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MiniArt’s 48th scale P47D-28 from the Pacific Theatre.

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Haluk Cetin

On July 31, 2024

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Our preview is well worth a look…

MiniArt’s new 48th scale P-47D-28-RE from the Pacific Theatre

P-47D-28 RA Thunderbolt Pacific Theatre of Operations Basic kit

From MiniArt

Kit No: 48022Models

1/48th scale

The box contains three marking choices.

The subject of this model is P-47D-28-RA, Thunderbolt Well worth a look in our preview…

MiniArt’s new 48th scale P-47D-28-RE from the Pacific Theatre

P-47D-28 RA Thunderbolt Pacific Theatre of Operations “Basic kit”

From MiniArt

Kit No: 48022

1/48th scale

The kit contains three marking choices in the box.

Clear parts, full engine & weighted wheels are included

The Subject: P-47D-28-RA, Thunderbolt in the Pacific Theatre of Operations.

These were built by the by Republic plant at Evansville, Indiana, USA. The Evansville D-28-RE is the closest equivalent to the P-47D-28-RA, which was built in 1,028 units. These three Thunderbolts were based at the Phillipines during 1945. The P-47D-28-RA is a P-47D-28-RA from the 35th Fighter Group, 40th FS. It has a white wing with red and white stripes. This was a common P-47D-28-RA in the Pacific theatre. The P-47 Thunderbolt was faced with challenges on the Pacific theatre. The P-47 Thunderbolt excelled at high altitudes which suited European bomber missions but not the lower altitudes typical of Japanese combat. This boxing features the P-47D-28-RE from the 310th Fighter Squadron, 58th Fighter Group of the 5th Air Force in the Phillipines. Luzon. 1945. This is the SECOND P-47D to wear this cowl with the artwork of “Passionate Patsy” after it was removed from a razorback & put on this 28-RA bubbletop.

A close up of the artwork of “Passionate Patsy”..

Kenneth A. Cox is pictured in front of this P-47 Thunderbolt. He was a pilot that served with the 494th Bomb Group 867th Bomb Squadron, but he also served in Saipan.

Another choice in this kit – this P-47D-28-RE from the 40th Fighter Squdron, 35th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, Phillipines, Luzon, 1945.

Despite the problems, George C. Kenney was the commander of Fifth Air Force, Southwest Pacific. He wanted to buy as many planes as possible. The Lockheed P-38 Lightning, popular with American pilots throughout the Pacific but not available in enough numbers, was also a disappointment. The early Allison-powered P-51A Mustangs also fell short.

This P-47D-28-RA shows the beginning of the phasing out of the wite tail marking as the group moved to the Phillipines

To capitalize on the P-47’s strengths, pilots adopted specific tactics. P-47s would climb to high altitudes after takeoff before heading towards their target, which was often Japanese bases. Once they reached the area of attack, P-47s executed high speed dives to launch their attacks. The southwest Pacific proved to be a successful area for this approach. It was similar to the British tactics used during the Battle of Britain. Between August and December of 1943, the 348th Fighter Group scored over 150 victories with just 8 losses. Major Richard I. Bong, a P-38 pilot, became the highest-scoring American P-47 ace in the Southwest Pacific, achieving 22 confirmed kills.

Another choice from this kit is this P-47D-28-RA from the 58th Fighter group. This is sat next to a Mexican piloted fighter from the 201st within the group with it’s red, white and green vertical tail stripes.Despite its limitations at low levels, the P-47 remained a formidable aircraft. The P-47 was gradually phased out in favor of other aircraft, such as the Merlin-powered P51D Mustang. However, its legacy as a versatile fighter and bomber endured. By 1945, the P-47 was gradually phased out in favor of other aircraft, such as the Merlin-powered P-51D Mustang, but its legacy as a versatile fighter-bomber endured.ModelsA colour photo of the P-47 58th FG 310th Fighter Squadron boneyard Clark field, in the Philippines in 1945.

The kit: 1/48th scale P-47D-28 RA Thunderbolt Pacific Theatre of Operations “Basic kit” f

rom MiniArt

Another in their series of “Basic Kits” – this version of the Republic P-47D-28 RE Thunderbolt features three aircraft from the pacific Theatre of operations, namely in the Philipines in 1945.

This kit features all of the mid P-47D 28-RA touches, corrugated floor, landing light instead of dive brakes and non-filleted tail. The sprues are below…Marking choices

There are three marking versions included in the instructions:P-47D-28-RE:

40th Fighter Squdron, 35th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, Phillipines, Luzon, 1945. This aircrat is seen parked up just before the group’s move to the Philipines, The red tail stripes sit on the all-white tailwhich was mandated for use in the South West Pacific Theatre.P-47D-28-RE: