence.
Published on Jul 1, 2012
Wonder why the Navy didn't buy into this, perhaps too heavy for carrier service.
Mach3DS
Charter Member
Knowing what can be done with FSX and P3D materials, if only...
I know some people would look at this and say, "oh, that's polished", but it isn't. The metal, as you see it, is the same as the metal looked when the aircraft rolled out of the factory in 1944, as simply fresh/new Alclad. The metal panels along the bottom of the fuselage are always darker, because much of the panels that make up the bottom of the fuselage are stainless - they have to be, due to the heat of the exhaust and the turbo ducting that runs much of the distance of the fuselage. Republic wasn't known for using very much green zinc-chromate either, and you'll find that the gear wells were always almost entirely yellow zinc-chromate(of course the cockpits were painted either interior green or bronze green depending on production block).
Knowing what can be done with FSX and P3D materials, if only...
"Dottie Mae" will be making its first public debut on August 26th and 27th at the Warhawk Air Museum's "Warbird Roundup" event, being held in Nampa, Idaho. It is being hinted at that the original nose art/pinup will be painted onto the cowls during this event or leading up to it. Note the black circle, or "period", next to the 'S', which is on both sides of the aircraft - this shows up in several original wartime photos and could still be seen on the aircraft when it was pulled out of the lake in 2005, but it always seems to be forgotten about/left off of artwork/profiles that people have done.
John, thanks for pointing this out. I have been a champion of this perspective for a long time. The problem with black and white photos is that they omit the visible part of the refelcted image in the metal finish. The color! But, if you look closely at a photo, and analyze the composition, taking note of the details in the environment, you can deduce why in some images the finish doesn't appear "polished" while in others it does. Not every case, but many cases, you're dealing with a photo that was taken with broken clouds overhead. WIth only white as the contrast overhead, there's not much contrast in the refelection. I've noticed this on the B-58 Hustler images. As well as the first flight video of the A-12 Oxcart. But if you look closely at that video you'll notice that it's taking place in April and the clouds are overcast. Compare that to the photos of the first flight and some may be left scratching their heads, because the photos show a clearly clean Titanium reflective skin, while the video shows a more matted finish. The aircraft climbed above and away from the clouds clearly. Great explanation and thank you for the photos!
Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
She's now complete (photo copyright Allied Fighters, via Facebook):
So cool(!) The artwork was done by a local Idaho artist, Jeff Devey. I'm glad they chose someone to recreate the artwork that wouldn't have to go and add their own flare (like some of the big name nose artists) - just recreate how it was originally.
So cool(!) The artwork was done by a local Idaho artist, Jeff Devey. I'm glad they chose someone to recreate the artwork that wouldn't have to go and add their own flare (like some of the big name nose artists) - just recreate how it was originally.
