June 27, 2025

MiniArt's new 48th scale P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt. Zemke’s Wolfpack Advanced Kit

We have art, features & CADs featured in this new boxing of MiniArt's 1/48th scale P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt "Zemke’s Wolfpack Advanced Kit." Check them out in our preview...

MiniArt's new 48th scale P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt. Zemke’s Wolfpack Advanced Kit

P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt. Zemke’s Wolfpack Advanced Kit
From MiniArt Models
Kit No: 48034
1/48th scale
The kit contains three 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.
Ground personnel of the 56th FG extinguishing a burning P-47 HV-V 42-26300 “Pengie III” – Boxted, July 1944
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. 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.

P-47D serial 42-26044 “Silver Lady” HV-Z of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th FG. Thunderbolt flown by Maj Leslie Smith
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.

2nd Lt. Eugene J. Timony of the 63rd FS, 56th FG. This photo shows the sharp lines of the early Razorbacks.
The 56th FG's early Thunderbolts
The 56th Fighter Group was one of three P-47 Thunderbolt units stationed in England during World War II, and notably, the only one with prior experience flying the aircraft. The 4th Fighter Group, based at RAF Debden, had been formed in September of the previous year by integrating the seasoned RAF Eagle Squadrons into the USAAF. Meanwhile, the 78th Fighter Group, newly arrived at RAF Goxhill, had previously operated P-38 Lightnings. This made the 56th unique among the three, as it was the only group with confidence in the Thunderbolt, despite the aircraft’s early technical challenges.

56th FG pilots Mahurin, Zemke and Johnson
These challenges included compressibility issues during high-speed dives, a poor rate of climb and sluggish acceleration, and frequent engine seizures caused by oil counterbalance seal failures. Additional problems involved faulty ignition systems, radio interference, and a persistent shortage of spare parts. Despite these setbacks, the 56th’s familiarity with the P-47 gave it a tactical edge during its initial deployment.

42-75185 P-47D Thunderbolt 56FG63FS UNX Princess Pat Lt. Charles W. Reed
After three months of acclimating to new equipment, resolving performance issues, and training in British aerial tactics under the VIII Fighter Command, the group relocated to RAF Horsham St. Faith on 6 April 1943. This base, a pre-war permanent RAF station, became the new operational hub for the 56th. Ground support was provided by the 33d Service Group, led by Lt. Col. Douglas Pollard, along with the 41st Service Squadron.

P-47 Thunderbolt nose art “George” of the 56th Fighter Group
The group’s three squadrons—the 61st, 62nd, and 63rd Fighter Squadrons—initially flew P-47C models (blocks 2 and 5) from February to April 1943. They transitioned to P-47D variants (blocks 1 through 30) from June 1943 to March 1945 and finally to P-47Ms from January to October 1945. All 130 P-47M aircraft served exclusively with the 56th before the group redeployed from the United Kingdom.

P-47 Thunderbolt 42-26293 “Belle of Belmont” of the 56th Fighter Group – color photo
To reduce the risk of friendly fire, the P-47’s distinctive radial engine, which resembled the German Fw 190, the VIII Fighter Command implemented several visual identification measures. Starting in March 1943, 24-inch white cowl bands were painted on the noses of all P-47s. Additional markings included white bands on the tail fin and horizontal stabilisers, as well as oversized USAAF roundels on the undersides of both wings. The aircraft were originally finished in factory-applied olive drab with grey undersides, a camouflage scheme that remained standard during the early stages of deployment.

42-75154 P-47D Thunderbolt 56FG61FS HVA Sad Sam Lt. William R. Aggers. 

The kit: 1/48th scale P-47D-11RE Thunderbolt "Zemke’s Wolfpack Advanced Kitt" from MiniArt Models.
Another in their series of "Advanced" kits, this version of the Republic P-47D-11 RE Thunderbolt features three aircraft from the 56th Fighter Group, nicknamed after its C/O, Hub Zemke, the famous “Zemke's Wolfpack."

The razorback-sharp-looking spine is synonymous with these early Thunderbolts; this one will please plenty of modellers looking for those earlier lines.
The advanced kit also has the opened gun bays. with the eight .50 clas and ammo belts inside.
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 & 500 lb. 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. This one shows the photo-etched belts in the detailed cockpit.
Marking choices & decals
There are three 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...