At the very end of 2019, I set out on a return to 1/48 scale, in the form of both an HK Models B-17G (that…didn’t fare so well) and Tamiya’s venerable P-47. Specifically the P-47M. And more specifically, “Fire Ball”, a 63rd Fighter Squadron M that I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
And…I decided to film the whole thing.
The result? An absolutely massive, 34-installment build series stretching from mid-January to mid-April. Hit the pic below to go check out the whole playlist.
Precisely because I put so much into the video side of this build, it received barely a mention here on the blog. Which on the one hand, kinda sucks. But on the other hand, I’m only one person, with plenty of other things occupying my time, and sometimes something’s gotta give. Keeping various online platforms in perfect sync is often one of those things.
But for those who haven’t been up on the P-47M, here are a few photos and some links to the highlights of the build videos. Enjoy.
Doogs Models 
Great build video well worth taking the time to watch.
Watched them all – great fun. I have two of those kits – one will appear as a D. I can always use inspiration. I can’t imagine doing what you did to get that Fireball – that’s Paul Budzig stuff and not part of my world. I watch all of your videos that don’t deal with jets. The black basing series changed the way I model – aircraft, tanks and (no joke) an aircraft carrier. It’s helped a lot – at least I’d like to think so. So I’m watching the “sandwich” camo with interest. No rest for the weary I guess.
I’m nearly done with the Meng P51. Odd duck. Not sure why Meng thought we needed a Bandai Mustang. The thick sprue gates and none too precise molding meant a lot of peon work. But – as promised – no seams to deal with and some of the fit was very impressive. (BTW: I don’t notice the difference in thickness between the canopy parts you referenced. Of course they’re not installed yet.) Still need to give it a blue nose for entry into the 352d FG. Considering the high price for that kit, I do wonder why Meng didn’t throw in an extra pair of wings all “puttied up” to emulate the laminar flow effect. Regardless I’m not throwing away my Tamiya 51B and 51D.