https://www.instagram.com/spotterdavion/

Spotter d'avion, Ulica Rudolfa Fizira 1, Zagreb (2026)

08/09/2026

First coat of weathering done! Republic P-47D-25 Thunderbolt “Bubbletop”

Serial number 42-26637, code VM-P, 551st Fighter Training Squadron / 495th Fighter Training Group, stationed at RAF Mount Farm, Oxfordshire, 1944. This wasn’t an ordinary combat aircraft and it was the personal mount of Major General William E. Kepner, commander of VIII Fighter Command, the man who led all fighter forces of the 8th Air Force in Europe.

The story of this aircraft type begins in 1941, when the XP-47B prototype first took flight, a giant of over 4 tons for a single-engine fighter. By the end of the war 15,683 Thunderbolts had been built, and the “Bubbletop” variant received a frameless bubble canopy for better pilot visibility. In 1944, Kepner, together with Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, changed doctrine, fighters were no longer tied exclusively to bomber es**rt but were now free to hunt the Luftwaffe on its own airfields, and that March he personally authorized a special P-47 unit to develop low-level strafing tactics. Despite his rank, he regularly flew his own P-47D, including occasional combat sorties, which was quite unusual for an officer of his standing.

An interesting detail: the aircraft was formally assigned to the 551st Fighter Training Squadron, based at RAF Atcham, a unit that trained replacement pilots, while it was physically stationed at RAF Mount Farm, home of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, likely due to its proximity to the general’s headquarters.

Building it in 1:48, Tamiya #25214.

06/09/2026

Paying tribute to a Cold War icon — the AvantGarde Model Kits No. 88009 is a meticulously detailed 1/48 scale replica of the legendary F-14D BuNo. 158985, faithfully capturing the look and spirit of this naval powerhouse.

This particular aircraft served with the VF-2 “Bounty Hunters” and proudly wore the NK-100 markings. Delivered in 1973 and bearing construction number 46, this Super Tomcat served aboard the USS Enterprise and NAS Miramar, and made appearances at stations like NAS Norfolk, NAS Fallon, NAF Atsugi (Japan), and more — playing a critical role in showcasing the capabilities of U.S. naval air power throughout the 70s and 80s.

After decades of service, the aircraft was decommissioned on March 31st, 1992. Thankfully, its story didn’t end there. Today, you can find this iconic bird preserved in Hangar 2 at the Yanks Air Museum Museum in Chino, California, where it stands as a proud testament to the VF-2 squadron and the era it helped define.

The AMK kit (No. 88009) is more than just a model — it’s a chance to relive aviation history. With crisp molding, precise parts, and updated decals (2021 release), it offers builders a chance to bring the legacy of the F-14D back to life on their workbenches.

Kit Details:
Brand: AvantGarde Model Kits (AMK)
Scale: 1/48
Markings: VF-2 Bounty Hunters, BuNo 158985

SuperTomcat

04/09/2026

First coat of paint done! Republic P-47D-25 Thunderbolt “Bubbletop”

Serial number 42-26637, code VM-P, 551st Fighter Training Squadron / 495th Fighter Training Group, stationed at RAF Mount Farm, Oxfordshire, 1944. This wasn’t an ordinary combat aircraft and it was the personal mount of Major General William E. Kepner, commander of VIII Fighter Command, the man who led all fighter forces of the 8th Air Force in Europe.

The story of this aircraft type begins in 1941, when the XP-47B prototype first took flight, a giant of over 4 tons for a single-engine fighter. By the end of the war 15,683 Thunderbolts had been built, and the “Bubbletop” variant received a frameless bubble canopy for better pilot visibility. In 1944, Kepner, together with Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, changed doctrine, fighters were no longer tied exclusively to bomber es**rt but were now free to hunt the Luftwaffe on its own airfields, and that March he personally authorized a special P-47 unit to develop low-level strafing tactics. Despite his rank, he regularly flew his own P-47D, including occasional combat sorties, which was quite unusual for an officer of his standing.

An interesting detail: the aircraft was formally assigned to the 551st Fighter Training Squadron, based at RAF Atcham, a unit that trained replacement pilots, while it was physically stationed at RAF Mount Farm, home of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, likely due to its proximity to the general’s headquarters.

Building it in 1:48, Tamiya #25214.

02/09/2026

Primer and pre-shadow done! Republic P-47D-25 Thunderbolt “Bubbletop”

Serial number 42-26637, code VM-P, 551st Fighter Training Squadron / 495th Fighter Training Group, stationed at RAF Mount Farm, Oxfordshire, 1944. This wasn’t an ordinary combat aircraft and it was the personal mount of Major General William E. Kepner, commander of VIII Fighter Command, the man who led all fighter forces of the 8th Air Force in Europe.

