1:48 A-10C “THUNDERBOLT” II

A-10C Thunderbolt II (1:48, Hobby Boss)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the American Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft in 1:48 scale from Hobby Boss. The box offers over two hundred parts, a detailed cockpit matching the upgraded C version and a wide choice of external stores. Several marking options let you build either a colorful or a standard aircraft.

The real subject

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Warthog, is a single-seat twin-engine attack aircraft built above all for close air support of ground forces and for destroying armor. A titanium bathtub protects the pilot and the whole airframe is built around the seven-barrel GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon. The A-10C version is a deep upgrade with a digital cockpit, new avionics and the ability to carry precision-guided munitions. Power comes from two turbofan engines mounted high on the sides of the rear fuselage.

Building and painting tips

Finish and paint the cockpit first; the digital panels of the C version come out well with decals or light dry-brushing. Decide on the external stores in advance — fit the pylons and racks according to the scheme you choose. Glue the plastic with a thin plastic cement and sand the fuselage joints. Apply the gray camouflage with an airbrush starting from the darker shades; finally bring out the recesses with a wash and suggest the gun gas staining behind the cannon with a dark pigment.

Who the model is for

• For enthusiasts of modern American attack and ground-attack aircraft.
• For modelers who want the larger 1:48 scale with a rich load of stores.
• For builders interested in the upgraded A-10C version with its digital cockpit.
• For the moderately advanced — because of the parts count and the preparation of the stores.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.