Description
Academy's 1/48 scale Jug is a good, low-cost alternative to
Tamiya’s P-47 Thunderbolt. The kit is very nice.
Engraved panel lines are fine and crisp. The fit isn’t bad either
with putty needed mostly for the fuselage seam and the machine gun
port covers on the wing.
Academy’s cockpit is acceptable straight from the box but I
decided to go with the Eduard Express photo-etch set for my Jug.
This set includes new instrument panel, seat belts, various exterior
details and cockpit details (like rudder pedals). You get gun bays
with access hatches in the kit but the detail is a bit lacking. I
permanently glued one side and made the other removable just in case
I ever want to show it off.
The engine is passable too but only the die hard will want to oen
up a side access panel. Unlike the Tamiya kit you don’t have a flap
option. Up is the only way the Academy kit comes. Sure you could do
surgery but why bother. Most P-47’s had their flaps raised when
parked anyway.
I also used True Details resin wheels with the diamond tread
pattern and spoked hub. I used these because they have the realistic
weight on wheels effect.
Painting and Markings
I painted the Jug with Model Master enamels.
I tried to gloss with Future in preparation for the decals but it
soaked right in and I’d have to spray a jillion coats so I opted for
my usual gloss lacquer.
What can I say about Academy decals that haven’t already been
said? They are what they are. Register is a bit off but their
biggest drawback is their tendency to silver. I got lucky with the
Jug that there were only a few silvered decals. The real challenge
was the checkerboard decal for the cowl. Lots of Solvaset and X-Acto
relief cuts were needed. Even then paint touch-up was required to
hide the mismatches. I chose not to use the fuselage invasion stripe
decals and instead painted those.
Panel lines were highlighted with a black enamel wash. Exhaust
and gun stains were created with Floquil grimy black. Paint chipping
was simulated using a Prisma-Color pencil. Afterwards it was all
sealed down with Testor’s Dullcoat.
It was a nice build though. The P-47 is one of my favorite airplanes
and it’s big enough that even in 1/48th it’s impressive sitting on
the shelf.
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