Here we take a look at the latest release from MiniArt of their P-47 Thunderbolt with the 48022 P-47D-28RA Thunderbolt Pacific Theatre of Operations Basic Kit.

Review

This offering from MiniArt arrives in a cardboard tray, with a separate card lid. Inside the sprues are packaged in a single plastic bag. The clear sprue is also within that single bag, but is surrounded by it’s own bag. Parts access is good for removal and the gates appear to be of different sizes depending on the finesse of the moulded part they are attached to. The instruction booklet is in it’s own plastic bag with 2 decal sheets packaged with it - something I strongly approve of, as it supplies a secure and waterproof location that is flat and so ideal for protecting the decals. 

This model being aimed at the modeller who is not a huge fan of tackling photo etch, still provides a good level of detail. The cockpit of the model builds up into it’s own sub-assembly, and due to it having a front, rear and sides it will protect itself once assembled. Decals have been provided for the instrument panels, and some decals also need to be applied to some places around the cockpit. I also appreciate that MiniArt has covered detailed painting to a degree as you progress your build. The other area on the interior of the model is the huge engine that sits at the front, and MiniArt has done a pretty good job of providing you with a good level of detail despite not using photo etch. 

Moving to the exterior of the airframe, and I am pleased with the level of detail on the recessed panel lines, with some raised detail to represent fasteners. The panel lines present would appear to be accurately located and indicated, but with so many changes that took place in the Thunderbolt family I cannot guarantee that every panels line is present. Moving out to the wings, and the only work that you need to worry about here is the ends of the barrels of the offensive weaponry. The wings themselves have again got excellent panels lines detail and fasteners and a beautifully replicated undercarriage wheel base. If you wish to use the pylons you will need to open up some holes in the lower wing, but this should not prove overly difficult with this release. If I have one complaint in this area it is that no drill size has been provided. Also included are the flight control surfaces throughout the wings and tail and so can be set as desired. 

The main undercarriage has an interesting option, as the olios are provided with 2 options - you can show them loaded (as an aircraft on the ground) or you use a different strut and show it in a deployed position but not under load. MiniArt has provided 2 tyre types for the release, but has not included weighted tyres. The external stores for the release have the following options:

108 gal paper drop tank

200 gal drop tank

150 gal drop tank

75 gal drop tank

1000lb AN-M65 Bombs

1000lb AN-M59 Bombs

Smoke Grenades ( I am unfamiliar with)

250lb AN-M57 Bombs

500lb AN-M58A1 Bombs

MiniArt has also shown the various options for loading the weapons systems on to the airframe. MiniArt has provided 3 finishing options for this release:

41st Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, 5th Air force. Philippines - Luzon 1945

40th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, 5th Air force, Philippines - Luzon 1945

310th Fighter Squadron, 58th Fighter Group, 5th Air force, Philippines, Okinawa 1945 Pilot: Lt. Ralf Barns

Conclusion

This offering from MiniArt of the P47 does not exhibit any issues with the moulds that have been used numerous times before. The fact that photo etch is not utilised makes it an easy proposition for a wider scope of modeller. While no photo etch is included, great detail is still present and has the ability to build up into a very pleasing model. Lastly I like that MIniArt has provided 3 specific finishing options for this release.

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