August 11, 2025

MiniArt's new 48th scale P-47D-10RE Thunderbolt P-47D-10-RE Advanced Kit

We have art, features, profiles & CAD sprue layouts of MiniArt's 1/48th scale P-47D-10R-E Thunderbolt. Early jugs in art, colours, layout, features & the real kites in our preview...


MiniArt's new 48th scale P-47D-10RE Thunderbolt P-47D-10-RE Advanced Kit

P-47D-10RE Thunderbolt P-47D-10-RE Thunderbolt - Advanced Kit
From MiniArt Models
Kit No: 48030
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-10-RE Thunderbolt "Razorback"
The P-47D-10RE 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-10RE proved invaluable in escorting bombers over Europe and conducting devastating ground strikes against enemy infrastructure and armoured formations.

The photos in this preview are from the marking choices in this kit. Here Lt. Fred Cristensen's first "Rozzie Geth/ Boche Buster of the 56th FG. "Zemke's Wolfpack" is one of the choices included in this boxing.
As aerial combat evolved, the P-47D-10RE variant continued with modifications to enhance its performance and survivability. The aircraft's Pratt & Whitney R-2800-63 engine delivered up to 2,300 horsepower. The P-47-10-RE's designers added an improved GE C-23 supercharger that 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 250 of this type were made at Farmingdale. 

P-47D-10-RE bird "Hawkeye" was another 56th FG bird. Flown by Lt. Thaddeus S. Busko
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-10-RE 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.

This P-47D-10-RE was from another famous Jug group, the "Debden Eagles." Flown by Maj. Winslow (Waclaw) & M. "Mike" Sobanski. "Mike IV" featured the cartoon character "Typhoon McGoon" on the nose. The lower photo shows ‘Mike’ Sobanski in the cockpit of ‘Mike IV,’ P-47D-10-RE #42-75120, coded QP-F, which dates the image to the winter of 43/44. 
The P-47D-10RE played a pivotal role in shaping air operations, especially in the European and Pacific theatres in the mid-WWII era. After others with longer range were used in escort duties, the Thunderbolt 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 kit: 1/48th scale P-47D-10RE Thunderbolt "Zemke’s Wolfpack Advanced Kit" from MiniArt Models.
Another in their series of "Advanced" kits, this version of the Republic P-47D-10-RE Thunderbolt features three aircraft in the boxing.

-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 cals and ammo belts inside.
Wheels can be posed retracted or extended.
- The other large attention grabber is the R-2800-63 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-10-RE could carry a 2,500 lb. bomb load, and this one is supplied with 50, 100, 250 & 500 lb. bombs and smoke dischargers. 
- The 108-gallon paper, the 200-gallon flat and 150-gallon P-38-style external fuel tanks are included
Clear parts are included of course
- Photo-etch is supplied for the fins and the thinner parts of the kit, including the pilot's harness.

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.
The three marking choices in the kit—we saw these at the start of the article in historical photos.

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...