ProModeler 1/48 P-47N Thunderbolt, previewed by Scott Van Aken

ProModeler 1/48 P-47N Thunderbolt

KIT #:	5929
PRICE:	$18.99 when new
DECALS:	Two options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	1997 release

The war in the Pacific demanded greater fighter ranges than in Europe. Therefore, the third YP-47M was fitted with a new longer-span wet wing featuring squared-off wingtips as the XP-47N. The USAAF placed an order for 1,900 P-47Ns on June 20, 1944, two days before the prototype was first flown, and many more orders followed, deliveries began in September 1944. 1,816 P-47Ns were built in six production blocks, with orders for an additional 5,934 aircraft being canceled after VJ Day. The final P-47 rolled off the production line in December 1945. Most extant airframes were used by the Air National Guard.

The ProModeler brand was part of Monogram and later Revell-Monogram. The line consisted of new tool kits, reboxings of Hasegawa kits or re-issues of Monogram kits. Many of the releases including things like a photo etch fret, new decals, and, in this case, a jar of aluminum paint (acrylic) and a brush. Undoubtedly the idea was for the builder to use the paint for the overall metal finish of both options.

The kit itself has engraved panel lines and Monogram's usual high quality detailing. The cockpit pieces make into a tub with side panels and a nice pilot figure. This inserts into an already constructed fuselage through the wing opening. The lower wing is a single piece that includes a small portion of the lower fuselage. Holes for rocket stubs or drop tanks will need to be opened if either of those options are used. The main gear legs are molded along with the forward main gear well so there is no adding them later. In addition, the inner main gear door is molded with that section of the gear well. This arrangement was quite common with 1980s Monogram kits.

Then the upper wing halves and the gun inserts were added before the wing assembly was added to the fuselage. This is followed by the stabs and tail gear assembly. Construction then turns to the front where the engine is built up then it and the cowling are attached to the forward fuselage. Outer gear doors and wheels are next followed by the things under wings (which are bombs, drop tanks, or rockets).

To this are added wing tip lenses, landing light, prop, fuselage antennas and finally the cockpit clear bits. The canopy can be posed open or closed as one wishes.

ProModeler instructions were generally excellent and this one is no exception. There are large, well drawn construction steps with lots of photos of the real aircraft and tips scattered throughout. Generic and FS 595 color information is provided. There are two markings options, both from the 318th FG. One is the box art aircraft in the early scheme with areas of blue (which must be painted). The other is the later markings in yellow with large fin/stable stripes in black. The decals are well done and on the model I built many years back, worked just great.

It is interesting that about the same time, Academy also released a 1/48 P-47N. There is much debate as to which is the better kit, but I think that in the end, both have their positive features. Probably no surprise is that there hasn't been another tooling of this variant in this scale as the type doesn't seem to be all that popular. A shame as I enjoyed building the ProModeler kit when I built mine. Here is a photo from that 1998 build.