The All New MiniArt 1/48 P-47D Thunderbolt! Full Build Review

[@kevinkelly6524]

This is the review of this kit I have been waiting for (before I commence mine). Your fear about it looking “amateurish” was unfounded. The tips regards the cowling will be valuable as well. Thanks Robbie!

[@TheModelGuy]

I hope that helps some people out as it’s the only real stumbling block of the kit.

[@vmoney9106]

It looks like an alternate solution to the cowling assembly would be a jig like Eduard uses for the Zero. Great build!

[@TheModelGuy]

It would be, or mold it as a single piece for the basic version

[@georgedesjardins6080]

This old man grew up on Monogram, Aurora, Matchbox,Revell and the sweet smell of Humbrol, then came Hasagawa, Tamyia and Dragon. Enter today with ICM, HKM, MiniArt, Arma and Eduard…Wow, what a wonderful modelling life! Love em all, good and bad but still waiting for that bullseye Sabre kit in 1/48.

[@TheModelGuy]

I think Hasegawa is the only game in town for the Sabre. I have one that’s going to need some love.

[@paulhargreaves1497]

Clear Prop F-86A ?

[@georgedesjardins6080]

@@paulhargreaves1497 on it’s way…we are blessed.

[@darson100]

I'm waiting for mine to arrive at the moment, so I was literally hanging on every word. Superb result by the way.

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks Darson!

[@kiwiruna9077]

Great review Robbie. You can never have enough Thunderbolts (both P47 & A10) or F-4s. I hope that Miniart do the Razorback as IMHO, its the best looking.

[@TheModelGuy]

Im sure they’ll turn it into another StuG line with every variant produced :)

[@cchristner]

Congrats on the most entertaining and informative model review I've seen on YT! Subscribed.

[@allanrichards3752]

I have built a few Miniart trucks and bulldozers and the detail level is really good. I would not say that these kits are for the novice builder but they do offer the more experienced builder with the opportunity to produce a really good model. I think I will give this P47 a go.

[@themajesticmagnificent386]

Just about to buy this kit..So this video will help,big style.!..Thank you and all the best🇬🇧🇺🇸👍

[@TheModelGuy]

@@themajesticmagnificent386 I have their advanced one in the stash too. Fun kit

[@lesthiele4921]

That was absolutely outstanding build of a new kit and from a manufacturer that does not normally do aircraft, Miniart with be a forcr to be reckoned with in the coming years, have a Happy New Year best regards from Australia

[@TheModelGuy]

It’s definitely a good first kit. Hopefully they expand more into the 1/48 warbirds

[@Mors_Inimicis]

I’m about to begin my P47 any day . I’m a big fan of the 56th FG and Dave Schilling was quite a character and great aviator. Thanks for taking the time to point out potential ‘gotchas’ . I’m hoping MiniArt get to the P47M eventually as the 56th had some great unique camo schemes that still cause debate to this day!

[@TheModelGuy]

I'm glad it helped out. I'm not a fan of unboxing or sprue reviews because they tell me nothing about the kit!

[@jonmurphy9424]

I found the best way to deal with the engine and cowling is to glue the four cowling panels together to make a one- piece cowling, then slide the engine in through the back

[@way2sh0rt07grad]

I'm hoping the company is watching these videos and taking notes. Excellent build! Love what you did with the camo.

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks bud. I’m sure they will because they wanted my feedback

[@slslsl76]

Awesome job! Thanks for the info. Now I know what to watch out for when I build mine!

[@TheModelGuy]

You’re welcome!

[@jacksaloman9513]

I had high hopes for this model but certain things I just don't care for. The whole cowling issue, having to install the gun barrels during assembly and the antenna is just asking for them to be knocked off as I have all ready done. While I do like the detail and its a new kit, you still can't go wrong with the Tamiya P-47s. You kits looks great by the way.

