1:48 P-47D-20

Photo-etched accessories for the P-47D-20, 1:48 scale

A photo-etched set for the model of the American P-47D Thunderbolt fighter in the D-20 production block, 1:48 scale. It is not a kit but an accessory for one. Thin metal sheet carries details that in injection-molded plastic would have to be far thicker for technological reasons.

The real subject

The Thunderbolt was among the largest and heaviest single-engined fighters of its day. Its rugged structure and eight 12.7 mm wing machine guns made it a machine that could deal with ground targets as well as with opponents in the air, and above all one that could take a hit and bring its pilot home. The D-20 designation belongs to a particular production block of the D version, whose details differ from the neighboring blocks in small ways.

Building and painting tips

• Cut the features from the carrier fret with a sharp blade on a hard surface, not by breaking them out.
• Sand the remains of the cut so that the part seats over its whole face.
• Make the bends with a bending tool or with flat-jawed tweezers across the whole width of the part.
• Degrease the metal before gluing and painting, otherwise neither the joint nor the paint will hold.
• They are bonded with super glue applied in a minimal amount with the tip of a toothpick.

Who the set is for

For builders of American fighters in 1:48 scale for whom the contents of the box are not enough in detail. The parts are small and working with them calls for tweezers, a sharp blade and a calm hand. The extent of the set and the assignment of the individual parts are given by the manufacturer in the enclosed instructions, so lay them dry in place before gluing and compare them with the plastic.

The package contains photo-etched parts only. The model, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.