February 27, 2026

Sprues, colours & markings of MiniArt's new 48th-scale P-47D-22RE Thunderbolt French Service. Basic Kit...

The second French jug kit from MiniArt in 48th scale. We see the sprue layout, colours, profiles, decals & the real kites of this latest release in our preview...


Sprues, colours & markings of MiniArt's new 48th-scale P-47D-22RE Thunderbolt French Service. Basic Kit...

P-47D-22RE Thunderbolt French Service
From MiniArt Models
1/48th scale
Kit No: 48047
The kit contains two marking choices in the box.
Clear parts, full engine & weighted wheels are included
The Subject: The "Razorback" Thunderbolt in French Service
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, specifically the early "Razorback" variants with their distinctive high-spine cockpits, became a cornerstone of the Free French Air Force (Forces Aériennes Françaises Libres) during the latter stages of World War II. Receiving primarily P-47D-25 and earlier models under Lend-Lease, French pilots quickly adapted to the heavy fighter, finding its robustness and 8x. 50-calibre firepower is ideal for tactical ground support. These aircraft, often sporting the recognisable French tricolour markings, were utilised to support the liberation of France and the subsequent invasion of Germany. 

The cover girl of this boxing (as are the others shown also from the marking choices of this kit.) The Republic P-47D-22RE s/n 42-26157 (63) Thunderbolt of fighter group II/3 "Dauphiné" which sports 51 war missions.
Operating in high-tempo combat environments, the Razorback Thunderbolts in French service were particularly effective as fighter-bombers. French pilots utilised the "Jug" to devastate German transport, armoured vehicles, and infrastructure, utilising its ability to carry a heavy load of bombs and rockets. The early "razorback" canopy provided limited rear visibility compared to later "bubbletop" versions, but the aircraft's exceptional high-altitude performance and rugged armour meant it could survive intense ground fire and dogfights. 

The other example captured in this boxing is French P-47D 42-25829 from GC II/5 and 57th Fighter Group #18, Corsica Amendola AB.
Following the liberation of France, these P-47s served in several units, including the Groupe de Chasse 1/5 (GC 1/5) "Champagne", which flew P-47s extensively in the Mediterranean and over the German border. The Razorback Thunderbolt remained in service with the French Air Force until the post-war period, proving to be a highly versatile, dependable, and potent weapon, contributing significantly to the Allied victory in Western Europe. 

Another shot of our box art example showing bombing markings on the nose.


The Kit:
There are twenty-one sprues in this basic kit. We notice that there is the corrugated floor and the earlier filling parts for the underwing (where the latter model's airbrakes go). This kit has all the stores & weapons that the other kits have.

The sprues of the kit:
The two fuselage halves in the iconic razorback shape, the wings (basic kit without gun bays) and the posable flying surfaces are the three main points of the largest sprues.
Droptanks and bombs of all the common P-47 types are included.
The corrugated floor, landing gear light and Razorback cockpit features, including the transparent Razorback parts, are included on these four sprues.
Three different types of main wheel spokes and flattened main wheels are provided. The engine parts and the rest of the landing gear and smaller parts of the kit are here as well, and two types of propeller are all here in this group of sprues.

Markings:
There are two colourful and well-known versions of Thunderbolt from the Free French Air Forces in this boxing. They are:
Fill stencils; internal dials for the IP & individual & national deals are provided for this kit.

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