The Details
Kit: Trumpeter 1/32 P-47D Razorback
Aftermarket: HGW Fabric Belts, Zotz Decals and Montex Masks
Finishing materials: Gunze OD, Model Master Enamels (White ID bands, national markings, various details), Vallejo Model Air Neutral Grey, Alclad Gloss. Artist oils and filter
Work in Progress Thread @ Scale Plastic Aircraft Modeler
Kit at a glance:
I picked the Trumpeter kit for two reasons. The biggest was my desire to do a Razorback and in this scale it’s the only game in town. Second, after following some builds and reviews I felt the Hasegawa kit was really lacking straight OOB. The Hasegawa kit just seems a bit uninspired; though, I think with a bunch of AM and/or scratch work it can be a beautiful kit.
Out of the box the Trumpeter kit is fairly detailed if not over-engineered. I mean really…the whole cooling trunking assembly in the fuselage is a stretch. Thankfully, unlike some would have you believe, that assembly is not needed to get the cockpit tub squared away.
The other big question mark with this kit is the flimsy engine mounting assembly. Fortunately, you also don’t need to assemble any of the parts aft of the rear cylinder bank. The supplied mounting bracket allows the engine assembly to be mounted to the cowl and you can’t see that left out detail anyway.
Don’t get me wrong, the kit builds up into a nice P-47, but not without some stress. If you wish to close the gun access panels take care because without some ingenuity they sink below the wing level. Also, the wing at the root is just too thick. Aligning the wings isn’t a problem and a perfect join can be achieved along the top root without even thinking about it. The underside however is going to be left with a bit of a step. How much depends on your effort. I was able to get it to close to acceptable with some sanding and wiggling.
If you absolutely positively have to build a P-47 in 1/32 then I would recommend the kit for any modeler who is used to dealing with fit hiccups. If the bubble top is more to your liking I strongly suggest finding builds of it because apparently it has some fit issues with the dorsal fin.
All that being said, I truly believe Tamiya will be throwing a 1/32 Jug at us at some point. If you can wait to get your jug fix this kit might not be one you want to throw time and money at.
On the Flight Line:
Shark Tank Plastic Works 