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In-Box Review
124
Republic P-47D “Bubbletop”
Republic P-47D “Bubbletop”
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by: Doug Nelson [ DOUGN1 ]

introduction
Kinetic has released a 1/24 kit of Republic P-47D “Bubbletop”.

Background
The Republic P-47 is indeed an iconic aircraft and to many is the represents American fighter airpower in the second world war. Although it was the largest and heaviest fighter during its time, it was also one of the most effective with its 8 .50 machine guns and outstanding diving (for “boom and zoom” attacks) abilities. It was also one of the most effective fighter-bombers with the ability to carry up to 2,500 lbs of bombs.

The Kit
Kinetic has released a 1/24 kit of the “Bubbletop” version of this popular aircraft, which is based on the former VFS kit. Looking through the kit, I don’t believe anything has been changed, other than the instructions and markings.

The kit is packed is a box that is the same size as most standard 1/32 kits, but is much deeper to allow for all the parts needed for a 1/24 model of this size. This makes it easy to fit in with the rest of your stash.

The kit's 298 parts are molded in light grey plastic, and spread over 9 sprues. Surface detail looks good, although fine, so you’ll want to be careful not to lose it all under heavy paint. The main wheel tyres are molded in rubber, with the rear hub included, so if you are averse to rubber tyres you might want to look for a plastic or resin alternative. The canopy and windscreen are nice and clear, and require very little cleanup.

Cockpit detail appears adequate, although it will be easy to add more detail in this scale if desired. A multi-piece “sandwich” IP is included, and should look great once built up. Note that seat belts are not included, so you will need to source those elsewhere.

Engine and firewall detail is also very nice, and the 4-part cowling will make it easy to display by simply leaving one (or more) sections off.

Gunbay detail is provided on the starboard wing, and gunbay and ammo magazine detail is provided on the port wing. The doors that cover these areas seem to fit well in a test-fit, so if you want to cover those areas up it should not be difficult to do so.

Two different types of drop-tanks are included, as well as bombs and rockets for the wing hardpoints, and slipper-style drop tank is included for the fuselage hardpoint.

Both Curtiss and Hamilton Standard props are included.

Assembly looks to be straightforward, and the only area that might cause any concern at all is the spine insert on the top-rear of the fuselage. A quick test fit appears to show a very good fit simply pressed into place, so with care this should not cause issues even if you want to model an unpainted natural metal finished aircraft.

The decals have been designed by Kits-World decals and printed by Cartograph. They are nicely printed and in register, with provide markings for two natural metal aircraft, “Buzzin Cuzzin” (12th AF) and “Phyl Darling” (9th AF).

The instructions consist of an A4 size booklet printed in B&W. Assembly sequences are shown, but no color call outs are provided, so modelers will need to consult their references.

Conclusion
The P-47 is an impressive aircraft, and this is an impressive kit, especially in 1/24 scale.

The only minor issue I can find with the kit is the instructions missing color call outs, which are useful in building if one doesn’t want to have to consult references at every step of the build. A quick test fit of the major components did not reveal any potential fit issues and the sheer size and presence of the finished kit will make the building experience worth-while.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: A quick test fit of the major components did not reveal any potential fit issues.
Lows: The only minor issue I can find with the kit is the instructions missing color call outs, which are useful in building if one doesn’t want to have to consult references at every step of the build.
Verdict: The P-47 is an impressive aircraft, and this is an impressive kit. The sheer size and presence of the finished kit will make the building experience worth-while.
  Scale: 1:24
  Mfg. ID: K3207
  Suggested Retail: $99.99
  Related Link: 1/24 P-47D Razor Back - K3208
  PUBLISHED: Jun 20, 2015
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 86.33%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 86.73%

Our Thanks to Lucky Model!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Doug Nelson (DougN1)
FROM: GEORGIA, UNITED STATES

I've been modeling on and off for over 40 years. My primary interests are WW1, Interwar and WW2 aircraft, although I do build an occasional WW2 armour kit. I used to build 1/32 kits back in the 80's, but switched to 1/48 in the early 90's when all the nice new kits started showing up. I've sinc...

Copyright ©2021 text by Doug Nelson [ DOUGN1 ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

It is indeed a fabulous kit. It's the VFS kit, released by Kinetic, who have a razorback due this year too. Here's a link to a full build. LINK
JUN 20, 2015 - 02:24 PM
Doug, thank you for such a detailed review, especially as to the fit of the parts, etc. Hope that you're planning on building the Jug soon, and doing a Build blog here as well. Joel
JUN 20, 2015 - 07:43 PM
Nice one Doug! I can't wait to see you get to work on this one when time permits. All the best Rowan
JUN 20, 2015 - 09:34 PM
What about the shape/profile? There is so much contention around the Trumpeter 1/32nd scale kit vs. the Hasegawa, for example.
JUN 21, 2015 - 07:45 PM
Hi Bill Nige is probably among the best-qualified people to answer that one. As he's already called it a "fabulous kit", I imagine it shapes up pretty well?... All the best Rowan
JUN 22, 2015 - 12:32 AM
Thanks, Rowan.
JUN 23, 2015 - 12:36 AM
   
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