This download complements our P-47D-25 Essential Mask Set by adding the squadron codes and full invasion stripes to depict Gabreski’s HV*A. The wing stripes are positioned further outboard, as per period photos, and two sets of fuselage stripes are provided: a standard set and one depicting the edging or outlining seen in pictures.

That outline is often depicted as black trim, but based on the photos here we believe they resulted from overspray of the masking tape used to mark the white stripes. HV*A s appears to have been photographed after the white was panted but before the black was added. Overspray is also evident on the serial number painted on the tail. As a bonus, we’ve designed a mask to help you replicate that, too.

In any case, the two complete sets of fuselage stripes will allow you to paint just the white and the overspray, the standard black and white as likely appeared sometime after taking the pictures, or the black edges around the white stripes, your choice. We try to help you make it your own.