The P-47 was the first single-seated fighter to be equipped with a supercharger paired with a 2000hp engine, allowing it to fly at the same very high altitude as bombers. The P-47 was armed with eight 12.7mm machineguns. With the P-51 Mustang, the Thunderbolt constituted the main fighters of the US Army Air Force. This is the representation of P-47D early production that was nicknamed "razorback" because of the shape of its upper fuselage behind the cockpit. The P-47D was a high-speed, high-altitude capable fighter and escorted the allied bombers that were conducting raids over Germany. Its 1ton payload and its robustness made the Thunderbolt the perfect aircraft for ground attacking missions.
The US Army Air Force excellent P-47D fighter/bomber assembly kit. 1/48 scale, Overall Length: 230mm, Overall Width: 259mm. This is the representation of P-47D early production that was nicknamed "razorback". The massive form of the plane, especially its belly and its cowling, has been accurately reproduced. Flaps come as separate parts and can be attached in the up or down position. 3 types of mirrors, gun sights and propellers are provided. Engine cowling flaps and the intercooler air outlets on each side of the fuselage can be represented in the opened or closed position. 500 pounds bombs, rocket launchers and 2 types of drop tanks are part of the kit. A pilot figure and decals for two different markings are included.
P-47D Razorback: the early Thunderbolt
The razorback Thunderbolt carries the outline of the P-47’s first years in combat: a framed canopy and a high ridge of fuselage behind the pilot. The nickname describes that ridge, rather than a separate official model designation. Early P-47Ds kept it; later D-series aircraft adopted the lowered spine and bubble canopy. Tamiya’s kit therefore captures an important stage within the long development of the same fighter.
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The P-47 entered combat over Western Europe in April 1943. Its powerful air-cooled radial engine, sturdy construction and eight .50-calibre machine guns made it a hard-hitting aircraft that could survive considerable damage. The large fuselage accommodated the turbo-supercharger and its ducting, supporting high-altitude performance. Those qualities gave the Thunderbolt two demanding jobs: protecting bombers above Europe and attacking targets close to the ground.
Both included marking options place this razorback in the 56th Fighter Group at Halesworth in March 1944. Frank Klibbe’s Little Chief uses a red cowling ring and rudder with Olive Drab and Neutral Gray camouflage. Walker Mahurin’s aircraft wears the same basic camouflage with white identification markings. The similar base colours make a useful comparison: nose art, unit codes and carefully placed identification paint distinguish two individual wartime aircraft.
Sources and accuracy
Tamiya 61086 instructions; USAF Museum: razorback Thunderbolt; Smithsonian: Thunderbolt design
Kit Instruction Colors
These are the kit manufacturer’s paint recommendations. Follow the exact instruction diagrams for placement, marking choices and mixes. They are separate from the historical palettes below.
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The manual palette covers both marking options, the pilot and external stores. XF-62/XF-53 are the listed bottle alternatives to AS-6/AS-7; X-18 is the alternative to TS-29. Those duplicate sprays start unchecked. TS-27 white identification bands for scheme B also start unchecked. Review the chosen marking option and the manual's mixing instructions before adding paints. Supplies are optional and start unchecked. X-20A thinner is for Tamiya X/XF acrylic bottles, not the AS/TS sprays.
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Historical Paint Schemes
Choose a documented aircraft or vehicle finish, then a paint system. These researched alternatives are separate from the instruction list above.
Each pack is its own shopping list. Choose one paint system; selections stay separate. Out-of-stock items remain visible but cannot be added. There is no bundle discount.
Exterior scheme colors only. Check the diagrams for pattern and placement. Interior, crew, small details and decals are not included unless a pack explicitly says so. Model paints are manufacturer-intended reproductions or labeled approximations, not independently measured exact historical matches.
Sources and accuracy
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Choose glue for the material and thinner for the paint range. A shared base type alone does not guarantee different brands can be mixed together.