Tamiya 61090 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt 'Bubbletop' 1/48 Scale Plastic Model Kit

Tamiya ventured into the modeling business in 1948, with a scale wooden ship model kit. Since then, Tamiya has been striving to offer merchandise that can truly be called 'First in Quality Around the World.' Now Tamiya is offering more than 300 different products, both in the fields of precision static models and high performance radio control vehicles. These products are not only sold in Japan but also exported in vast quantities to the United States, Europe, South East Asia, and to many other parts of the world. The standard of excellence achieved by Tamiya is regarded as among the very finest in the world of model hobbies. This finely detailed plastic model kit requires assembly and painting. Item is brand new and in its original factory packaging. Listing images are stock pictures provided by the manufacturer or the distributor. In May 1941, as the war raged in Europe, a single-engine fighter of more than 4 tons made its first flight. This fighter was the XP-47B, prototype of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt of which a total of 15,683 units would be built. Thanks to war experience, this aircraft was equipped with a 2,000hp radial R-2800 engine, a supercharger and eight 12. 7mm machine guns. The XP-47B was to reach 633 km/h and in January 1942, just after the United States went to war, the production of P-47B began. It was followed by the P-47C that incorporated various improvements and, from April 1943, by the P-47D, the most built version. The P-47D was equipped with an R-2800-59 engine, which can develop up to 2,300hp with combat emergency water injection system engaged. The ducts that were passing on the sides and below the cockpit to connect the supercharger placed behind the pilot's seat gave to this plane its massive aspect. Many subtypes of the P-47D, designated D-1 to D-40, were produced but the first versions were called 'Razorback' because of their sharp edge dorsal fin. The D-25 subtype, which was introduced around June 1944, was fitted with an electrically actuated bubble canopy in order to improve pilot visibility and increased capacity fuel tanks. This decision resulted in a completely remodeled plane shape. All subsequent subtypes were also fitted with the bubble canopy and became a characteristic feature of late production Thunderbolts. The P-47 'Bubbletop' proved to be an excellent, well-balanced fighter-bomber. A pilot figure and decals for two different markings are included.