1/48 Scale. This new release by Tamiya is a representation of P-47D late production that was nicknamed “Bubbletop”. The massive form of the plane, especially its belly and its cowling, has been accurately reproduced. Skill level 2
Features:
- Republic P47D Thunderbolt “Bubbletop” plastic assembly kit.
- 1:48 scale, Overall length: 230mm, Overall width: 259mm.
- This is the representation of P-47D late production that was nicknamed “Bubbletop”.
- The massive form of the plane, especially its belly and its cowling, has been accurately reproduced.
- Flaps come as separate parts and can be attached in the up or down position.
- Parts for replication of 3 types of mirrors, gun sights and 4 types of propellers are provided.
- Engine cowling flaps and the intercooler air outlets on each side of the fuselage can be represented in the opened or closed position.
- Parts for replication of 500-pound bombs, rocket launchers and 3 types of drop tanks are part of the kit.
- A pilot figure and decals for two different markings are included.
Suggested Paint Colors (not included):
AS-12 – Bare Metal Silver
AS-6 – Olive Drab (USAAF)
AS-7 – Neutral Gray (USAAF)
TS-29 – Semi Gloss Black
X-11 – Chrome Silver
X-18 – Semi Gloss Black
X-23 – Clear Blue
X-27 – Clear Red
X-31 – Titanium Gold
X-5 – Green
X-6 – Orange
X-7 – Red
XF-1 – Flat Black
XF-10 – Flat Brown
XF-15 – Flat Flesh
XF-16 – Flat Aluminum
XF-3 – Flat Yellow
XF-4 – Yellow Green
XF-49 – Khaki
XF-5 – Flat Green
XF-56 – Metallic Grey
XF-57 – Buff
XF-62 – Olive Drab
XF-64 – Red Brown
XF-7 – Flat Red
In 1943, the 8th Air Force was launching raids on Germany with its B17 and B24 from England. The aim was to destroy German main production factories. Unfortunately, losses during theses missions were very heavy and it became urgent to develop a fighter able to escort the bombers over enemy soil. The limited ranges of the Spitfire and P-38 Lightning did not make these fighters able to go further than Paris, leaving the bombers alone to fend for themselves for the rest of the flight. With the development of the P-47, this problem was overcome. The P-47 was the first single-seated fighter to be equipped with a supercharger, allowing it to fly at the same high altitude as the bombers. This high-flying fighter was armed with eight 12.7mm machineguns that proved very useful in the intense fighting that occurred in the European skies. Equipped with drop tanks for longer range, the P-47D was then able to escort the bombers all the way to the German border. The Thunderbolt also allowed many Allied pilots to become Aces. Bomber crews plagued day after day by intensive German interceptions, would remark that the presence of the P-47 was of great help.