I think very highly of Tamiya models. The P-47D Bubbletop is no exception to that rule. While this kit is engineered to an extremely high standard, and you sometimes think you could skip the glue because the parts fit so well together, there are some small issues which make this kit not for a beginner modeler. First, the cost is a bit high for learning. Second, Tamiya’s instructions require some experience putting models together and interpreting which version of parts goes with the model you are trying to assemble. Not that they aren’t good – it’s just a lot of information like part number, paint number, and letter identifiers like A, B, or C depending upon the variant. Third, this kit in particular has parts that fit like a glove. You must dry fit before putting glue to the parts or you risk ruining the surface. That said this is a fantastic model. No issues with assembly, limited to no gaps for filling, and nice weapons/external fuel tank choices. I was a bit disappointed with the decals, not that they aren’t good, just the choice of the subjects but you can find many other P-47D decals at HobbyLinc. The finished product is outstanding and I would think this kit, and Tamiya’s P-47 Razorback version, are the best in scale money can buy. I highly recommended this kit to all but very new modelers.

This is one of my favorite aircraft from WWII, and I have built the Revell kit before. The reason I bring up the Revell kit is this one from Tamiya is superior in almost every way possible. No over flash and parts come off their sprues cleanly with little if any cleanup required. The fit is also amazing, almost too perfect to believe and no puttying required. One of the key differences and surprisingly so, was parts on leading edge surfaces such as machine guns and radio masts were not molded in place but needed to be fitted. I was very impressed with that one little feature, as in handling wings and fusilage on other kits , protruding molded pieces like these can often be damaged or get broken off. The advantage of fitting them is that this can be done last after all the handling has been done and that is exactly how it should be. Once complete and painted this kit is remarkably life like, and the detail really does add to the realism. You will enjoy building this kit and enjoy the finished result even more.

Another winner from Tamiya. Everything went together like a dream. This is a fun kit to put together