Wednesday, July 31

MiniArt's new 48th scale P-47D-28-RE from the Pacific Theatre

We have markings, sprue layout, decals,, & photos of all three aircraft featured in this new boxing of MiniArt's 1/48th scale P-47D-28-RA Pacific Theatre of Operations "Basic kit". Well worth a look in our preview...

MiniArt's new 48th scale P-47D-28-RE from the Pacific Theatre

P-47D-28 RA Thunderbolt Pacific Theatre of Operations "Basic kit"
From MiniArt Models
Kit No: 48022
1/48th scale
The kit contains three marking choices in the box.
Clear parts, full engine & weighted wheels are included
The Subject: P-47D-28-RA, Thunderbolt in the Pacific Theatre of Operations.
These were built by the by Republic plant at Evansville, Indiana, USA. Basically the same as the Evansville equivalent of the D-28-RE, with 1,028 built. The three aircraft from this boxing were taken from Thunderbolts based in the Phillipines in 1945.

Some photos below of aircraft from the same group as the ones in this boxing. This is a P-47D-28-RA of the 40th FS, 35th Fighter group with a white tail with read and white stripes, as often used in the pacific theatre of operations. 
The P-47 Thunderbolt faced challenges in the Pacific theater. It was considered too unwieldy to compete with agile Japanese fighters, and its range was insufficient for operations across the vast Pacific expanses. Additionally, the P-47 excelled at high altitudes, which suited European bomber missions but not the lower altitudes typical of Japanese combat.

 A choice in this boxing is the P-47D-28-RE of the 310th Fighter Squdron, 58th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, Phillipines, Luzon, 1945. This is the SECOND P-47D to wear this cowl with the artwork of "Passionate Patsy" after it was removed from a razorback & put on this 28-RA bubbletop.
A close up of the artwork of "Passionate Patsy"..
Kenneth A. Cox is pictured in front of this P-47 Thunderbolt. He was a pilot that served with the 494th Bomb Group  867th Bomb Squadron, but he also served in Saipan.
Another choice in this kit - this P-47D-28-RE from the 40th Fighter Squdron, 35th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, Phillipines, Luzon, 1945. 
Despite these issues, General George C. Kenney, commander of the Fifth Air Force in the southwest Pacific, was determined to acquire as many aircraft as possible. While the Lockheed P-38 Lightning was popular among American pilots in the Pacific, it wasn’t available in sufficient numbers. The early Allison-powered P-51A Mustangs also fell short.

This P-47D-28-RA shows the beginning of the phasing out of the wite tail marking as the group moved to the Phillipines
To capitalize on the P-47’s strengths, pilots adopted specific tactics. After takeoff, P-47s climbed to high altitudes before heading toward their targets, often Japanese bases. Upon reaching the target area, they executed high-speed dives for their attacks. This approach, reminiscent of British pilots during the Battle of Britain, proved effective in the southwest Pacific. The 348th Fighter Group claimed over 150 victories between August and December 1943, with only 8 losses. Major Richard I. Bong, a P-38 pilot, became the highest-scoring American P-47 ace in the Southwest Pacific, achieving 22 confirmed kills.

Another choice from this kit is this P-47D-28-RA from the 58th Fighter group. This is sat next to a Mexican piloted fighter from the 201st within the group with it's red, white and green vertical tail stripes.
Despite its limitations at low levels, the P-47 remained a formidable aircraft. Pilots who adapted their tactics to emphasize high-level sweeps and dives found success. By 1945, the P-47 was gradually phased out in favor of other aircraft, such as the Merlin-powered P-51D Mustang, but its legacy as a versatile fighter-bomber endured.

A colour photo of the P-47 58th FG 310th Fighter Squadron boneyard Clark field, in the Philippines in 1945.

The kit: 1/48th scale P-47D-28 RA Thunderbolt Pacific Theatre of Operations "Basic kit" from MiniArt Models.
Another in their series of "Basic Kits" - this version of the Republic P-47D-28 RE Thunderbolt features three aircraft from the pacific Theatre of operations, namely in the Philipines in 1945.

This kit features all of the mid P-47D 28-RA touches, corrugated floor, landing light instead of dive brakes and non-filleted tail. The sprues are below...
The other large attention grabber is the R-2800 engine. This can be shown with cowlings on or off. The engine also comes with a wiring harness and photo-etched parts around the firewall.
The P-47D-25RE could carry a 2,500lb bomb load, and this one is supplied in 50, 100, 250 & 500lb bombs and smoke dischargers. Photo-etch is supplied for the fins of these.

The 200 Gal flat and 150 Gal P-38 style external fuel tanks
Marking choices
There are three marking versions included in the instructions:

P-47D-28-RE:  40th Fighter Squdron, 35th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, Phillipines, Luzon, 1945. This aircrat is seen parked up just before the group's move to the Philipines, The red tail stripes sit on the all-white tailwhich was mandated for use in the South West Pacific Theatre.
P-47D-28-RE: 41st Fighter Squdron, 35th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, Phillipines, Luzon, 1945.
P-47D-28-RE:  310th Fighter Squdron, 58th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, Phillipines, Luzon, 1945.
Decals
There are two decal sheets that come with this kit. One with the natioanl markings, nose art & serial numbers. The markings for the propellers & the instrument panel are included along with some serials.
The second decal sheet is mostly concerned with stencils that cover the aircraft. 

That is all we know about this kit so far. More to follow in colours, sprues & other info. See more about all of MiniArt's kits on their website...