78th Fighter Group checkerboards

[BSteinIPMS]

Really liking the scheme on the Jugger
Yes Ara it its nice. The 78th Fighter Group were based at Duxford, and IMHO it was one of the best unit markings of the 8th AAF!
Mmmmm.. Chequer-Board noses...Mmmm!!!
Dont get me going on those checkerboards!!!! :D

Those with an interest in the 78th Fighter Group and their checkboard cowlings might have some interest in the following article which appeared in FineScale Modeler magazine’s “Modeling the Second World War”, Fall 1995. Reproduced here by kind permission of the author. :D

[BSteinIPMS]

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[BSteinIPMS]

P-47s in Europe – The Real “Miss Behave”
A carefully researched model is a miniature snapshot of a real machine at a precise moment in time. “Miss Behave” was a Republic P-47D-22-RE Thunderbolt assigned to the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force, and based at Duxford, England, in November 1944.

Her USAAF serial number was 42-26387; the second from the last of 850 block -22s built. As such, she was equipped with the round-dome Hamilton Standard Hydromatic paddle-blade propeller, not the tapered-dome Curtiss Electric cuffed-blade propeller normally associated with the “razorback” P-47. The Monogram 1/48 scale razorback kit comes with the Curtiss Electric prop, but the Hamilton Standard prop can be found in its “bubble-top” P-47 kit.

Starting late in 1943, all P-47s were delivered in natural metal finish to save weight and production time. Since air superiority had been achieved (more or less), camouflage was felt to be of decreasing value. However, the planned invasion of Europe and the possibility of having to operate fighters from forward air strips on the continent brought about renewed interest in camouflage.

“Miss Behave” and other 78th Fighter Group aircraft were painted in England using British paints. The scheme was Dark Green upper surfaces with Sky “Type S” (S for smooth) underneath. They were not, as often modeled, painted in U.S. Olive Drab and Neutral Gray.

To help distinguish the pudgy P-47 from the similar (at a distance) German Fw 190, the Army painted white stripes on the front of the cowl and the tail surfaces of all camouflaged P-47s. The stripe on the fin and rudder was 12” wide and the stripes on the stabilizers were 18” wide, outlined in black underneath on the 78th Group aircraft to contrast with the Sky camouflage paint. Black I.D. stripes were applied to natural-metal aircraft.

On June 29, 1943, the Army ordered oversize 55” insignias underneath both wings of P-47s as an additional identifying feature.

Group and Squadron Colors
In April 1944, 8th Air Force Fighter Command directed all groups to paint their cowlings in a distinguishing color for easier recognition. The 78th Fighter Group was assigned the black-and-white checkerboard, which did not please the ground crews. They had to apply the markings with elaborate stencils, requiring far more labor than a single color.

“Miss Behave” also carried the last vestiges of D-day markings under her belly. The upper-surface invasion stripes were painted out in July 1944, and the underwing stripes were removed in September.

In November 1944, the 78th Fighter Group painted the rudders of its aircraft for squadron identification. “Miss Behave” and the rest of the 82nd Squadron’s rudders were painted red, while the 83rd’s were painted white and the 84th’s black. The white tail band could still be seen faintly beneath the red paint on the rudder of “Miss Behave”. Her white codes were MX (squadron) and W (individual aircraft). The bar below the W indicated that this was the second aircraft in the squadron with this letter.

1/48 scale kit by Monogram, other stuff by BTY.

[CFBC]

B/S.... Very very well detailed and great report there chap.... Thanks for sharing... :)

[plumstix]

Once again Bob, you show why you are the master.

[NeilD]

Bob.. great model and article - again! and 'prop blur' in 1995?? :eek: has photoshop been around that long, or was it a hairdryer! :D

Neil

[planejunky]

Bob.. great model and article - again! and 'prop blur' in 1995?? :eek: has photoshop been around that long, or was it a hairdryer! :D

Neil

Set to cold I hope, wouldn't want to warp those blades would we?! :D

Thanks for sharing Bob, great stuff. ;)

[Ara1]

Bob,

It seems that with every article you post, we are seeing a bit more of you. I love your work and look forward to seeing more.

Another FSM article I absolutely devoured... glad to meet you here in the diecast forum of all places.

Ara

[Agent X20]

Where did you find the time..???. :D

[no4mkit]

Bob - you're the undisputed king! What's your secret - the beer?

Thats it, I'm switchin' to Newkie.... ;)

[Agent X20]

Would think if theres an ounce of intelligence anywhere that some diecast manufacturere would have snaffled that scheme... seems most of the research has been done..!!

