Review
MiniArt has released a large number of Thunderbolts onto the market as both basic and advanced kits. This offering arrives packed in a plastic bag protected by a cardboard tray and card lid. I will say at the start that if very fine detail is not your requirement or you are not comfortable using photo etch then stick with a basic kit release. The mouldings offered in this release all look good with no obvious signs of wear and tear on the dies being present in this offering. Looking at the mouldings access for removal and clean up is good except around the two banks of radial pistons that will require care.
This release offers a very nicely detailed cockpit but the view is limited due to the size of the cockpit opening, but when did that ever stop a modeller going all out. Moving forward and you have a very well detailed engine that made this aircraft so big and potent in it roles for the Allies. You have the option of going all out and displaying the engine in all its glory or closed up and ready for the off. The main wheel bays are very well detailed and up to resin standards in my opinion. You are even provided with a guide for adding the hydraulic lines for which I suggest 0.5mm brass rod. It will not be easy but if you are paying out for this release make the effort as if displayed on a mirror I am sure it will please.
The next detailed area are the gun bays which are ok as it but it is the one time I would consider going to the likes of Master for replacement barrels for a model of this quality. I see no reason why the access hatches cannot be placed closed during painting and the opened and set in place or mask if preferred. If you choose to show off the engine that is an area that will need to be masked. Looking at the undercarriage legs and I am disappointed that with all the detail thrown at this model the pipes on the legs are not covered and instead a hunt online is needed for the detail. On the plus side the options of wheels that are weighted or not is covered.
Surface detail on the release is another stunning aspect in my opinion and I have not observed any complaints so far about it. The control surfaces can also be set as needed by the modeller or should that be desired. The options that this model provides as regards finish is a thing of beauty straight from the box. Depending on what you want as regards external stores a very nice mix of drop tanks, bombs and rockets are provided. In the case of the bombs you are provided with the option of plastic or photo etched tail fins. Decals and a dedicated painting guide is supplied for the weapons.
Three finishing options are provided with this release and I like that the look varies across the options. A huge number of stencils are present on the decal sheet and will require a good eye to get everything. The decals are nicely detailed with good colour and thickness and so use. The results of all this is the possibility of a stunning looking model if you have the required skills.
