1/24 P-47D Thunderbolt

Description

This is an injection-plastic aircraft model kit.

Vintage Fighter Series shows us with this, only their second kit, that they have a rapid learning curve! In terms of quality of surface and interior detail, this kit looks to rank right up there with the “big boys.” We are given full cockpit, engine, accessory compartment, and gun bay detail, plus the port ammo bay can be displayed open with options for either fully loaded with .50 caliber rounds or empty ammo trays. A full selection of stores is also supplied, with 108- and 75-gallon drop tanks, plus the flat-style centerline tank, bombs, and “bazooka tubes.” Pylons are separate assemblies, and the aerodynamic strakes that were fitted when the pylons weren’t are given as separate parts. However, the directions don’t mention that you are supposed to use one or the other, and not both at the same time. Also, the wings are molded with mounting holes for the pylons plus the slot for the strake both open, so some filling of holes will be needed. The same is true for the “bazooka tubes”; if you won’t use them, you need to fill their mounting holes. Still, these are relatively minor quibbles about what is otherwise a very welcome and very well-done model. Photo-etched detail parts, soft tires (not vinyl, but apparently some sort of soft plastic), and a pilot figure are included. Decals are for two USAAF, two RAF, and two French aircraft, for a total of six possibilities, and the decals look to be nicely printed, opaque and are in perfect register. So…how big do you like your Jugs?