This is 1/48 Tamiya P-47 D2 Thunderbolt finished with the markings of Zirkus
Rosarius. This special unit of the Luftwaffe, also known as the "Wanderzirkus Rosarius", was in charge of testing captured British and American aircraft which were all repainted in German markings.
This unit was formed by Theodor Rosarius in 1943 and was part of the 2./Versuchsverband Ob.d.L..
The Zirkus also toured operational airfields showing Luftwaffe pilots the captured aircraft and training them in techniques to counter these aircraft.
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This P-47 D2 s/n 42-22490 formerly
belonging to the 358th FS, 335th FG had been piloted by Lt. William Roach who
mistakenly confused a French airfield with one in Southern England and had
landed at Caen. This aircraft was captured in November 1943 and delivered to the
Rechlin experimental center. Later after receiving a thorough overhaul it was
delivered to the Rosarius Zirkus. The original American paint scheme was replaced
by Luftwaffe camouflage and the code T9 + FK applied.
The construction started with the
cockpit as usual. The cockpit components are painted to “Republic Company
cockpit green” by using Gunze acrylic paint .
Instrument panel and seatbelts are
from Eduard PE sets. I also added Tally Ho metal gunsight
Tamiya Razorback kit converted to D2 version by using Loon Models Early P-47
Cowl Flaps set. Painting was done with Gunze Sangyo acrylics. Upper surfaces are
painted to RLM 74 and the lower surfaces to RLM 04 yellow.
Cutting Edge CED48256 Zirkus Rosarius –Special Missions Part 1 set is used for
the decals. Wheels are replaced by “Ultracast Covered wheels with diamond
tread”
After some weathering it s finished
by applying a matt coat from Gunze Sangyo.
*Reference: On special Missions – Luftwaffe’s Research and Experimental
Squadrons 1923-1945 ( R.Smith , E Creek, P Petrick - Ian Allan publishing)
Happy Modelling
Tolga ULGUR
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