[BSteinIPMS]

Thanks for all the kind words, chaps; you make a bloke blush! :o

CFBC: It's all your fault: if you hadn't posted those great photos of "Bit o' Lace" with the checkerboarded P-51 and P-47 I wouldn't have thought to make this post.

Plumstix: Thanks, but I ain't necessarily the "master" when it comes to ruling the house. :eek:

Neil: Not Photoshop or hair dryer, just the natural wind turning the blades. I mount the propeller on a one-inch length of brass tubing which then locates into the next larger size of brass tubing secured in the engine. Works just like a bearing. The slightest breeze and.....vroooom! Just have to use a moderately slow shutter speed to capture the movement just so: not too fast, not too slow.

P/J: Kind words, but we'd all like to see more of your dioramas!

Ara: Thanks, always fun to see someone actually read those articles. Let's see more of your amazing stuff!

Agent: Ah! The time. As you know all too well, time is at a premium when the house is full of Mini-Agents and Mini-BTYs.....sigh. These articles and models were all done pre-China. ;)

Toddster: What ability I have - and you're much too kind here - comes from a combination of Newcastle Brown Ale and bad drugs..... :D

[Ara1]

...Newcastle Brown Ale and bad drugs..... :D


For me it was the fumes... oh yes, the fumes. Glue, paint, and dope (not the drug but the wooden model kind used for applying silkspan tissue paper).

Bob, to further your Star Wars analogy: A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, we didn't think to have proper ventilation...

And yes Bob, you are indeed the model king, please accept it. I'll gladly take the position of guard, or the guy filling the mote...

...like I said, too many fumes, for too many years... :rolleyes:

...I was but a charcoal mask away from being king of models, an open window, a circulating fan, a door left ajar...

;)

[CFBC]

Bob... I will take full and sole responsability for all actions that lead to anyone buying, spending time, applying for re-mortgaes and also suffering from "other half" syndrome..... I have BIG shoulders.... ;)


As for being a "guard" Ara1.... Gregorian? Imperial? or just a plain stormtrooper!!! Now I am showing me money well spent youth!!! :D

(on the side and not to hi-jack the thread, but was in a well known large chain of shops today and saw a Ltd Ed. diecast X-Wing... AWESOME it was, but £300+ quid.... Anyone know any other details, then please PM me)..... Please do not hi-jack this great thread... :)

[Ara1]

Gregorian.

"None shall pass."

[CFBC]

Hmm - Fat piggy like person hey!! ;) :D Say no more...

So... You going to propose this one to Corgi then Bob? Think it would go nicely with NGNG, BBD and TT - Oh yeah :)

[BSteinIPMS]

CFBC,

I have to admit to not being one of the cognoscenti: what the heck is this NGNG I keep seeing reference to on the forum? :confused: :o

Oh, and propose a model to Corgi? Me? ;) I've already made a Valiant effort. :D

[Ara1]

CFBC,

what the heck is this NGNG I keep seeing reference to on the forum?


...and we all wait for the code to be revealed...

...by CFBC... who's own screen name is itself a code...

Of which I've cracked the last two letters... BC= Bomber Country.... And the CF? Who knows?

[CFBC]

A valiant attempt there Bob, but I fear your valiant choice to get someone (woof woof) to produce this fine and wanted beast may be in vain, but we at least we can all see your attempt to be "valiant" on behalf of our members..... :D

"NGNG" - No Guts, No Glory" - T/Bolt... ;)

[Ara1]

I get it now! BBD = Big Beautiful Doll. Does anyone know what TT is? Or what TT's are? ;)

I've seen some TT's in my lifetime, but they weren't diecasts.

[CFBC]

The new CHC "Commissioned" P51 perhaps. :D

[Agent X20]

Twighlight Tear.. as in the 'other' Mustang..

Great article in this months Flypast about the 78th... took me all dinnertime in Smiths to read it..

[BSteinIPMS]

Ara,

Here's a compilation of what I now understand the codes are:

CFBC = Collector From Bomber Country
NGNG = No Guts No Glory (thanks, CFBC!)
BBD = Big Beautiful Doll
TT = Twilight Tear (Thanks, Agent!)
Agent X20 = The multi-talented social conscience of this forum, eBay, and Corgiland in general. Long may he rule. :D

[CFBC]

Agent X20 = The multi-talented social conscience of this forum, eBay, and Corgiland in general. Long may he rule. :D

Hows that one work then Bob? :rolleyes: :confused:

[BSteinIPMS]

Hows that one work then Bob? :rolleyes: :confused:The multi-talented social conscience of this forum, eBay, and Corgiland in general. Long may he rule

Hmmmm, anagrammatically, and in reverse, is one supposed to see "negat"?

