Despite the kit's 1973 release date, this old 1/48th Monogram P-47D Thunderbolt kit still has some appealing features. Sure it is not on par with the Tamiya or Hasegawa kits, however as far as value for money, it still holds a place for model makers.
Notable Kit Features:
Low parts count for a simple build
Nice raised details in the cockpit for instrument panel, consoles and hoses
Decent looking (backplate) engine
Gear well detail
Two-piece canopy
Bombs and belly tank included with the kit
Build Inspiration:
Bolesław Michal Gładych was a Polish fighter pilot during World War II. He served with the Polish as well as French Air Force. He then managed to reach the UK and was assigned to No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron gaining additional experince and victories. Later in the war he was recruited by Francis Gabreski to join the 61st Fighter Squadron (part of the part of the 56th Pursuit Group) and flew with them for a time as well. While with the 61st, Gładych named the numerous P-47's assigned to him "Pengie", after the nickname of his then girlfriend, a Canadian WAAF.
Heads-Up Report:
Fit is good although some filler and a bit of sanding may be required
Engine is backplate style but pretty decent and you can add to it if you like
Raised panel lines (which I sanded off)
Bomb racks moulded as part of the lower wing (so if you don't want them that will require surgery)
The guns are molded into the wing and are easy to break off (as I recall)
All control surfaces molded in neutral
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Replaced wing guns with hypodermic needles
Added dorsal fin to spine to give the look of a later model N
Used third-party decals for Bolesław Michal Gładych's P-47N "Pengie"
Finishing:
This was actually a refinish of a earlier paint job that hadn't gone well so I sanded it off and decided to give it another set of markings. There was some discussion over whether this 61st Fighter Squadron aircraft finish was in black or midnight blue. I went with black over natural metal (Today's newer evidence may point in a different direction). The new finish was an improvement over the old however the decals were a bit opaque and uneven looking over the dark finish (another early-on lesson learned).
The After-Build Report:
Despite it’s age, I would still recommend this 1/48th Monogram P-47D Thunderbolt, if the raised panel lines won't offend you. If you are looking for a budget build kit, this P-47 fills the bill and looks good when finished, especially if you put a bit of extra work into it. Considering value for money (you can buy several of these kits for the same price you’d pay for other kits) this old kit still should have merit with today's model makers. If you are looking for a great 1/48th P-47D kit go with the Tamiya or perhaps the Hasegawa.
(Sanded down and repainted / decaled June 2003)
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers
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