The story of this aircraft type begins in 1941, when the XP-47B prototype first took flight, a giant of over 4 tons for a single-engine fighter. By the end of the war 15,683 Thunderbolts had been built, and the “Bubbletop” variant received a frameless bubble canopy for better pilot visibility. In 1944, Kepner, together with Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, changed doctrine, fighters were no longer tied exclusively to bomber es**rt but were now free to hunt the Luftwaffe on its own airfields, and that March he personally authorized a special P-47 unit to develop low-level strafing tactics. Despite his rank, he regularly flew his own P-47D, including occasional combat sorties, which was quite unusual for an officer of his standing.

An interesting detail: the aircraft was formally assigned to the 551st Fighter Training Squadron, based at RAF Atcham, a unit that trained replacement pilots, while it was physically stationed at RAF Mount Farm, home of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, likely due to its proximity to the general’s headquarters.

Building it in 1:48, Tamiya #25214.

02/09/2026

Finally assembled! Republic P-47D-25 Thunderbolt “Bubbletop”

Serial number 42-26637, code VM-P, 551st Fighter Training Squadron / 495th Fighter Training Group, stationed at RAF Mount Farm, Oxfordshire, 1944. This wasn’t an ordinary combat aircraft and it was the personal mount of Major General William E. Kepner, commander of VIII Fighter Command, the man who led all fighter forces of the 8th Air Force in Europe.

The story of this aircraft type begins in 1941, when the XP-47B prototype first took flight, a giant of over 4 tons for a single-engine fighter. By the end of the war 15,683 Thunderbolts had been built, and the “Bubbletop” variant received a frameless bubble canopy for better pilot visibility. In 1944, Kepner, together with Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, changed doctrine, fighters were no longer tied exclusively to bomber es**rt but were now free to hunt the Luftwaffe on its own airfields, and that March he personally authorized a special P-47 unit to develop low-level strafing tactics. Despite his rank, he regularly flew his own P-47D, including occasional combat sorties, which was quite unusual for an officer of his standing.

An interesting detail: the aircraft was formally assigned to the 551st Fighter Training Squadron, based at RAF Atcham, a unit that trained replacement pilots, while it was physically stationed at RAF Mount Farm, home of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, likely due to its proximity to the general’s headquarters.

Building it in 1:48, Tamiya #25214.

01/09/2026

Finally assembled! Republic P-47D-25 Thunderbolt “Bubbletop”

Serial number 42-26637, code VM-P, 551st Fighter Training Squadron / 495th Fighter Training Group, stationed at RAF Mount Farm, Oxfordshire, 1944. This wasn’t an ordinary combat aircraft and it was the personal mount of Major General William E. Kepner, commander of VIII Fighter Command, the man who led all fighter forces of the 8th Air Force in Europe.

The story of this aircraft type begins in 1941, when the XP-47B prototype first took flight, a giant of over 4 tons for a single-engine fighter. By the end of the war 15,683 Thunderbolts had been built, and the “Bubbletop” variant received a frameless bubble canopy for better pilot visibility. In 1944, Kepner, together with Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, changed doctrine, fighters were no longer tied exclusively to bomber es**rt but were now free to hunt the Luftwaffe on its own airfields, and that March he personally authorized a special P-47 unit to develop low-level strafing tactics. Despite his rank, he regularly flew his own P-47D, including occasional combat sorties, which was quite unusual for an officer of his standing.

An interesting detail: the aircraft was formally assigned to the 551st Fighter Training Squadron, based at RAF Atcham, a unit that trained replacement pilots, while it was physically stationed at RAF Mount Farm, home of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, likely due to its proximity to the general’s headquarters.

Building it in 1:48, Tamiya #25214.

30/08/2026

Cockpit ready of this Republic P-47D-25 Thunderbolt “Bubbletop”

Serial number 42-26637, code VM-P, 551st Fighter Training Squadron / 495th Fighter Training Group, stationed at RAF Mount Farm, Oxfordshire, 1944. This wasn’t an ordinary combat aircraft and it was the personal mount of Major General William E. Kepner, commander of VIII Fighter Command, the man who led all fighter forces of the 8th Air Force in Europe.

The story of this aircraft type begins in 1941, when the XP-47B prototype first took flight, a giant of over 4 tons for a single-engine fighter. By the end of the war 15,683 Thunderbolts had been built, and the “Bubbletop” variant received a frameless bubble canopy for better pilot visibility. In 1944, Kepner, together with Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, changed doctrine, fighters were no longer tied exclusively to bomber es**rt but were now free to hunt the Luftwaffe on its own airfields, and that March he personally authorized a special P-47 unit to develop low-level strafing tactics. Despite his rank, he regularly flew his own P-47D, including occasional combat sorties, which was quite unusual for an officer of his standing.

An interesting detail: the aircraft was formally assigned to the 551st Fighter Training Squadron, based at RAF Atcham, a unit that trained replacement pilots, while it was physically stationed at RAF Mount Farm, home of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group, likely due to its proximity to the general’s headquarters.

Building it in 1:48, Tamiya #25214.

Spotter d'avion

08/09/2026

06/09/2026

04/09/2026

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

30/08/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request