INTERMEDIATE BUILD
With a package brimming with photo-etched metal and resin extras, Eduard’s limited-edition ‘Jugs over Germany’ is a one-stop shop for creating a 1/48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, as Richard Spreckley reveals.
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine, the type was armed with eight .50 cal machine guns and could also carry 5in rockets or a bomb load of up to 2,500lbs. Its large, round profile soon gained it the nickname ‘Jug’ on account of its resemblance to both a milk carrier and a juggernaut.
While P-47s remained in US Air Force service until 1949, the World War Two-era 56th Fighter Group received the type in June 1942. Assigned to the Eighth Air Force, the unit became renowned for its combat effectiveness and, containing more aces than any other group, it soon became known as ‘The Wolf Pack’.
During the next two years, the 56th destroyed more enemy aircraft in aerial combat than any other Eighth Air Force fighter group, undertaking numerous missions over France and Germany, escorting bombers attacking industrial targets, V-weapon sites and submarine pens. During the Normandy campaign, it engaged in counter-air and interdictor missions, as well as supporting action…
