Introduction
Both
these kits were started a few months before the release of the little Tamiya
wonders. No discussing here, Tamiya did a wonderful job on their Thunderbolts
and they outdate older kits.
Still,
with some work the Academy and Hasegawa models of the P47D can be built as nice
models.
Construction
Both
kits are quite similar in construction. Once again, it seems that the Academy
engineers derived their Thunderbolts (Razorback and Bubble Top) from the older
Hasegawa mouldings, revamping panel lines (although already recessed on the
original Hasegawa kits) and adding details (cockpit and wheel wells come to
mind).
Click on
images below to see larger images
|
|
|
|
In
spite of the improved details on the Academy model, I altered virtually the same
parts on both projects:
-
Both
my models received a resin cockpit. Academy's cockpit could have been used
but the Hasegawa parts are completely unacceptable
-
Engines
were detailed using stretched plastic sprue
-
Identification
lights were built into wing tip
-
Replacing
gun tubes on wing leading edge, one reason being that the best way to
reproduce tubes is using ... tubes. The other reason is that gun tubes
position needed to be modified on both kits to the correct parallel to
ground arrangement as on actual P47s.
-
Shortening
and detailing of main wheel gears
The
Hasegawa Bubble Top received a special treatment in the form of resin wheel
wells. Hasegawa just left bare holes on their kit there. This is totally out of
current standards. Although beautifully cast, the resin wheel wells were a pain
to install - a lot of wing thinning, plastic scratching and sanding was needed.
Nonetheless the end result is well worth it.
The
Academy Razorback further benefited from Revell parts : the tail wheel
arrangement complete with doors and main wheels are of Revell origin. This is
because I changed my mind about Revell Thunderbolts after seeing one built :
they are wonderfully engineered but I dislike their fuselages, which I believe
are too deep and too narrow.
Painting
and decaling
Bubble
Top : Xtracolor or Humbrol silver using different hues to give a panelling
effect. Engine lip and tail band are painted red. Decals come from a Superscale
sheet.
Razorback
: I used the beautiful Aztec Pin up decal sheet. When I received it I found
it was so beautiful that I felt the urge to use it on a model. I simply don’t
know how they manage to produce these tiny nose arts but that’s virtually
photography. This model was painted with Gunze acrylic paints overall. I first
painted the blue engine lip, then my white bands over stabilators and fin. Then
these paints patches were masked over and full US Olive drab and medium grey
camo was painted. I added a degree of weathering using altered (either darkened
or lightened) versions of the basic colours in spots over the airframe.
Click on
images below to see larger images
|
|
|
I
was very satisfied with both my models. With work, these now outdated kits can
be turned into nice replicas. Now, considering the cost of extra parts and work
I am not that sure that I will ever build the two Academy and two Hasegawa
models that I still have in boxes. It might well be time for me to turn to my
recently acquired Tamiya models.
Eric
Click on
images below to see larger images
|
|
|
|