May 27, 2025

MiniArt's new 48th scale P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt "Razorback" "Basic kit"

We have art, features, CADs + photos of the two aircraft featured in this new boxing of MiniArt's 1/48th scale P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt "Razorback" "Basic Kit." Check them out in our preview...


MiniArt's new 48th scale P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt "Razorback" "Basic kit"

P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt "Razorback" "Basic kit"
From MiniArt Models
Kit No: 48037
1/48th scale
The kit contains two marking choices in the box.
Clear parts, full engine and weighted wheels are included
The Subject: P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt "Razorback"
The P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt, often referred to as the "Razorback" due to its distinctive high-backed fuselage, was a formidable fighter-bomber developed by Republic Aviation during World War II. Primarily employed by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), the aircraft was renowned for its rugged construction, heavy firepower, and versatility in both air combat and ground attack roles. Armed with eight .50-calibre machine guns and capable of carrying bombs and rockets, the P-47D-11RE proved invaluable in escorting bombers over Europe and conducting devastating ground strikes against enemy infrastructure and armoured formations.

Some photos below of aircraft from the same group as the ones in this boxing. Included as one of the choices in this boxing, this P-47D11-RE of the 379th FS, 362nd FG in the 9th AAF is seen with early-type drop tanks to extend the Jug's range. 
As aerial combat evolved, the P-47D-11RE underwent significant modifications to enhance its performance and survivability. The aircraft's Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine delivered up to 2,000 horsepower. The P-47-11-RE's designers added an automatic water injection procedure in place of the manual control of the previous blocks. provided exceptional speed, especially at altitude, allowing it to effectively engage enemy aircraft and evade interception. However, pilot visibility remained a concern with the Razorback configuration in this model, later addressed in subsequent models with the bubble canopy. About 400 of this type were made at Farmingdale.

You can see pretty much all around this aircraft. SN 42-75587 Code "B8-V." Both this Jug and her pilot, Joe Jensen, were sadly lost on June 7th, 1944.
Taken while in formation with a B-24 armed with a photographer. Jensen's P-47D-11-RE is one of the best-documented P-47s in the European Theatre. You can see better from the underside the 108-gallon pressed paper tanks, the wavy demarcation between the olive drab and neutral gray, the tape on the leaky fuselage tanks, the national insignia below both wings.
The Thunderbolt was particularly well-regarded for its ability to withstand extensive battle damage and remain operational. Its robust airframe, combined with self-sealing fuel tanks, made it one of the most survivable aircraft of the war. Pilots often praised its ability to absorb hits from enemy fire and still return safely to base. Despite its relatively heavy weight compared to other fighters of the era, the P-47D-11RE was capable of impressive diving speed, a characteristic that pilots frequently exploited in combat. Its performance at high altitude also made it an excellent escort fighter, capable of engaging German Fw 190s and Bf 109s in European skies.

Another of the kit boxing P-47D-11-RE aircraft was the aircraft in the image, marked as "LM-K," which was Captain Michael Quirk's aircraft from the 62nd FS, 56th FG based at Halesworth in February 1944
The P-47D-11RE played a pivotal role in shaping air operations, especially in the European and Pacific theatres. It was widely used in ground attack missions, providing close air support for advancing Allied forces. Its ability to deliver a high payload of bombs and rockets allowed it to effectively cripple enemy supply lines, infrastructure, and troop concentrations. As one of the most prolific American fighter-bombers, the Thunderbolt laid the groundwork for future ground-attack aircraft, cementing its legacy as a workhorse of World War II aviation.

The kit: 1/48th scale P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt "Razorback" "Basic Kit" from MiniArt Models.
Another in their series of "Basic," this version of the Republic P-47D-11 RE Thunderbolt features two aircraft from the European Theatre of Operations in mid-WWII.

The razorback-sharp-looking spine is synonymous with these early Thunderbolts; this one will please plenty of modellers looking for those earlier lines.
Wheels can be posed retracted or extended.
- The other large attention grabber is the R-2800 engine. This can be shown with cowlings on or off. The engine also comes with a wiring harness and photo-etched parts around the firewall.
- The P-47D-25RE could carry a 2,500 lb. bomb load, and this one is supplied with 50, 100, 250 & 500lb bombs and smoke dischargers. Photo-etch is supplied for the fins of these.
- The 108-gallon paper, the 200-gallon flat and 150-gallon P-38-style external fuel tanks are included

Some views of the CADs we have so far.
Marking choices & decals
There are two marking versions on two decal sheets included in the instructions, one with the national markings, nose art & serial numbers. The markings for the propellers & the instrument panel are included along with some serials. The second decal sheet is mostly concerned with stencils that cover the aircraft.

That is all we know about this kit so far. More to follow on colours, sprues, & other info. See more about all of MiniArt's kits on their website...