Friday, August 11

MiniArt's new Jug brings ALL the boys to the yard...

We have been waiting for this one for a while. MiniArt's new 1/48th scale P-47D-25 RE is the start of their aircraft focussed series in this scale and the first of a family of Thunderbolts. We look at the new renders of their first release in our preview...


MiniArt's new Jug brings all the boys to the yard...

P-47D-25 RE Thunderbolt
From MiniArt Models
Kit No: 48009
1/48th scale
The kit contains two marking choices in the box.
Clear parts, full engine & weighted wheels are included
We first saw the nucleus of this new series of 1/48th scale Thunderbolts in their catalogue for 2023,and after much prodding from fans and much more research, it seems that the new P-47D from MiniArt is on the way, and very soon!
The first in the series is is called the "Basic Kit" version of the Republic P-47D-25 RE Thunderbolt. This is probably one f the more popular and well-kitted variants. Knowing MiniArt however, this first kit will be the start of many different types of the "jug" that we will see (fingers crossed).

We have new CAD renders of the kit, showing several of the features of the model at this stage.

The feature set of the kit:
The large, 13' 1+7⁄8" Hamilton Standard propeller of the "RE" variant, the bubbletop canopy, the ability to carry rockets, and a centreline tank. All of the details of the P-47D-25RE are looking good here.
Open or closed canopies are of course included as are the option for the open or closed cowl flaps.
The aircraft can be depicted in flight with the wheels down but not touching the ground or sitting on the deck. The extended oleos and the flat or circumferential tyres are proof of this. Smart thinking from MiniArt, as the Jug looks great with gear down in flight also.
It seems that there are weighted wheels supplied in this kit, in both the solid disk and the six and eight spoked wheels with diamond and regular cross patterned tread. Great options.
We see the open cowl of the Jug here with the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine exposed. Often kits that are called "basic don't even supply an engine...
Ordinance - the P-47D-25RE could carry a 2,500lb bomb load, and this one is supplied in 250 & 500LB bombs, the 200 Gal flat and 150 Gal P-38 style external fuel tanks is a bonus.
The "Paper" 200 gallon drop tanks & M10  "bazooka" rockets are another option.
You may notice both the negative and positive riveting seen here in the open gear bays. The skin of the aircraft noticeably changes with the contours also.
The rear wheel well is more detailed then even larger scale kits we have seen.
Underside of the belly and inner wing area show the same attention given to the riveting and surface detail.
The decals supplied for two variants, one is the famous "Hairless Joe" P-47 (42-26641) flown by  fighter ace Dave Schilling as we see on the box cover.
We will have more on this kit as it comes to the public eye.

This kit should be available soon (not sure when) from MiniArt's distributors worldwide. You can see more about this kit on the MiniArt Website...


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