February 05, 2026

Preview: MiniArt's 48th scale P-47M Thunderbolt "Basic Kit" in CAD, features & art...

MiniArt's new 1/48th scale P-47M is with us in box art & CAD form. We look at their second "M" model release, the box art & the markings in real life in our preview...

Preview: MiniArt's 48th scale P-47M Thunderbolt in CAD, features & art...

P-47M Thunderbolt - Dorsal Fin - Basic Kit.
From MiniArt Models
Kit No: 48060
1/48th scale
The kit contains two marking choices in the box.
A full engine & weighted wheels and clear parts are included
The Subject: The P-47M thunderbolt
The Republic P-47M Thunderbolt was an enhanced, high-speed variant of the P-47D, designed for rapid interception and ground attack, featuring a powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 engine with a turbosupercharger for high-altitude performance, a lightweight airframe for better speed, and a revised cowling for improved engine cooling to allow for sustained high-speed operation. This resulted in a very fast, capable fighter that maintained the Thunderbolt's robust build and heavy armament of eight .50-calibre machine guns, along with an increased bomb and rocket load for attacking ground targets.

The P-47M was powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 Double Wasp radial engine, which provided exceptional power at high altitudes due to its advanced turbosupercharger system. This enabled the aircraft to achieve higher speeds and reach higher service ceilings compared to earlier models. The "M" model had an increased altitude, from 24,500 ft to 32,000 ft, and a new propeller gear ratio changing the max RPM to 2800 from 2700, and subsequently a higher military power of 2100 hp. It also had a slightly longer fuselage due to the new propeller hub (but only by a 1/4 inch) and added dive recovery flaps.

The aircraft's airframe was robust, featuring an all-metal, monocoque fuselage designed to withstand significant battle damage. The M model included a revised, lighter airframe and a streamlined cowling to improve cooling and achieve greater speeds. Like other P-47s, the M model carried eight wing-mounted .50-calibre Browning machine guns, offering devastating firepower for both air-to-air combat and ground attacks.

This P-47M, coded “UN-Z”, was the personal aircraft of Major George E. Bostwick. P-47M "HV-M" was flown by Capt. Boleslaw Gladych of the 56th FG is the other marking choice in this kit. 
The P-47M was exclusively operated by the 56th Fighter Group of the US Eighth Air Force, known as the "Wolfpack".  The Wolfpack’s three squadrons completed conversion to the P-47M by March 1944, each with a unique camouflage scheme: dark black wingtops for the 61st, a green/grey disruptive pattern for the 62nd, and a striking blue/teal pattern for the 63rd. All three squadrons were based in Boxted, England.

A close-up of Bostwick with his personal mount showing kill markings to good effect.

The kit: MiniArt's 48th scale P-47M Thunderbolt Advanced Kit
This "Basic Kit" version of the Republic P-47M Thunderbolt (with a dorsal fin included, of course). We have some images of the sprue layout and the markings & decal choices in this kit.

- The flying surfaces on the kit can be posed. 
- The other large attention grabber is the R-2800 engine. This can be shown with cowlings on or off. 
- The cockpit, of course, is another focus point of this kit. 
- The plain hub, six- and eight-spoked wheels with diamond and regular cross-patterned tread. Great options. The weighted tailwheel is a feature of this and the basic kit.
- 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 200-gallon flat and 150-gallon P-38-style external fuel tanks


Marking choices:
There are two marking choices in this kit, both from the famous 56th FG. We have seen both earlier up above in this preview...
The decals represent UN-Z & HV-M and the national markings. The warning stencils, instrument panel and kill markings are all included in the comprehensive decal sheet.
This kit should be available soon (not sure when) next month from MiniArt's distributors worldwide. You can see more about this kit on the MiniArt website...