If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.
Hobby Master HA8451 1:48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Little Chief Frank Klibbe
Preowned - Very Good (7/10)
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Returns
Description
A razorback legend from the high-scoring "Zemke Wolfpack." This 1:48 scale diecast model by Hobby Master (HA8451) replicates the Republic P-47D Thunderbolt "Little Chief" (#42-76179), flown by 1st Lt. Frank Klibbe of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, out of RAF Halesworth, England, in March 1944. This specific airframe was Klibbe’s third P-47 and the mount he used to score four of his seven confirmed aerial victories. Sporting the distinctive white nose band and bold red rudder of the 56th FG—the highest-scoring Eighth Air Force group in air-to-air combat—the model beautifully showcases the early "razorback" profile of the rugged Thunderbolt.
Ideal for curators of ETO air operations and WWII history, this Air Power Series release serves as a definitive historical artifact of the daylight bombing escort campaigns over occupied Europe. The large 1:48 scale model is engineered for exceptional accuracy, featuring a detailed cockpit with an opening canopy, optional-position landing gear, wing-mounted ordnance, and the beautifully detailed "Little Chief" Native American chief nose art. This premium diecast metal model offers a sophisticated display presence for collectors prioritizing provenance and elite pilot legacies, making it a premier acquisition for any gallery dedicated to pioneer aerospace engineering and the 56th Fighter Group legacy.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Model code: HA8451
Aircraft: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (Razorback)
Name: "Little Chief"
Pilot: 1st Lt. Frank Klibbe (7 Victories)
Unit: 56th Fighter Group, 61st Fighter Squadron
Location: RAF Halesworth, England (USAAF Station 365)
Date/Period: March 1944
Scale: 1:48
Material: Diecast Metal
Model Dimensions
Length: 9" or 22.8 cm
Wingspan: 10.25" or 26 cm
Condition
Model Condition - Very Good (7/10)
- General airframe is near mint overall, with a couple of small black speckles on the left wing decal.
- Antenna behind the cockpit has snapped, with the broken plastic section still inside the slot. The antenna is included, but the broken section may need removing before refitting.
- One bomb pylon fits loosely and may need light padding around the insert to help it stay in place.
Box condition - Excellent (8/10)
- Minor wear to the edges and corners.
- Structurally sound.
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
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.
Returns
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original condition.
- Free UK customer returns.
- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.
- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.
For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.
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Hobby Master HA8451 1:48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Little Chief Frank Klibbe
Sale price£75.00 GBP
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Returns
Description
A razorback legend from the high-scoring "Zemke Wolfpack." This 1:48 scale diecast model by Hobby Master (HA8451) replicates the Republic P-47D Thunderbolt "Little Chief" (#42-76179), flown by 1st Lt. Frank Klibbe of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, out of RAF Halesworth, England, in March 1944. This specific airframe was Klibbe’s third P-47 and the mount he used to score four of his seven confirmed aerial victories. Sporting the distinctive white nose band and bold red rudder of the 56th FG—the highest-scoring Eighth Air Force group in air-to-air combat—the model beautifully showcases the early "razorback" profile of the rugged Thunderbolt.
Ideal for curators of ETO air operations and WWII history, this Air Power Series release serves as a definitive historical artifact of the daylight bombing escort campaigns over occupied Europe. The large 1:48 scale model is engineered for exceptional accuracy, featuring a detailed cockpit with an opening canopy, optional-position landing gear, wing-mounted ordnance, and the beautifully detailed "Little Chief" Native American chief nose art. This premium diecast metal model offers a sophisticated display presence for collectors prioritizing provenance and elite pilot legacies, making it a premier acquisition for any gallery dedicated to pioneer aerospace engineering and the 56th Fighter Group legacy.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Model code: HA8451
Aircraft: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (Razorback)
Name: "Little Chief"
Pilot: 1st Lt. Frank Klibbe (7 Victories)
Unit: 56th Fighter Group, 61st Fighter Squadron
Location: RAF Halesworth, England (USAAF Station 365)
Date/Period: March 1944
Scale: 1:48
Material: Diecast Metal
Model Dimensions
Length: 9" or 22.8 cm
Wingspan: 10.25" or 26 cm
Condition
Model Condition - Very Good (7/10)
- General airframe is near mint overall, with a couple of small black speckles on the left wing decal.
- Antenna behind the cockpit has snapped, with the broken plastic section still inside the slot. The antenna is included, but the broken section may need removing before refitting.
- One bomb pylon fits loosely and may need light padding around the insert to help it stay in place.
Box condition - Excellent (8/10)
- Minor wear to the edges and corners.
- Structurally sound.
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
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.
Returns
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original condition.
- Free UK customer returns.
- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.
- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.
For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.
If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.
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