TFC P-47G Thunderbolt Unveiled

[VikingsBoss]

[quote="gsmorehead"]If anyone can help us obtain a photo of the new P-47, with permission to publish, let me know! I contacted TFC but was dismissed with the reason "Too busy with Legends. Talk soon." which is probaly true, or they could be discriminating in favor of another magazine. It's a worthwhile news item and I would love to share it with Warbird Digest readers!


Having been involved with TFC on shipping aircraft from the US to the UK for Legends in the past, I know that the month leading up to Legends is manic with a very small team involved in the organisation of CAA permits, hotel spaces, aircraft booking changes etc etc. The show is as good as it is because of their focus. Trust me, at this time, every mag would have been told the same thing.
Delighted, though, that bomberflight came up with the goods and I look forward to reading all about it in Warbird Digest!

[bomberflight]

Here's a snap taken at lunchtime today.



Detailed work now continues to complete the internal fixtures and plumbing.

Although she will grace the flight line at "Legends" in July ~ the first flight is some time away ~ hopefully late this year !

[bentwingbomber]

That crew that did the restoration must be ex-RAF guys. Heck, half of them are wearing "Air Force Gloves". (That's US Army slang for havin your hands in your pockets!)

Only 2 of the guys are Ex RAF.

The rest of us have had no military background.

In Fact 3, including myself, have learnt all they know at TFC.

Many thanks for all the positive comments from you guys, it means a lot to us.

Regards from the UK

Fred Mussard
TFC
Duxford

[51fixer]

That crew that did the restoration must be ex-RAF guys. Heck, half of them are wearing "Air Force Gloves". (That's US Army slang for havin your hands in your pockets!)

Only 2 of the guys are Ex RAF.

The rest of us have had no military background.

In Fact 3, including myself, have learnt all they know at TFC.

Many thanks for all the positive comments from you guys, it means a lot to us.

Regards from the UK

Fred Mussard
TFC
Duxford

Sometimes we try to help you unlearnt some of it.

Looks great Achmed, Congrats from the Colonies.

[Ken]

Any cockpit shots surface yet??

[bentwingbomber]

Any cockpit shots surface yet??

Not much to see yet, work is still on going in the cockpit hence no photos.

Im sure now with Legends out of the way we can carry on and finish.

Im certain Martyn or Bomberflight will be quick to post shots when completed.

Cheers

bwb

[PeterA]

On show on the flight line at Duxford Legends this past Sunday.

PeterA

[lmritger]

July 2011 or July 1944? What a superb photo- the location of course couldn't be more appropriate for a 78th FG machine, and the framing, etc are just wonderful.

Absolutely superb, Peter.

Lynn

[Speedy]

July 2011 or July 1944? What a superb photo- the location of course couldn't be more appropriate for a 78th FG machine, and the framing, etc are just wonderful.

Absolutely superb, Peter.

Lynn

Only thing separating 2011 from 1944 is the wildly inaccurate paint job on the Dakota in the background......

[Zachary]

One of the most photogenic airplanes I've ever seen!

[Aircraft Mech Paul]

Hi All,

I have waited to weigh in here to let many other let fly with their observations of this magnificent restoration and paint scheme and I have but one or two words to say, seeing as the P-47 is my favorite having worked on the P-47 "Big Chief" many years ago. I LOVE what they have done to this Thunderbolt. She is not only beautiful but spot on in her restoration from what I can see. My only sadness is that I cannot see her in person (unless Mr. Grey decides to sell her to an American collector) but I am so taken with this Thunderbolt that it now makes me tend to forget that she once was "Lil Demon" though I shall miss that part of her history, but never forget it.

Now, the question is, what will the 3 Razorback Thunderbolts, with Combat Records, look like when they come out of restoration with the same folks who did the most recent P-47D (Bubble Canopy) whose name escapes me. As I read, recently a small exerpt that those were the next in line to be done. Since the bar has been raised as high with the former "Lil Demon" now.

Any thoughts ??

Paul

[ChrisDNT]

So, with these pics, no one will ever dare to say that matte painting is not much much much better than glossy painting for a warbird

[Chappie]

Absoultely beautiful shot of the aircraft on the grass.


Chappie

[Lightjug]

On show on the flight line at Duxford Legends this past Sunday.
PeterA

Very nice peter. After seeing her two years in a row in restoration, I was absolutely elated to see her on the flight line Saturday. My pictures were washed out... not used to the new camera

[Ken]

Any more progress, news, or cockpit photos yet?