Review
This release from MiniArt is a basic kit offering of the P-47. The model is packaged in a cardboard tray, with a card lid. The plastic elements are individually bagged, the 2 decal sheets are packaged with the instruction booklet and are packaged in their own bag. The plastic appears to be cleanly moulded, with good access to remove the parts from the sprue.
The cockpit of the model as can be attested by anyone who has built one of the previous releases of the P-47 is very well detailed only possibly beaten by an after market resin version. The seat has moulded on harness detail. The side walls of the cockpit are provided with good detail on the inner faces. The instrument panel has decals provided for the dials, the result of all this is a very detailed cockpit tub that builds up in its own right before being closed up within the fuselage itself.
MiniArt has also provided a detailed radial engine set- up for this release, with all of the major components. The result of this looking from the propeller end reveals a pleasing level of detail that more than meets expectations. The engine assembly itself has the cowling assembled around it, with the exhaust flaring's having options for open or closed detail. The wheel bays in the wings are also pleasingly detailed, with nice framing throughout.
All of the surface areas of the aircraft skin have very nice raised and recessed panel detail that will aid the weathering of the model exterior. The flight control surfaces are all provided separately and could be set up as desired by the modeller. 2 sets of tyres have been provided, one listed as chassis normal and the other as chassis under load. It is my belief that these represent an aircraft on the ground or in flight.
Ordinance that can be added to this release:
108 Gallon paper drop tank
200 Gallon drop tank
150 Gallon drop tank
1000 pound AN-M65 Bombs
1000 pound AN-M59 Bombs
250 Lbs AN-M57 Bombs
500 Lbs AN-M58A1 Bombs
Smoke Grenade.
The decals for this release are the high number of decals provided to cover the stencilling of the aircraft, before getting to the 3 finishing options. These are:
Free French Air Force, France, Late 1944
Free French Air Force, France, Late 1944
Free French Air Force, France, Spring 1945
Conclusions
This release from MiniArt is I believe is the first Free French Air Force aircraft that has been released. While MiniArt has labelled this as a basic release, I believe anyone who tackles this model will be very pleased with the level of detail, and I certainly would not consider this a basic model. A minor complaint is the 3 finishing options provided are a little dull in my opinion, and I think the model would have greater appeal if some alternate countries finishing options were included in the mix.