Academy 1/48 Republic P-47N Thunderbolt

Background

There has been an abundance of history written recently for the venerable Republic P-47 Thunderbolt with the release of Tamiya's outstanding Razorback. One of the limitations that became apparent when the P-51 Mustang entered service was the range of the P-47D. Republic countered this limitation with the P-47N which entered service too late for significant service in Europe, but did see action in the Pacific. With its 2,000 mile range, the P-47N could provide cover for the B-29 Superfortresses attacking Japan.

The Kit

This kit is actually a reissue of their 1/48 scale Thunderbolt with a new decal sheet. In light of Tamiya's Razorback release, it is nice to see Academy re-release this version.

This kit is molded in light gray styrene and features finely scribed details throughout. The basic Thunderbolt is extremely straightforward and poses no challenges in assembly.

Options in this kit are extensive in terms of external stores. The kit provides metal and paper external fuel tanks, bombs, rockets & bazooka rocket launchers. In addition, the gun bays can be positioned open to reveal the 50 caliber guns inside. While the ammo bays are not open, Technics does offer this modifications if you want to reveal them.

Mimicking some of the other kit manufacturers, Academy has released this kit as a 'Nose Art' aircraft featuring the markings for 'Expected Goose' of the 463 FS/507 FG based at Le Shima in 1945.

Conclusions

The Academy P-47N Thunderbolt is a nice model and it is good to see it available again to accompany the new Razorback into scale combat.

My sincere thanks to MRC for this review sample!