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MiniArt to Release “Highly Detailed” P-47M Thunderbolt Advanced Kit

MiniArt has announced the upcoming release of a P-47M Thunderbolt Advanced Kit in 1/48 scale.

The P-47M varint was a late-war, high-speed Thunderbolt built for fast interception, using an uprated Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine and featuring the dorsal fin on the rear fuselage to improve directional stability with the bubble canopy. It was the quickest production P-47, but engine teething troubles limited its combat use, and it saw service only briefly with the 56th Fighter Group in Europe.

The upcoming kit (48042) is described as “highly detailed” with realistic representations of the metal surfaces, rivets and panel lines. Three decal options will also be included. The company previously released a Basic version with two marking options (Buy on eBay)

As of this writing, the new advanced kit is said to be “coming soon.” Click below to check out a series of newly released renderings.

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MiniArt Announces New Dorsal Fin P-47M Model Kit

MiniArt has announced a new addition to their line of 1/48 P-47 kits in the form of the P-47M (with dorsal fin).

The dorsal fin-equipped P-47M variant was a specialized late-WW2 modification of the P-47D bubbletop fighter, featuring a triangular fillet forward of the vertical stabilizer added to enhance directional stability after the redesigned rear fuselage caused yaw issues, as seen on later P-47D-40 models and retrofitted to some P-47Ms. Only about 130 P-47Ms were built, equipped with a high-output Pratt & Whitney R-2800-57(C) engine (2,800 hp with water injection) and improved turbo-supercharger for speeds up to 470-500 mph at altitude, optimized for intercepting V-1 buzz bombs and Me 262 jets while armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns.

The upcoming release is offered as a basic kit and will include two marking options. As of this writing a final release date has not been announced. Click below to check out additional images, including livery profiles.

Continue reading MiniArt Announces New Dorsal Fin P-47M Model Kit

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MiniArt to Release P-47N-1RE Thunderbolt Advanced Kit

MiniArt is continuing their line of P-47 kits with the announcement of an upcoming P-47N-1RE “Advanced Kit.”

The Republic P-47N was the final development of the Thunderbolt family, adapted for long-range escort and fighter-bomber duties in the Pacific theatre. The N-1RE variant introduced the new long-span wing with squared-off tips and extra fuel capacity while retaining the rugged structure and heavy armament of earlier versions.

The upcoming 1/48 release (48062) reportedly includes finely reproduced rivets and panel lines on all surfaces; a fully detailed cockpit with side consoles, instrument panel and seat; optional open or closed canopy; photo-etched parts included for seat belts and fine details; clear parts included for canopy and lights and three decal options.

As of this writing a final release date has not yet been announced. Click below to check out additional images.

Continue reading MiniArt to Release P-47N-1RE Thunderbolt Advanced Kit