[@TheModelGuy]

Thats sort of a choice. Tamiya gives you a simple build with moderate detail. But MiniArt is more difficult with amazing detail. Take your pick really :)

[@wrathofatlantis2316]

​​​@@TheModelGuyThere is no comparison with Tamiya really, as the Tamiya clear parts, on both Razorback and Bubbletop, look like they belong on an egg plane (on the bubbletop the windscreen has completely the wrong slope), and the Tamiya cowling tapers from a 29 to 27 mm width, when it should be 28 mm throughout. Mini Art is correct on the windscreen, sliding portion and fuselage width at 27.9 mm [EDIT: But it narrows to 27 mm at the front panel line of the cowl, which is a bit much, if way better than Tamiya!], with a much thinner prop, with no oversized Hamilton hub like Tamiya. [On second analysis, the gear is 1.5 or 2 mm taller than Tamiya's, and the fork looks timid, resulting in the wheels sticking out inward: I plan to use the Tamiya gear legs, wheels and doors on it. Also I might clean up the wing seam between the 8 guns by adapting the Tamiya gun port inserts... [EDIT: A problem with the Mini Art is the Hamilton prop has too small a hub, and is too great in diameter by 4 mm/8 inches! This means the Tamiya Hamilton is much better and not an option, though the Tamiya blades need thinning, and the hub could be sanded smaller and cut shorter. Also the flaps fit poorly up, and the down option exists only on the Advanced kit, so absolutely get the Advanced kit! Cowling should be assembled on its own, and slid over trimmed engine mounts as a one piece: Don't follow instructions...]

[@danwilliams1686]

On another model channel the builder stated that the upper fuselage panel in front of the windscreen didn't fit well and had steps on either side. Did you encounter any problems fitting this part?

[@wrathofatlantis2316]

@@danwilliams1686 I saw that particular video, and have test fitted the part. Beyond a very slight slicing of a tiny sliver of plastic off the left bottom edge (rather than imprecise sanding on such a small part), I found that the problem of seating this part flush was near insignificant. His problem did serve as a useful warning, but he made a real mountain out of a very small mole hill... I encountered far more difficulty centering the roof of the tail wheel's well cavity, along with the belly part immediately ahead of that. They fit ok, but have no strong locating "tendency" so to speak...

[@TheModelGuy]

@@danwilliams1686 no, it clicked into place on my build.

[@cdpgbc-mw2kz]

Superb build and finish.

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks dude! This build was more focused on the build for the review.

[@richardbreisch8049]

Nice build with good weathering. Love it!

[@TheModelGuy]

Most of the pictures I have of Hairless Joe shows it in relatively good condition.

[@SEMJW]

Impressive model for 1/48. Great to see MiniArt developing aircraft kits. You say your a P-47 fan Robbie. You may find this interesting. After building the 1/32 Trumpeter Razorback and early bubbletop, I challenged myself to enhance/improve the two 1/24 Kinetic P-47 kits. They will be posed in flight so the landing gear will be stowed, not requiring detailing. Cockpit upgrades with Yahoo & Red Fox, Airscale seatbelts, Anyz resin engine parts and Master Model detail sets. The Razorback will be modelled as the rebuilt plane from Aircorps Aviation with the high polished finish before markings were applied. Should be completed by February. The Bubbletop as a factory fresh, bare metal similar to the one posted on my channel. If it turns out well, the 1/32 will be converted into a M with Techmod 32012 decals. Both will have variable speed electric motors to spin the props and pilot figures on custom stainless steel stands. I have just finished modifying a Hobby Boss 1/18 FW190 A5 kit (sprue parts of the Merit toy) and have managed to build it into a model I am happy with. The 1/24 Kinetic kits have more parts but are still basic for the scale. The overall shape is accurate on the FW and P-47s. The recessed surface detail is too deep. Flush rivet depressions would be no deeper than the thickness of a decal in 1/24. I use water base putty to fill. When it dries it shrinks leaving a more in scale flush rivet.

[@TheModelGuy]

I have the Hasegawa 1/32 kit and I prefer the detail to the Trumpeter one. It has the same cowling issues this one does though

[@SEMJW]

I agree. Many Trumpeter kits have weird issues. I know to expect a fight correcting or adding parts with their kits. I am working on a 1/24 Zero, 1/16 Tiger Tank, 1/32 P-38 that have problems making a modeler wonder what Trumpeter was thinking. When I have had enough I switch back to Tamiya. Wonderful job on the video and Miniart kit. @@TheModelGuy

[@TheModelGuy]

@@SEMJW the only trumpeter kits I have in the stash is the 1/32 MiG-29 and 1/35 LAV-III

[@franciscoj.sepulvedal.7975]

Amazing Job! Greetings from Chile 🇨🇱

[@TheModelGuy]

Wow Chile! Thats awesome, thanks for watching

[@pjb5757]

Great aircraft, great model, best wishes to you and yours from NZ.

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks, you too!

[@stuartosborne6263]

Stunning build and some great tips thanks.

