Trumpeter P-47D Thunderbolt “Razorback” 1:32

The Kit

Whilst a fantastic kit, Trumpeter in its wisdom has, like so many of its 1:32 scale kits, packed it full of details that will never be seen again. The entire duct work and the 2-stage superchargers are all included but will never be seen again as it’s all locked inside the fuselage. The only useful purpose the ductwork offers is a support for the cockpit. Many have found that the ductwork is tedious and can impact on the fit and finesse of the fuselage join. It can indeed be a pain, unless one takes great care in trimming of all excess plastic and that it’s fitted precisely; it’s a tough ask!

The easier way is to not use any of it! The cockpit can just as easily be fitted to the side wall and with the bubble top the rear cockpit bulkhead fits beautifully into the fuselage; Job done and no fuss. The results are in the first couple of photographs and all that you see is in the kit.

Wings and fuselage

The kit comes with some wonderful wing spars onto which the wings slide effortlessly and leave no trace of a join at the fuselage. This is a real bonus that means painting and decaling can be done with the wings separate from the fuselage which makes it far easier to handle; it’s a big aircraft.

Painting…