Franklin Mint 98144 1:48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Chief Ski-U-Mah II Lt Duane Buholz 509th FS 405th FG WWII
We are currently away on holiday until Friday, 2 October. Orders can still be placed as normal. Dispatch resumes on Monday, 5 October.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
An imposing and highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of Republic P-47D Thunderbolt “Chief Ski-U-Mah II”, associated with Lieutenant Duane E. Buholz of the USAAF 509th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group during the closing stages of the Second World War. Released within the Franklin Mint Armour Collection under catalogue number 98144, also identified as B11B293, this substantial collector model recreates one of the distinctive natural-metal Thunderbolts operated by the United States Ninth Air Force in Europe.
The aircraft represented is identified as P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt serial 42-27316, carrying the squadron code G9-J. It served with the 509th Fighter Squadron of the 405th Fighter Group, an organisation which operated the rugged Thunderbolt extensively in support of Allied ground forces as the fighting advanced across Western Europe.
Lieutenant Duane E. Buholz flew 72 combat missions between September 1944 and May 1945. His wartime service earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross together with the Air Medal and nine Oak Leaf Clusters, reflecting the demanding operational tempo experienced by Ninth Air Force fighter pilots during the final months of the European campaign.
“Chief Ski-U-Mah II” was distinguished by its colourful Native American chief nose artwork. The artwork was painted by Sergeant Eli Gutierrez, with Buholz reportedly supplying a Buffalo nickel as a visual reference for the chief's profile. The colourful feathered headdress became increasingly varied as chipped paint was repeatedly touched up using whatever colours were available.
The name “Ski-U-Mah” had a personal connection to Buholz's Minnesota background, being associated with the long-established University of Minnesota rallying cry. Combined with the elaborate chief artwork, the name gave the otherwise purposeful natural-metal Thunderbolt a particularly memorable identity.
The 509th Fighter Squadron formed part of the 405th Fighter Group and Ninth Air Force, whose Thunderbolts were used extensively for tactical air support rather than concentrating solely on air-to-air combat. Missions included attacks against vehicles, railway traffic, armour and other targets immediately ahead of advancing Allied ground forces.
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the largest and heaviest single-engined fighters of the Second World War. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine and armed with eight .50 calibre Browning machine guns, the aircraft combined heavy firepower with exceptional diving performance and remarkable structural strength.
Although successful as a high-altitude escort fighter, the P-47 became particularly respected as a fighter-bomber. Its ability to carry bombs, rockets and external fuel tanks, combined with its ability to withstand considerable battle damage, made the Thunderbolt exceptionally effective during the Allied advance through France, Belgium and Germany.
This retired Franklin Mint Armour Collection release has considerable display presence in its large 1:48 scale. The model combines heavyweight diecast construction with the distinctive Chief Ski-U-Mah II nose artwork, G9-J squadron codes, natural-metal finish, olive-drab anti-glare panel, detailed cockpit, four-bladed propeller, underwing stores and fully reproduced landing gear.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Franklin Mint
Series: Armour Collection / Precision Models
Scale: 1:48
Model Code/MPN: 98144
Alternative Reference: B11B293
Aircraft: Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt
Aircraft Name: Chief Ski-U-Mah II
Serial: 42-27316
Tactical Markings: G9-J
Pilot: Lieutenant Duane E. Buholz
Unit/Markings: 509th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group
Air Force: United States Ninth Air Force
Operator/Country: United States Army Air Forces / United States
Conflict: Second World War
Theatre: European Theatre of Operations
Date/Period: 1944-1945
Role: Fighter / Fighter-Bomber / Tactical Ground Attack
Associated Pilot Service: 72 combat missions, September 1944 to May 1945
Associated Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters
Armament: Eight .50 calibre Browning machine guns plus optional external ordnance
Status: Retired collector model
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with detailed plastic sub-components
Special Features: Chief Ski-U-Mah II Native American nose artwork, authentic G9-J squadron markings, natural-metal finish, olive-drab anti-glare panel, detailed cockpit, four-bladed propeller, underwing stores and detailed landing gear
Dimensions
Length: Approximately 9" or 22.9 cm
Width (Wingspan): Approximately 10" or 25.4 cm
Model Condition - Very Good (7/10)
Paintwork
- Paint bubbling is present across the wings, with some additional bubbling on the fuselage and a smaller amount on the underside.
- This type of paint bubbling is commonly seen on older silver-finished diecast aircraft across multiple brands as the models age.
- No breakages are present.
Decals
- The lower section of the "Chief" decal has faded.
- The small decal on the opposite side of the nose has also faded.
Display & Securing
- The aircraft is secured in place by two screws, which will require a Phillips screwdriver for removal.
Completeness
- Please note that the certificate is not included.
All noted areas have been photographed clearly to show the condition before purchasing. Despite the noted paint imperfections, the model still displays very well overall.
Box condition - Excellent (8/10)
- The box is in excellent condition for its age, with some shelf wear present.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Holiday dispatch update
We are currently away on holiday until Friday, 2 October. Orders can still be placed as normal. Dispatch resumes on Monday, 5 October. Please see below for further general information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Dispatch & Tracking
Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.
If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.
UK Delivery
-
Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.
-
Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.
-
Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
-
Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.
-
Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.
Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.
If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.
If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.
We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.
Returns
You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.
Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.
We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.
