MiniArt P-47D Review & Build Log Part 2: Engine & Wings

Recently named "model kit of the year", MiniArt's P-47D (kit No. 48009) has gotten a lot of press lately. In this review and build log video, we'll take a look at Part 2 of the build log: Building the engine and wings. I'll cover any problem areas to watch out for and my solutions to them. I am concurrently building the Hasegawa P-47D and Academy P-47N so stay tuned for build log updates on those kits as well. What are my initial impressions? Let's find out together!

[@chrispacer4231]

I’ve been watching your THUNDERBOLT SERIES….. Pulled out a MONOGRAM 1/48 THUNDERBOLT Pro-Series kit… I’ve learned a lot from your channel, ALL THE TECHNIQUES… I’ve been really getting into the 1/48 MONOGRAM KITS… Your tutorials / HOW TO, has really inspired me…. Not trying to be a professional, just enjoying building the kits I built in the past, and doing a MUCH BETTER JOB!!!!!!! I like being creative, going to use the BOXART as part of a display, building the MONOGRAM KITS with a little bit more LOOK…… JON, your channel is very INFORMATIVE and ENTERTAINING 😄, it’s a LOT MORE THAN THAT… This OLD DOG is learning new TRICKS , woof… Thanks JON for your hard work and your channel……………….. THUNDERBOLT ON……. CHRIS 🇺🇸

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks, Chris! I appreciate the encouraging feedback. The "how to" videos do seem to get positive feedback, and I'm glad people are finding them helpful. Have a great weekend!

[@SCSuperheavy114]

Hello Jon…another good one. I must say I have watched a slew of build videos over the years but I find these short detailed step by step builds to be some of the best. No distracting background music and droning narrative. You show mistakes one might make and how to overcome them, something many vids don’t even acknowledge. This mini art kit looks to be worth every dime spent. Hat tip to you for these comparison builds on a very popular aircraft. Once again, thanks!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thank you! I appreciate the encouraging feedback. Have a great weekend!

[@jeffsmith6388]

Good morning from Az. Thanks for reviewing such different era kits. It shows me that a nice model can be built from any kit. I've been watching the past video's. I remember as a MUCH younger boy seeing a lot of these kits on the shelve!!! Great subject variety. Some of the subjects, the twin engine Japanese aircraft. Don't see many people doing kit reviews on those kits. Thanks Jon. And Model On!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Hi, Jeff! I really appreciate the feedback. I agree that a decent modeler should be able to turn out most kits well. I love the classic kits as well as the modern ones. With the classics, there's a bit less pressure. Everyone expects the latest kit to be a masterpiece. Cheers!

[@giovannimusacchi2949]

Hi Jon. Thank you for the very useful heads-up in this video.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

You're welcome, Giovanni!

[@c123bthunderpig]

Hey Jon, the surface detail is really quite nice on this one, sounds like the manufacturer had some molding issues but it is a big bird. I always thought they had internal builders to build the model before releasing, odd they would not have wanted to fix those areas of difficulty, . A tough build doesn't get ya return buyers :-) I'm really Anxious to see those other two kits all together. My stash to build ratio just got skewed , I haven't bought Revel kits since my return to the hobby, however, resistance was futile when I found a super great price on the 1/48 JU 52, ( circa 2010). I got it home and said OMG what have I done, its huge. It is really an awesome kit, especially the detailed surface of the corrugated metal, ( which make decals a challenge ), its not parts heavy and even has some parachute troops, like the old Monogram C47. However these three P47 kits also looking very tempting, especially the " N" and are really coming along. Can't wait to see them sided by side. Standing by , Cheers Bob

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks, Bob! I have quite a few of the HUGE kits, including the JU-52. I agree with you, it looks great in the box. I need to review some on the channel and see if there's interest in the larger kits. Cheers!

[@franciscovenegas1810]

Hello Jon, excellent video, very well explained and the parts to take into account when assembling the kit, the detail is something that encourages patience when assembling to obtain the desired result. Thanks to your videos I was motivated to assemble the P47 D Hasegawa, so far everything is excellent, even with the warning in the previous video and putting the engine and its fit in the fuselage, I sanded the entries of both the firewall and the support of the air inlet, it fit perfectly, now I am in the dilemma of painting the Hasegawa version or the real one, which is very different from the P47D L3O. Greetings friend and look forward to the following videos, always helping to improve.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Hi Francisco, thank you! I'm glad the Hasegawa is turning out well for you. You'll have to send me a picture when you're done. Cheers!

[@franciscovenegas1810]

@@jonsmodelkitreview4624 Hello Jon, surely yes, I still owe you the ones for the focke wukl 190 d 9 Eduard, if you can give me your email, I will send the photos, greetings friend

[@stevecausey545]

Another great video. Thank you Jon. Icm does have some incredibly tiny parts..but hey, you wanted those tacometer generators on your engine...lol Thanks Jon!

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

Thanks, Steve! In my view, it's a real balancing act for manufacturers. There are those who demand extra detail at the expense of buildability. I love the crisp external detail and nice decals, but don't mind some simplification in unseen areas to keep the parts count and cost lower. A lower parts count also helps with the tolerance stacking that causes fit problems on so many kits these days. Ease of construction is a plus in my book. Cheers!

[@wrathofatlantis2316]

It is a superior kit to the many inaccuracies of the Tamiya, but you are the first to correctly point out the very approximate fit of the flaps in the up position. The one inescapable downside of this kit is the kit propeller is off 8 inches in diameter, and has a way too small hub: The Hamilton is basically unusable, and it is the only one offered... The Tamiya prop substitutes nicely, unless the advanced boxing has more accurate Curtis prop options.

[@jonsmodelkitreview4624]

I'll have to look into the prop more. Thanks for the heads-up 👍🏻! Cheers!