Republic P-47 Thunderbolt D

The real subject

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was an American fighter of the Second World War, one of the heaviest single-engine machines of its day. Its rugged structure made it a sought-after fighter-bomber that could take a hit and come home. The D version was built in the largest numbers of all, and within it both machines with a dorsal spine behind the cockpit and later ones with a bubble canopy and a cut-down rear fuselage were produced.

What the decal sheet is for

A separate sheet makes it possible to build a machine with markings other than those the kit offers, and it also comes in handy when the decals from the original box have yellowed with age or fallen apart. The particular options covered and their color schemes are given in the instructions enclosed with the sheet.

How to apply a decal

First give the area under the decal a coat of gloss varnish; on a matte surface air gets trapped under the decal and the edges show up as a haze. Cut the individual decals out with a small margin, dip them briefly in lukewarm water and leave them to stand until they start to slide on the paper. Then slide them onto the spot, work them into position and draw off the excess water with a soft cloth from the center outwards. On a broken-up surface and over riveting a decal softener helps. Once dry, give the model a coat of varnish and even out the sheen of the whole area.

• a decal sheet with markings for the P-47D Thunderbolt
• 1:72 scale
• a wet decal, applied from lukewarm water
• a gloss base under the decal, a decal softener on a broken-up surface
• once dry, give the model a coat of varnish

Terms of supply

A model of the aircraft, paints, decal softener and varnish are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.