TAM61086 1/48 REPUBLIC P-47D THUNDERBOLT 'RAZORBA

About this item

It’s a Bird! ...It’s a Plane! ….It’s a Razorback? In 1943, the 8th Air Force was launching raids on Germany with its B-17 and B-24 from England. The aim was to destroy German main production factories. Unfortunately, losses during theses missions were very heavy and it became urgent to develop a fighter able to escort the bombers over enemy soil. The limited range of both the Spitfire and P-38 Lightning meant that they literally stopped at Paris. This was not a good thing, because the bombers were now alone to fend for themselves. With the development of the P-47, this problem was overcome. The P-47 was the first single-seated fighter to be equipped with a supercharger, allowing it to fly at the same high altitude as the bombers. The aircraft was armed with eight 12.7mm machineguns that proved very useful in the intense fighting that occurred in the European skies. Equipped with drop tanks for longer range, the P-47D was now able to escort the bombers all the way to the German border, now this is a good thing!. The Thunderbolt also allowed many Allied pilots to become Aces; good pilot + good plane = ground munching Luftwaffe. Bomber crews plagued day after day by intensive German interceptions, would remark that the presence of the P-47 was a bacon saver. This fighter is historically important, not only for it’s military purposes, but also because it was manufactured in huge quantities. 15683 units rolled of assembly lines before the war’s end, that’s an impressive thing! The P-47 fought alongside the P-51 Mustang (Items 61040, 61042) and was very effective against Axis fighters. Tamiya has just formally announced that the 1/48 Scale Republic P-47D Thunderbolt “Razorback” (#61086) should be available around Christmas time! The P-47D early production was nicknamed the “Razorback” because of the shape of the upper section of the fuselage just behind the cockpit. Tamiya has paid very close attention to the original aircraft while developing their model (what else is new). For example, the wings have been divided the same way as the original and beams aid in their assembly. This results in proper dihedral, which is the angle of the wings in relation to the fuselage. The wing flaps, cowl and inter-cooling flaps can all be individually adjusted into either the open or closed position. This is one of the few kits that allows the modeller to express some individuality. Tamiya has included all of the following extra parts: -two 108 gallon drop tanks -one 160 gallon flat-type drop tank -two 500 pound bombs -two 4.5 in.M10 rocket launchers -three different propellers, 2 Curtis, and one Hamilton. -three different gun sights and mirrors -two types of markings for the planes of the 56th Fighter Group. Tamiya item number 61086.