Revell 1/72 P-47M Thunderbolt

REVELL 1:72 REPUBLIC P-47M THUNDERBOLT
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: Myself (rec.models.scale)
Note: A full build up review of this kit now appears on SMAKR, see links below

Kit Details: Revell #04185 1/72 P-47M Thunderbolt.

Kit Parts: Revell have released two kits of the P-47M with the other (#04141) featuring the boxart below. I'm not sure if both kits are the same tooling but according to another review, the kit below is an older tooling from 1999, in spite of the reviewed kit having Revell 1999 stamped on the inner portion of a wing. The kit I am reviewing features revised new tooling technology.

All the parts are contained in one bag, including the three part clear sprue. There are four sprues containing 47 superbly detailed light grey plastic parts with no flash whatsoever. Three sprues appear common to all P-47 variants released by Revell with one pertaining to the M version. Surface detail is excellent and all control surfaces and panel lines are engraved into the crisp plastic.

Instructions: Printed in 2000 these appear to be the new format of Revell instructions, which at first glance because of the paper and printing, appear to from the 60's! The instructions come in the form of a vertical strip booklet with boxart and history of the type on the front page. The next two pages provide the modeller with "security text" about building the kit in no less than 18 different languages! Similarly Pages 4 & 5 are a "read before you start spiel" and symbols used throughout the instruction sheet. Page 6 provides alphabetical labels keyed to Revell's paint range (again providing also colour name in 18 different languages) for use throughout building and painting the model. A detailed sprue diagram and the first two assembly stages are contained on Page 7. The 18 stage construction phase concludes on Page 10 which are very clear to follow and well detailed throughout for painting etc. The final two pages provided decal placement and marking guides for the two versions provided from the kit, in four-view diagrams (with one sideview showing wheels up and the other wheels down!) plus additional small diagrams for pylons, cockpit close up and propeller decaling/painting. FS numbers provided.

Colour Options: Two - Naturally both USAF and finished in the same upper two-tone blue over aluminium colour scheme, as shown on the boxart. Curiously the front cowling appears to be a different colour (red is shown on the boxart version) but neither is covered in the instructions on what colour to paint it, although the shading is identical, so perhaps both are red? You can choose the boxart "Shoot!! You're Faded" example flown by Capt. C.McBath from 63rd FS, 56th FG, Boxted, England 1945 or "Dottie Dee II" from the same unit flown by Capt. W.Flagg.

Decals: There are no less than 71 decals on the sheet, obviously some of which won't be used depending on the version you choose, but giving you an idea that there is fairly comprehensive stencilling provided. The colour depth is excellent and they are sharp and clear, with the dice not having blotches on the faces that you might find on other sheets. They remind me of a "thinner" version of Hasegawa type decals so I suspect these will be easy to apply and adhere to the model surface very nicely. The stencilling in general cannot be read but it still looks like clear writing if that makes sense. The USAF insignia is broken up to allow for the decal to be split over the fuselage exhaust duct.

Cockpit/Wheel Bay Detail: The kit is very good here considering value of money and that it is a mainstream kit, which are notorious for skimping on these details. The wheel wells are fully boxed in with some hydraulic and structural detail provided in the bays, including brackets and ribbing. The cockpit is superbly detailed for injection molded plastic with a lovely detailed instrument panel that has dials and gauges molded onto it, plus rudder pedals and a gun sight. This is attached to a floor which has side panels and a throttle. There is a rear bulkhead with headrest, and the seat is realistically depicted with seat belts molded into it. The control column is well done and even includes a gearstick heading back into the front of the cockpit. The fuselage sides also have detail molded onto it which include wheels and radio boxes and the like.

Optional components: These include an open cockpit, and choice of underwing stores including rockets and a pair of auxiliary fuel tanks.

On the Sprue Impressions: Since the parts are common to other P-47 kits Revell have recently released, you may want to read the P-47D-30 review (see below) to get the take on the fit of components and the general assembly of the kit. The three main sprues appear to be the same ones included in the D-30 kit, with only the rockets, a different engine casting unit component and the fuel tanks included on a sprue marked for the M version. I'm not fully versed on the differences between the D-30 and M but this concerns me a little that only the stores carriage would be different?

In any event the kit really does look to be a gem. The parts are beautifully molded with no flash and very little in the way of nasty mold seam lines. There are quite a few ejector pin marks to be found though, probably one of those trade off traits to get such a lovely looking kit, but thankfully nearly all of them are in places that won't hamper the project. You will need to open up holes in the lower wing halves if you wish to attach the rocket rails, which are also advised upon during the construction phase.

The level of detail is excellent as supported by the comments regarding cockpit above, the surface detail on the fuselage really looks great. Both raised and engraved rivet detail is included on many parts, including the cockpit floor. The wing root join is something else because there is no butt join or locating pin basic join here, small spars are inserted into the fuselage and has an overlapping root with detail inside, since it also doubles up as the internal sidewall of the main wheel bay. Even the flaps on the engine cowling are open, not all one clump of engraved plastic as you will find in most kits. The gear doors and pylons also have been touched up with some rivet and subtle detail. Even the main canopy clear part has some rivet detail at its join to the fuselage.

Accuracy: From the read up of the P-47D-30 review it looks like this kit will be built into an exceptional replica of the P-47M. The only concerns I may hold are those expressed in Kevin's review and if there are any subtle differences between the M and the D-30, since only the stores pylon appears exclusive to the M version in Revell's book.

Conclusion: A very impressive looking kit on the sprue, and another superbly detailed value for money kit from Revell which only the absolute stickler for accuracy could find any possible fault with. Very highly recommended if you are looking for an accurate, well detailed and low cost kit to put together.

Related Reviews:-

Related INBOX Reviews:-

Academy 1/72 P-47D Thunderbolt "Razorback"
Revell 1/72 P-47M Thunderbolt [earlier 99' tooling]

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