This is the low-cost
alternative to Tamiya’s P-47 Thunderbolt. The kit is very nice. Engraved panel
lines are fine and crisp. The fit isn’t bad either with putty needed mostly
for the fuse seam and the machine gun port covers on the wing. Academy’s
cockpit is acceptable OOB but I decided to go with the Eduard express PE set for
the Jug. You get a new instrument panel, seat belts, various exterior details
and cockpit details (like rudder pedals). You
get gun bays with access hatches in the kit but the detail is a bit lacking. I
permanently glued one side and made the other removable just in case I ever want
to show it off.
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The engine is
passable too but only the die hard will want to oen up a side access panel.
Unlike the Tamiya kit you don’t have a flap option. Up is the only way the
Academy kit comes. Sure you could do surgery but why bother. Most P-47’s had
their flaps raised when parked anyway. I also used True Details resin wheels
with the diamond tread pattern and spoked hub. I used these because they have
the realistic weight on wheels effect.
I painted the
Jug with Model Master enamels. I tried to gloss with Future in preparation for
the decals but it soaked right in and I’d have to spray a jillion coats so I
opted for my usual gloss lacquer. What can I say about Academy decals that
haven’t already been said? They are what they are. Register is a bit off but
their biggest drawback is their tendency to silver. I got lucky with the Jug
that there were only a few silvered decals. The real challenge was the
checkerboard decal for the cowl. Lots of Solvaset and X-Acto relief cuts were
needed. Even then paint touch-up was required to hide the mismatches.
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I chose not to
use the fuselage invasion stripe decals and instead painted those. Panel lines
were highlighted with a black enamel wash. Exhaust and gun stains were created
with Floquil grimy black. Paint chipping was simulated using a Prisma-Color
pencil. Afterwards it was all sealed down with Testor’s Dullcoat.
It was a nice
build though. The P-47 is one of my favorite airplanes and it’s big enough
that even in 1/48th it’s impressive sitting on the shelf.
Jeff
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