Republic P-47D Thunderbolt

Part 3

Lifelike Decals, 1/48 Scale

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Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner Jr.

The Republic P-47D Thunderbolt is one colorful aircraft and the aircraft represented on this decal sheet is indicative of the range of markings. Lifelike decals are beautifully rendered with wonderful colorful markings and a nice instruction sheet. Each aircraft is explained and a little historical information is included.

The first Thunderbolt is a D-1 without the keel modification. It is an early version of the Thunderbolt assigned to Lt. Spiros Pisanos of the 4th Fighter Group. Coded “QP-D” and named “Miss Plainfield” the aircraft contains early markings of the yellow surrounded star. It is OD over Neutral Grey with white identification markings. The artwork is a faithful rendering of Don Allen’s nose art. The only down side is the aircraft doesn’t have the keel modification so some work on the kit will be required for this particular aircraft. Also the aircraft will need the full set of cowl flaps all the way to the bottom, but this modification is available from aftermarket sources.

If you do the 4th FG with P-47s you better talk about the 56th FG. The aircraft on this sheet is a very nice P-47D-25 flown by Capt. Frederick Christensen, Jr. of the 62nd FS, 56th FG. Coded LM-C, this overall natural metal aircraft also has the group red nose. The 62nd sported the yellow tail and this along with the invasion stripes makes for a very colorful machine. The nose art for “Miss Fire/Rozzie Geth II” is a seated nude on the nose, which is nicely rendered. The kill markings are on both sides of the cockpit, but they are different on both sides. This shows the research that went into these decals.

The final aircraft is a war weary D-15 that was used by the 83 Fighter Squadron as a hack. Sporting the checkered nose with red cowl flap highlights and pin striping. A white tail with red outline makes for one colorful machine. The off colored national markings are an interesting touch as are the shadowed codes of HL-C. This is definitely not your run of the mill aircraft. It is gaudy and colorful.

The decals are on two sheets. One contains the aircraft markings the other has the national insignia. All the decals are in register, thin and opaque enough for their respective aircraft. If they are not opaque enough Lifelike provides a white background for the decals that need it such as the nose art on “Rozzie Geth”. Microscale prints the decals so you know they will work with the Microscale system.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Keishiro Nagao of Lifelike Decals for the review sample.

Lifelike Decals are available by email at lifelike@eos.ocn.ne.jp or from

2-8-7-202, Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo 125-0061, Japan
fax: +81-3-5680-6733