[@TheModelGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TheModelGuy]

Hopefully it helps people out

[@MileHighModels]

Nice build, though from you I don't expect much else! Hope to see many more builds next year. I was (and still am) excited for this kit. I love the markings of the 56th FG. I actually ordered some AeroMaster decals to build Tamiya's Thunderbolt, though I may kick myself having seen the future release of "Philadelphia Filly." Love the play on words with that one!

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks Mile High. I wasn’t trying to be too negative on the review. Just honest

[@MileHighModels]

@@TheModelGuy Didn't get much negativity! I thought it was very appropriate based on what you show in the video. The cowling frustrated me through the screen lol.

[@SMAZVidoes]

Great build of the new kit. Having built several Tamiya P-47s I would still prefer the Tamiya option barring the riveting detail.

[@TheModelGuy]

Nothing wrong with it. I’m planning a razorback for early next year

[@wrathofatlantis2316]

@@TheModelGuy There's a lot wrong with both versions of the Tamiya, all of which is fixed by the Mini Art for the Bubbletop, or Dora Wings for the Razorback. Gear looks a bit long on the Mini Art though.

[@pja-ok4714]

@@wrathofatlantis2316 Hi, serious question, you say there is "a lot wrong" with the Tamiya kits. I have built both Razorback and Bubbletop from Tamiya and thought they were awesome and I could not see anything that looked wrong to me or my references. If the MiniArt is much better I will try it out, but I am actually curious about what is wrong with the Tamiya kits. Thanks for the help!

[@wrathofatlantis2316]

@@pja-ok4714 My main gripe has to do with Tamiya clear parts, which are way too tall, by about 2 scale inches in both versions. This affects the Bubbletop in that the inclination of the Tamiya windscreen is completely wrong, being far too upright. This is a major visual feature, and correcting the angle on the Tamiya windscreen has not proved easy, even when ignoring the height difference with the bubble hood... The Razorback is more difficult to describe. The windscreen is too tall because the downward curving lower edge does not "bite" enough into the fuselage. But also, in plan view, the forward center windscreen post does not make a sharp enough "point". The Dora Wings P-47C is exactly what it should look like. Second major problem is the cowling: The real thing is 28.1 mm wide at the front of the cooling flaps, 28 mm at the front panel line. Dora Wings is 27.1 mm rear, 27 mm front, which is wrong, but looks right (almost parallel). Mini-Art is 28.1 mm rear, 27 mm front, but is fixable with a cut and spacer top center. Tamiya is 29 mm rear, 27 mm front: A huge amount of taper. Being myself 2/3rds through the Mini Art, there are some Tamiya parts that should be used: The Tamiya Hamilton prop is thicker but way better in the hub and overall diameter: Mini Art crapped their one and only prop, while the Tamiya has 3-4 good ones... The shortest of 2 Mini Art landing gear options is 2 mm longer than Tamiya, and it still sits the model wrong. Tamiya "sits" right, so I will borrow the gear. Worse: The basic Mini Art kit version has poor flap fit in the closed position, and no lowered flap option to hide it. Absolutely get the Mini Art "advanced kit", which has the entire wing parts needed for lowering the flaps and hide the bad fit. As an expedient, I will use the Tamiya lowered flaps, plus their lowered hinges, on my "basic" Mini Art... Finally, the Mini Art guns are not perfectly parallel to the ground. I adapted the Tamiya wing gun insert to solve this, but be advised the fit is poor and so this solution is not easy. The Dora Wings Razorback is a simple trouble free kit, with a flawless prop, and by far the best P-47 in my opinion, despite the fuselage being 1 mm too narrow. It only needs to bulk up the wheel halves 0.2 or 0.4 mm with a plasticard insert. The other kits have this problem, but no split wheel to make for an easy insert fix... Resin AM wheels is the solution for those.

[@pja-ok4714]

@@wrathofatlantis2316 Thanks for the detailed reply! I had no idea it was so complicated, but now that you mention these things I can see what you mean. I guess the best bet for now is to combine the best parts of both kits. I think its a plan for the way ahead since I want more P-47's, I like them so much. Thanks again, I appreciate it!

[@mariuszkalinowski9765]

Good work 👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks bud!

[@TheCrimsonFckr]

Fan fact: The 56thFG P-47s are often represented with Grey undersides, when in fact they were bare aluminium. A lot of 56th Jugs also had OD/Bare Aluminium schemes. The AK book on the 56th is really worth a buy!

