MiniArt 48th Scale “Big Set”, a preview of The Modelling News

Preview: MiniArt’s 48th scale “Big Set” – P-47D w/base, tools & oil drums

to create an airfield diorama in a box…Thunderbolt P-47D Bubbletop w/Base & Accessories. We look at the real thing & the kit contents in our preview…

Preview: MiniArt’s 48th scale “Big Set” – P-47D w/base, tools & oil drums

to create an airfield diorama in a box…Models

Thunderbolt P-47D Bubbletop w/Base & Accessories. Big Set

From MiniArt

Kit No #49018

1/48th scale

Injection moulded kit

This kit contains two flat base parts in hard, moulded plastic & 8 oil drums & augurs, tools plus decals & photo-etch parts.

Three marking choices from the USAAF & Brazilian Air Force.

The Subject: WWII airfields with Marston Matting.

Pierced (or perforated) steel planking (PSP), is standardized, perforated steel matting material developed by the United States at the Waterways Experiment Station shortly before World War II, primarily for the rapid construction of temporary runways and landing strips (also misspelled as Marsden matting which is what I always thought it was called). The nickname came from Marston, North Carolina, adjacent to Camp Mackall airfield where the material was first used.

Assembling Marston matting in Alaska

The matting consisted of steel strips with punched lightening holes in it. The holes formed rows and were separated by U-shaped channels. Slots and hooks were made along each long edge to allow mats adjacent to be joined. To achieve interlocking along the length, mats were laid in a staggered pattern. To achieve lengthwise interlocking, the mats were laid in a staggered pattern.

P-47D of the 404th Fighter Squadron, 371st FG

The hooks were usually held in the slots by a steel clip that filled the part of the slot that is empty when the adjacent sheets are properly engaged. To stiffen the surrounding area, the holes’ edges were bent. Some mats had T-shaped stakes driven through holes at regular intervals to hold the assembled assembly on the ground. Sometimes the sheets were welded together.

P-47 Thunderbolt of the 404th Fighter Squadron in France during WWII

Used for large add-hoc bases and taxiways / runways right up until after WWII, Marston matting can be found in many different paces all around the world. Many places are still in use and have not rusted yet. The plastic parts for the P-47 – the cured fuselage sides are split vertically.

The plastic parts for the P-47 – the cured fuselage sides are split vertically.

Markings:

There are three marking choices in this kit, with USAAF fighters from Italy & the CBI, as well as a Brazilian aircraft, also from the Italian theatre.

Decals:

MiniArt have produced two decal sheets for this kit, with individual and stencil markings that fit the three aircraft.

Photo-etch for the engine, pilot’s harness and bombs are included.

The oil drums: A great to compliment a lot of other MiniArt scenery like cables, plastic & metal barrels, & oil drums and tools to effect repairs and maintenance. There are two sprues of barrels which make twelve 200L oil drums plus the augers that go with them to extract the fuel.

The Marston matting:
MiniArt’s new method of making solid (not vac-formed) bases for their dioramas continues with this Marston matting section. This kit measures 315 mm by 227 mm. This kit is available in more detail at