OT: TFC Unveils P-47 Razorback Restoration

[Bomber_12th]

The Fighter Collection (TFC), based at Duxford, England, the wartime home of the 78th FG, unveiled its Curtiss-built P-47G restoration in its fresh new paint, recreating one of the original 78th FG P-47's, of the 84th FS, known as "Snafu".

As some may recall, this airframe at one time, many years ago, was based in the U.S., painted as "Little Demon". It ended up in storage in England several years ago until being purchased by The Fighter Collection and a full ground-up restoration was undertaken. One of the intents of the restoration was to very closely match the specified finishes and details throughout of a Curtiss-built P-47G, so for instance, the interior green is unique only to that of the paint that was supplied to and used by Curtiss. The restoration even includes the addition of a Spitfire mirror, just as the original "Snafu" had fitted in the field. The serial number on the tail, 225068, is correct to the actual surviving airframe itself, and is not the original serial number of the scheme portrayed.

Thanks to David Whitworth, you can view a collection of photos of the aircraft here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwhitwo...th/5832429554/

Still more work to be done yet before she flies, but from what I read, it is hoped that she will fly sometime this year yet. As you can also see in the photos, there is artwork on the aircraft with the name "War Eagle". Before becoming "Snafu", the aircraft, 42-74742, had been assigned to Capt. Julius P Maxwell, CO of the 84th FS, who had it painted as "War Eagle". When the aircraft was renamed "Snafu", the original "War Eagle" artwork was retained.

This photo says it all: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwhitwo...7626960509580/

[stiz]

she looks gggggoooooodddddd

[res non verba]

great repaint! it is possible to do it more weathered and used! lol


:ernae:

[Bomber_12th]

A newly posted video by TFC, showing the progress of the paint application and the final result and unveiling: http://fighter-collection.com/p47%20page.html

As I have mentioned elsewhere, it is like looking at the unveiling of the P-51D Happy Jack's Go Buggy all over again. The quality and details are just incredible, and through both restorations, the combination of the paint schemes and associated details really bring WWII-era 1940's to life.