[@TheModelGuy]

The pictures I found of this aircraft were definitely grey.

[@philippabaker1078]

superb!

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks Phil!

[@marvinbanka7592]

Great review. The few issues you had is fine. That's why we are modelers, not assemblers.

[@ΑθανάσιοςΜπεσσας-γ6π]

Great build Robbie. My next project will be the advanced kit from miniart with bare metal camo flown by a Greek-American pilot Phil Savvidis(juicy lucy markings in the cowling),as a tribute to Greeks in allied cockpits. Can you please tell me what dark green interior colours did you use for the cockpit,we all have the problems with the accuracy of the colours that we have to use and i see that in my eyes your paint sellection is the correct one. Thank you brother,keep the fine work🙏

[@jessejones640]

Great build!

[@TheModelGuy]

Thanks Jesse!

[@talgov01]

Gorgeous build. What color did use in the cockpit? It looks SPOT on!

[@TheModelGuy]

That would be Mr Color 309 FS 34079

[@talgov01]

Thank you so much! You nailed it.@@TheModelGuy

[@jrgreiner]

@@TheModelGuy Yup! Thank you for NOT painting it interior green!

[@goforitpainting]

Cool model. 🛩

[@TheModelGuy]

Sure is!

[@jaashin7774]

Superb ! may I know what colour used for upper camoflage ?

[@TheModelGuy]

@@jaashin7774 Mr Color RAF Dark green and ocean grey

[@jaashin7774]

Superb job! I'm trying to make the way you have done. In this regard May i know which colour used for fuselage and camo? Is belly colour same with upper?

[@TheModelGuy]

@@jaashin7774 hi Jaas, I used Mr Color RAF Green, Ocean grey on top and sky grey on the belly.

[@jaashin7774]

Thanks for reply ! Fuel tank also sky grey?

[@dariostabletopminatures]

Looks GOOD!

[@warrenwalker2665]

But your video is flawless, good on ya Mate...

[@TheModelGuy]

Thank you :)

[@charlie418791]

Nice work. Got ya subbed. Model on.👍

[@TheModelGuy]

@@charlie418791 thanks bud!

[@RealMoukeycat]

10:30 I can't find anything on KZbin about "Duke's models". What's the channel called?

[@TheModelGuy]

Doogs Models.

[@patrickhagelstein1810]

Kudos for mentioning Matt! I’m a big fan of his work and filming style too! 😊

[@TheModelGuy]

@@patrickhagelstein1810I really enjoy his no bullshit approach

[@RealMoukeycat]

2:50. Oh Sh*t what? (For ,"The Goonies" fans out there. It's a movie quote).

[@TheModelGuy]

I lost my train of thought :) normally that stuff gets edited out. The “snap” tells me on the audio file where I need to cut

[@myflighthasbeencxx]

@@TheModelGuyThanks for leaving it in, gave me a good laugh! 😄

[@ellie26cat]

Hi ,what is the glue you are using on this , cheers

[@TheModelGuy]

Im using Mr Cement S

[@hubristicmystic]

P47 was a massive super charger with a plane attached as A10 is a massive gun with a plane built around it 😂

[@TheModelGuy]

Thats exactly right lol. “How do we get eight .50s flying?”

[@trexking6517]

What number Mr color paints did u use?

[@TheModelGuy]

Mr Color 361 RAF Green Mr Color 362 Ocean Grey Mr Color 363 Medium Sea Grey

[@lappin6482]

2:50 🤣👌

[@TheModelGuy]

I’m on pain meds for a broken arm, not surprised something slipped through :)

[@lappin6482]

@@TheModelGuy please keep it in there 😂🙌 we love the channel get well soon.

[@Historybuffm8]

2:50 Why did you swear and then snap your finger?

[@TheModelGuy]

Haha. So normally when I record if I make a mistake, I snap my finger so I see the jump on the audio level. Then I cut the segment there. I lost my train of thought and had to restart

[@Historybuffm8]

Oh ok

[@andylewis8669]

Language Timothy 😉😆

[@neilhaas]

🛩️🛩️🛩️🛩️❤❤😊😊🤩😁🇺🇲🇺🇸🎉🎉

[@jonmurphy9424]

Don’t bother with the extra engine detail with the advanced kit. The parts simply do not fit.

[@warrenwalker2665]

They could've "IMPROVED" it by making it fit as it should. Bad QC and QA...