P-47M Thunderbolt ~ 44-21149 \"Ole Miss Lib\", 63r

Special Features:
- 1/72 Authentic Scale
- High Quality Diecast Metal
- Historically Accurate
- Detailed Cockpits
- Pre-assembled

The P-47M was a special high-speed version of the Republic Thunderbolt fighter in WWII. The P-47M was fitted with turbocharged Pratt & Whitney R-2800-57(C) engines. Production of 130 aircraft began in September 1944, and they were rushed to three squadrons of the 56th Fighter Group (56th FG) in Europe. Its maximum speed was 470mph at 30,000 feet, and its design made it suitable as an interceptor of German V-1 bombs. However, it only became fully operational after most of the V-1 launch sites had been overrun.

Dragon Armor has released a sizzling 1/72 scale model of a P-47M Thunderbolt. Christened “Ole Miss Lib”, it represents the aircraft of Captain Thomas W. Smith of the 63rd Fighter Squadron, 56th FG, in early 1945. The name stems from the fact that the pilot’s wife “Lib” (Elizabeth) had returned to complete her studies at “Ole Miss” (the University of Mississippi). The 63rd FS had been activated in January 1941, and the “Panthers” became one of the most successful squadrons in the U.S. Air Force, with 167.5 aerial kills, and 110 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground. Not only was the 56th FG the first to receive the Thunderbolt, but the 63rd FS also kept theirs until the end of the war.

The model is beautifully crafted, with the panel lines cleanly molded on this die-cast miniature. All components are present in splendid detail, while the camouflage scheme is quite simply a work of art. When the P-47M appeared in January 1945, 63rd FS adopted a shadow-shading pattern of deep Mediterranean blue (basically indigo) applied over sky blue. This scheme makes for a most attractive model, added to which is the red-painted nose of the 56th FG. This high-speed fighter from Dragon is sure to be a hit, so collectors will need to pursue it swiftly to make sure they catch it!