[stalag8611]

I've got the opportunity to pick up a couple of pre-used P-47s, one of my all time favorite airplanes*, for a good price. Problem: They're Dragons and I don't have a Dragon "Jug" in my hanger so I don't know the quality of the issue. Comment, please.

* See the movie "Fighter Pilot" or "Fighter Squadron", can't remember which, with Edmund O'Brien. Not a great flic, but some good gun camera footage .

[planenuts]

This is only my lowly opinion...............

I think the Dragon P-47 is the best on the market.........as long as it has the closed center cowl flaps

[easy8]

Dragon's Jugs are tops! Great overall detail...one gripe from me, their "open cowl flap" mold. They've used this inaccurate mold on a few of their early T-bolts...the Lankowski for example (where just the top flaps are open, and they open too far as well). The closed cowl flap mold is superb IMHO. I have two right now, the "Eagleston" and the "Turnip Turmites" and love the look and heft of them. Hope this helps.

easy8

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by planenuts

This is only my lowly opinion...............

I think the Dragon P-47 is the best on the market.........as long as it has the closed center cowl flaps

I agree with Planenuts 100%. They have their issues -- such as some having the open center cowl flaps, and on all I've seen the instrument panel in the cockpit does not fit flush with the fuselage as it should either. Gear tends to splay in the deployed position, too, due to the models' heft. I've got a few of 'em up on my site -- take a gander. They're worth the fiddlin' and look better than anything else that's out in 1:72...

http://www.diecastace.com/review_dragon_50122.html

http://www.diecastace.com/review_dragon_50088.html (open cowl flaps)

http://www.diecastace.com/review_dragon_eagleston.html (closed)

http://www.diecastace.com/review_dragon_50125.html

http://www.diecastace.com/review_dragon_50265.html

[STARMAN 352ND]

I think they are the best your going to get on the market.
The only thing i don't like is the center cowl flaps.
I see that many agree on the Cowl flaps...
But i still love my Gabby P-47.
JP

[stalag8611]

Thanks to those who responded. Just what I needed. Looks as though a fellow member just made a sale.

[Raven]

Another issue I have seen on a few P-47's (mine and some at my local dealer): The prop does not turn once its inserted into the engine - it just gets stuck. Be careful how the prop is positioned when you attach it because it may never move again! I have tried to move mine a few times but have always stopped when breakage seems imminent.

Also, is it true that the landing gear doors on the Gabresky P-47 are backward?

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Raven

Another issue I have seen on a few P-47's (mine and some at my local dealer): The prop does not turn once its inserted into the engine - it just gets stuck. Be careful how the prop is positioned when you attach it because it may never move again! I have tried to move mine a few times but have always stopped when breakage seems imminent.

Also, is it true that the landing gear doors on the Gabresky P-47 are backward?

Mine didn't have backwards doors...

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by Raven

Also, is it true that the landing gear doors on the Gabresky P-47 are backward?

Mine either...I have mine on a stand but the doors were on correct.
JP

[planenuts]

Originally Posted by Raven

Also, is it true that the landing gear doors on the Gabresky P-47 are backward?

Mine are fine and dandy too. Maybe you got a Monday morning special