THE P-47 STORY
The P47 was produced in larger numbers than any other U.S. Fighter of WWII.
15,683 production versions ranged from the P47-B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, M, and N. Some-
what overshadowed by the publicity accorded the "Mustang" and the "Spitfire", the
"Thunderbolt" was, nonetheless a most distinguished and respected aircraft by friend and
foe alike.
The first P47 was test flown in May, 1941 and was known as the XP-47B. This air-
craft was designed to fill the need for a fighter aircraft able to exceed the anticipated ceilings
of enemy bombers, out gun them offensively; to escort and provide cover for American
bombers flying in the Substratosphere, and to out-gun enemy interceptors.
The first production models were assigned to fighter units in England where it be-
came extremely popular with AAF Pilots because of its ability to absorb extensive battle
damage and still remain flying.
Perhaps the most outstanding tribute to this aircraft is the fact that all ten of the
leading Thunderbolt "Aces" survived the war. Colonel Glenn T. Eagleston was one of these.
This kit is the P47D-25-RE version flown by Colonel Eagleston while a member of the
35rd Sq, 354th Gp, 19th Tactical Air Force commanded by General O.P. Weyland.
Col. Eagleston was the top "Ace" of the n i n t h Air Force, credited with 23'/2 destroyed, 2
probables and 7 damaged enemy aircrafts. It is to Colonel Eagleston that this kit is re-
spectfully dedicated.
References: Aero Publishers, Inc.
Camouflage & Markings
329 Aviation Road
Ducemus Books, Ltd.
Fallbrook, California London,
England
Thunderbolt in Action
U.S. Army & Air Force Markings, 1916-1961
3461 E. Ten Mile Road
Library of Congress Card No. 61-16739
Warren, Michigan 48091
CONSTRUCTION OF P-47
BEFORE YOU START, READ THIS:
The assembly sequence of your Top Flite P47 has been carefully developed to help
assure the correct alignment of your model. U t i l i z e the check-off blocks as you build;
this will allow assembly of your model in minimum time.
Before beginning an assembly step, read the instructions to familiarize yourself with
the parts to be used. Find the parts mentioned and double check them for proper identifi-
cation and size with the plans. Do nut separate parts from the die cut sheets u n t i l you need
them. There are machined parts in your kit which are not identified, such as the fuselage
siders, stab, ailerons, etc. These parts can be easily identified by checking the parts against
the plans.
We are sometimes asked which glues are best for model construction. The answer to
this depends upon the p a r t i c u l a r job. This is our normal recommendation: For all
hardwood-to-hardwoud or hardwood-to-balsa joints, use white wood glue. "Titebond" is
especially good, as it dries faster than other white glues and is very strong. For balsa-to-
balsa joints, regular balsa-wood cements are ample for the job, although w h i t e glue can be
used here too. Whichever type you use, remember that excess glue is no substitute for a
w e l l - f i t t i n g joint. Use a m i n i m u m of glue at all times, and wipe off excess glue that squeezes
out of joints before it sets hard; when set it is difficult to remove, but if not removed it
could spoil the covering job.
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