 Barracudacals
1/32 P-47D Thunderbolt Decals
Expanding on their already impressive 1/72 and 1/48 sheets, Barracudacals
has branched out into 1/32 with two new sheets. Each sheet covers two
aircraft, with Part 1 covering razorbacks and Part 2 covering bubbletops
(note, Part 2 is actually numbered BC32001 and Part 1 is BC32002, so to
avoid confusion, just order both sheets; they’re worth it).
Diving into Part 1, this sheet provides markings for two camouflaged
P-47s. The first one is “Wela Kahoe”, a P-47C-5-RE from the
334th FS, 4th FG. Be sure to check your references on just what needs
to be done to backdate a P-47D to a P-47C, as while they are superficially
similar, there are noticeable differences. For example, the drawing in
the instructions show an early P-47D, with its additional cowl flaps and
antenna mast, whereas the P-47C did not have the two lowest cowl flaps
and had a whip antenna. There are changes to the cockpit as well, and
there might be changes to the lower fuselage, with regards to the centerline
attachment point. For the most part, these differences are minimal and
there should be no problem in backdating a P-47D to a P-47C. As for markings,
this plane has some great artwork for the cowling, as well as the expected
white cowling and tail bands.
 The
second option is “Eileen”, a P-47D-11-RE from the 84th FS,
78th FG. Flown by 1st Lieutenant Frank Oiler, this plane has the classic
78th FG checkerboard cowling, which is provided in decal form. The instructions
are quite clear with regards to the application of those checks, as they
are quartered. With some care these should go on easily. Adding to the
black and white aspect of this plane, the undersurfaces have invasion
stripes as well. The “Eileen” artwork consists of a large
wasp in addition to the name, all of which is nicely represented in decal
form.
 Moving
on to Part 2, both of these bubbletops are from the 512th FS, 406th FG
and are finished in natural metal overall. Both have the colorful yellow
nose swoosh and colored tail stripes, as well as invasion stripes on the
lower fuselage. The first aircraft, 42-26860, is “Angie”,
flown by Col. Anthony Grosetta. The tail is polished olive drab, including
the horizontal stabilizers, and the blue in the three-color tail stripes
is a lighter shade than the second option. The “Angie” artwork
is quite striking, both in its initial application and its scale representation.
The second aircraft is “Little Ann”, 42-26922, flown by an
unknown pilot. This aircraft also has a great example of pinup artwork
on the cowling. Coded L3-U, it has pinstriping to the yellow cowl swoosh.
Both of these sheets are beautifully done, with careful research with
regards to accuracy and placement. Whether you are building the Trumpeter
or Hasegawa P-47 kit, these decals will provide an excellent finish. My
thanks to Barracudacals for
the review sample.
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