1/32 Trumpeter P-47D Thunderbolt Dorsal fin - USAF F-47 THUNDERBOLT VIETNAM “FINISHED”

[DugyB]

To much fun potential here, May I join in?

 

With thousands of mothballed F-47s in storage a brilliant concept idea was put into action, stored F-47s from Davis-Monthan were quickly overhauled and brought up to modern standards at Kelly AFB.  Up gunned and with armour plate added they played a crucial role in the SAR support mission of saving pilots and aircrew. Being faster and more manoeuvrable pilots preferred it over the heavy AD-1 Skyraider.  Incredulously even shooting down a few Mig-17s.  

 

Edited August 21, 2024 by DugyB

[DugyB]

Mainly flying low and fast, in and out of valleys the USAF fitted the F-47 with an ejection seat. This greatly increased the survivability in case of being shot down…… we’ll that’s if it fits of course 

 

[Alain Gadbois]

Great idea!

Will be very interesting to see!

 

Alain

[Panzerwomble]

Football wars come to mind !

[DugyB]

Though brass balls don’t normally require any kind of protection I thought I’d play it safe and add some bolt on armour. Only need to add some bolt heads in a few places and get a move on 

 

[quang]

Great progress. I like the authentic details. 
Don’t forget the obligatory deck landing guide for Navy Bolts, which also served as a convenient helmet hanger.

 

 

[DugyB]

3 hours ago, quang said:

Great progress. I like the authentic details. 
Don’t forget the obligatory deck landing guide for Navy Bolts, which also served as a convenient helmet hanger.

 

 

Thanks Quang, now I’m off to go search for a pilot… 

[James Rademaker]

 Ever knew that T Bolts were used in Nam. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Jim

[Joe Hegedus]

1 hour ago, James Rademaker said:

 Ever knew that T Bolts were used in Nam. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Jim

They weren’t.  He’s playing in the “what if” universe.

[DugyB]

Nose art adorned many of the aircraft in Nam,  I had a brainstorm waking up this morning, I’ll have to explain later in the build but for now I’ll have to find a “Lil Mouse” to be going on the engine cowling…. 

 

Edited March 8, 2024 by DugyB

[DugyB]

With flights rarely about 10,000 ft the high altitude performance of the turbo supercharger was no longer required, during overhaul at Kelly the entire guts of the system was removed, this weight saving measure increased the what was now nick named the Super Bolt. This helped with both speed and manoeuvrability at low humid altitudes.

During which a conventional exhaust system was rerouted and installed 

 

[Maxim61]

I like it but I'd add some armor to the belly as well, like they did on the Skyraider.

[Confusionreigns178]

I bet the 'Bolts never dropped a genuine toilet on the enemy (unlike the mighty Skyraider).

 

This is a very interesting thread, by the way. 

 

Cheers. 

 

Chris.  

[DugyB]

42 minutes ago, Confusionreigns178 said:

I bet the 'Bolts never dropped a genuine toilet on the enemy (unlike the mighty Skyraider).

 

This is a very interesting thread, by the way. 

 

Cheers. 

 

Chris.  

You guys are full of ideas. Please tell me that’s not a challenge nor dare…. 

Edited March 8, 2024 by DugyB

[DugyB]

Chilled and relaxing cold Sunday morning, LA Flights on YouTube, my pooch Digger snoozing nearby, and my active mind at work.  Small bits and pieces coming together.