Choose options
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
An imposing and highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of Republic P-47D Thunderbolt “Chief Ski-U-Mah II”, associated with Lieutenant Duane E. Buholz of the USAAF 509th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group during the closing stages of the Second World War. Released within the Franklin Mint Armour Collection under catalogue number 98144, also identified as B11B293, this substantial collector model recreates one of the distinctive natural-metal Thunderbolts operated by the United States Ninth Air Force in Europe.
The aircraft represented is identified as P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt serial 42-27316, carrying the squadron code G9-J. It served with the 509th Fighter Squadron of the 405th Fighter Group, an organisation which operated the rugged Thunderbolt extensively in support of Allied ground forces as the fighting advanced across Western Europe.
Lieutenant Duane E. Buholz flew 72 combat missions between September 1944 and May 1945. His wartime service earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross together with the Air Medal and nine Oak Leaf Clusters, reflecting the demanding operational tempo experienced by Ninth Air Force fighter pilots during the final months of the European campaign.
“Chief Ski-U-Mah II” was distinguished by its colourful Native American chief nose artwork. The artwork was painted by Sergeant Eli Gutierrez, with Buholz reportedly supplying a Buffalo nickel as a visual reference for the chief's profile. The colourful feathered headdress became increasingly varied as chipped paint was repeatedly touched up using whatever colours were available.
The name “Ski-U-Mah” had a personal connection to Buholz's Minnesota background, being associated with the long-established University of Minnesota rallying cry. Combined with the elaborate chief artwork, the name gave the otherwise purposeful natural-metal Thunderbolt a particularly memorable identity.
The 509th Fighter Squadron formed part of the 405th Fighter Group and Ninth Air Force, whose Thunderbolts were used extensively for tactical air support rather than concentrating solely on air-to-air combat. Missions included attacks against vehicles, railway traffic, armour and other targets immediately ahead of advancing Allied ground forces.
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the largest and heaviest single-engined fighters of the Second World War. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine and armed with eight .50 calibre Browning machine guns, the aircraft combined heavy firepower with exceptional diving performance and remarkable structural strength.
Although successful as a high-altitude escort fighter, the P-47 became particularly respected as a fighter-bomber. Its ability to carry bombs, rockets and external fuel tanks, combined with its ability to withstand considerable battle damage, made the Thunderbolt exceptionally effective during the Allied advance through France, Belgium and Germany.
This retired Franklin Mint Armour Collection release has considerable display presence in its large 1:48 scale. The model combines heavyweight diecast construction with the distinctive Chief Ski-U-Mah II nose artwork, G9-J squadron codes, natural-metal finish, olive-drab anti-glare panel, detailed cockpit, four-bladed propeller, underwing stores and fully reproduced landing gear.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Franklin Mint
Series: Armour Collection / Precision Models
Scale: 1:48
Model Code/MPN: 98144
Alternative Reference: B11B293
Aircraft: Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt
Aircraft Name: Chief Ski-U-Mah II
Serial: 42-27316
Tactical Markings: G9-J
Pilot: Lieutenant Duane E. Buholz
Unit/Markings: 509th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group
Air Force: United States Ninth Air Force
Operator/Country: United States Army Air Forces / United States
Conflict: Second World War
Theatre: European Theatre of Operations
Date/Period: 1944-1945
Role: Fighter / Fighter-Bomber / Tactical Ground Attack
Associated Pilot Service: 72 combat missions, September 1944 to May 1945
Associated Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters
Armament: Eight .50 calibre Browning machine guns plus optional external ordnance
Status: Retired collector model
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with detailed plastic sub-components
Special Features: Chief Ski-U-Mah II Native American nose artwork, authentic G9-J squadron markings, natural-metal finish, olive-drab anti-glare panel, detailed cockpit, four-bladed propeller, underwing stores and detailed landing gear
Dimensions
Length: Approximately 9" or 22.9 cm
Width (Wingspan): Approximately 10" or 25.4 cm
Model Condition - Very Good (7/10)
Paintwork
- Paint bubbling is present across the wings, with some additional bubbling on the fuselage and a smaller amount on the underside.
- This type of paint bubbling is commonly seen on older silver-finished diecast aircraft across multiple brands as the models age.
- No breakages are present.
Decals
- The lower section of the "Chief" decal has faded.
- The small decal on the opposite side of the nose has also faded.
Display & Securing
- The aircraft is secured in place by two screws, which will require a Phillips screwdriver for removal.
Completeness
- Please note that the certificate is not included.
All noted areas have been photographed clearly to show the condition before purchasing. Despite the noted paint imperfections, the model still displays very well overall.
Box condition - Excellent (8/10)
- The box is in excellent condition for its age, with some shelf wear present.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Holiday dispatch update
We are currently away on holiday until Friday, 2 October. Orders can still be placed as normal. Dispatch resumes on Monday, 5 October. Please see below for further general information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Dispatch & Tracking
Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.
If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.
UK Delivery
-
Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.
-
Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.
-
Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
-
Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.
-
Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.
Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.
If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.
If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.
We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.
Returns
You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.
Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.
We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.
Suggested links
Recently added models
Browse Sold Archive
Browse previously sold diecast aircraft and collectable models from The Collectables Vault. This archive shows past stock, rare releases, and examples of the models that may return in future collections.
Free Express UK Shipping
On orders over £100.
Satisfied or refunded
Building and maintaining our customers’ trust.
Top-notch support
Reliable and customer focussed service
Secure & Flexible Payments
Pay with multiple secure payment options