Ah! A reply from Agent's loyal opposition! :D

[Agent X20]

Thank you oh loyal follower... :D

[CFBC]

Must be nice to have so much time spare Bob... :D How do I get to join the fan club? Do I get a free A.A badge too? (Alcoholics A...... ;) )

Perhaps a model? :D

[minter]

Twighlight Tear.. as in the 'other' Mustang..

Great article in this months Flypast about the 78th... took me all dinnertime in Smiths to read it..

buy it o tight one ;)

[Agent X20]

Against ones principles... price of a mag.. be able to buy a Zero or two...

[CFBC]

Tell yer what Agent... Save all the pennies-up that you don't spemd on the magaziones and then you might be able to come and see us all at Duxford this year... :D

[Agent X20]

You buyin then....!! :D :D :D

(Gives one a lunch break.... if yer buy em yer just end up with piles... I have enough toot in this house with Mrs and Mini Agent.. when you are blessed with offspring especially females...this will become patently obvious... (the fact that all the toot is theirs... and you try leaving a pile anywhere...) :D :D :D )

The solution I am happy to lend you, the blade is a bit rusty but should do the job..... :D :D :D

[plumstix]

The solution I am happy to lend you, the blade is a bit rusty but should do the job..... :D :D :D

Can I have it over here first please, Agent?

[Agent X20]

No problem old fruit.... pass it onto CFBC when yer finished with it.. but dont sharpen it.. no pain.. no gain as they say..!! :)

[plumstix]

No problem old fruit.... pass it onto CFBC when yer finished with it.. but dont sharpen it.. no pain.. no gain as they say..!! :)

Will do.

[planejunky]

Thanks for all the kind words, chaps; you make a bloke blush! :o P/J: Kind words, but we'd all like to see more of your dioramas!


There's more on the horizon, Bob, I'm currently in Chicago, so hopefully I'll have a few toys to bring back for the PJ diorama experience! :D

[Ara1]

Welcome to the US PJ + Snapper!!!

[planejunky]

Welcome to the US PJ + Snapper!!!
Why thanks Ara! I'll give you a call shortly. ;) So far I have bought the Dragon Kadena F-15C which is very nice. I'm hoping that the Chinook "Guns A Go Go" will be released whilst here as that would be a great model to bring back to Blighty! ;) I saw the Franklin Mint 352nd FG and 78th FG Mustangs today, they look cool but really can't find space for them. :(

Hopefully we will be taking a trip up to the EAA Museum at Oshkosh over the next few days. I'll get some pics posted as they have a rather nice Mossie there!

[Ara1]

PJ, please let me know how the dinner suggestion works out!

And keep watch of that laptop, thar be thieves amongst us, unfortunately...

Word has it that Franklin Mustangs are to be avoided :( , the Eagles International versions sweep them under the rug...

...No bubble tops for EI, though....

[planejunky]

The laptop's safe Ara, so don't worry! ;)

I agree about the Mustangs, Franklin Mint stuff is being overtaken by EI. It will be interesting to see if EI will start to produce some other types too, then Franklin will have to up their game to compete.

[Ara1]

It will be interesting to see if EI will start to produce some other types too, then Franklin will have to up their game to compete.

Hear ya, PJ. I have emailed the following sentiment to Eagles, two months ago:

"I think it's important for you guys to know this, regarding Franklin Mint's offerings: I would happily pay twice as much for 50% more quality."

And I meant it. If Franklin Mint notched up their attention to detail, It would be worth twice as much. As we can get 1/48 fighters for as little as $38.50 USD, twice as much would equal ~$85.00, which happens to be exactly what Eagles International is charging for their new line of 'Stangs. So my money for quality ratio theory holds, (1:.5) but unfortunately it will take EI many, many years to build up a comprehensive catalog of aircraft choices.

Oh, Eagles emailed me back, saying that if they can't do a plane to a high standard, they will not even attempt it.

[jasgreeny]

I do love the look of the E.I mustangs but with such small offerings im not going to start collecting them yet! I would also happily pay more for high quality. Ive got a collection of sixty odd corgi planes (lots of mustangs and spits) but rather than havin lots of ok quality stuff id much rather have fewer high quality models

[Merlin-V12]

Being a bit of a "Cadillac" freak I have to agree - the Eagles offerings are superb.

So much detail for a 1/48th scale plane, and obviously does not take up as much room as the 1/32nd Corgis.

I do hope they produce more it would be a shame if they did not and we were left with the poor relation of Armor for that Scale.