P-47 M Thunderbolt "Lanny" Lanowski

The P-47M was a lightened, uprated “sprint” version of the P47-D-30, and at 36′ long with a 40′ wingspan was one of the largest single-seat fighter aircraft of WW2. It is of interest that only one fighter group – the 56th, operating out of RAF Boxted – persevered with their “Juggernauts” until the end of the war in Europe, the others switching to the P51 Mustang. The group was issued its 130 P47-Ms (the whole of the order) in January 1945 but, owing to engine problems these did not see active service until April/May 1945, the group continuing to fly its P47-Ds in the meantime. Each of the three squadrons in the group decorated their aircraft differently, the 61st Fighter Squadron favouring an all-over Matt Black*. The red nose band was originally a 61st FS marker but by this time was a group distinction. Other squadrons appeared in two-tone greys or blues.

This particular aircraft is made up as HV-Z, the personal mount of Captain Witold Aleksander “Lanny” Lanowski of the 61st FS, 56th FG, 8th Airforce, and features his mascot of a Polish gauntlet crushing a Bf109 against the background of the Polish flag.

This kit was newly-tooled by Revell in 1999 and represented a substantial advance in quality on other P-47s available at the time. It is still a fine product 15 years later, the mouldings being crisp and detail good. Recently released in 63rd FS markings.

*This is disputed, with Revell suggesting plum, and other sources a purplish colour, but matt black is the consensus of the surviving pilots and related ground crew evidence.