August 05, 2026

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

The Advanced kit version of MiniArt's new 1/48th scale P-47M includes the dorsal fin, & it is with us in box art, CADs & features in our preview...


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

P-47M Thunderbolt - Dorsal Fin - Advanced kit.
From MiniArt Models
Kit No: 48042
1/48th scale
The kit contains three 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 box-art subject and one of th emarking choices here is "The Brat": UN-N P-47M flown by Lieutenant Randall Patrick "Pat" Murphy of the 63rd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, stationed in Boxted, England, in 1945.
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. 

This P-47M, aldo from the 56th, was this kite, coded “UN-Z”, the personal aircraft of Major George E. Bostwick.
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.

 P-47M "HV-M" was flown by Capt. Boleslaw Gladych of the 56th FG. A close-up of Bostwick with his personal mount showing kill markings to good effect.
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.

The kit: MiniArt's 48th scale P-47M Thunderbolt Advanced Kit
"Advanced Kit" version of the Republic P-47M Thunderbolt. We have some CADs that show the differences between the kits and the upgrades (or more extra work – your choice) in the new version. 
Of course wheels up or down is one option with the kit...
First up, we see that this advanced kit is stacked with .50 cals, ammo in the advanced option, with opened or closed gun bays. One or both sides can be opened up.
The detailed gear wells are a feature of this kit.
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. You can display this without the photo-etch if you want.
The cockpit, of course, is another focus point of this kit. The photo-etched harness, gunsight and detail behind the IP are enhanced in thinner material. A view of the cockpit closed up with the PE harness...
The wings, shown here with gun bays open – a feature of the advanced kit – or closed, your choice.The flying surfaces on the kit can also be posed. The flaps are down in the option below here.
Similar to the basic kit, the plain hub and 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-47M 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. Thekit also featuress 200-gallon flat and 150-gallon P-38-style external fuel tanks.

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...