Here stands yet another 1/48th scale Monogram kit that still has merit today, despite the kit's 1977 release date (earlier still if you consider the bubbletop version was its predecessor). Sure it is not on par with the Tamiya or Hasegawa kits, however as far as value for money it still holds its own.
Notable Kit Features:
Low parts count for a simple build
Nice raised details in the cockpit for instrument panel, consoles and hoses
Decent looking (backplate) engine
Gear well detail
Tires with diamond tread pattern
Two-piece canopy
Rockets, bombs and belly tank included with the kit
Build Inspiration:
After reading about Neel Kearby's combat career (he received the Medal of Honor among other awards) I decided to build his Razorback. Kearby was also the top-scoring P-47 pilot in the Pacific Theater however on March 5, 1944 he was shot down and KIA. As decals for his aircraft weren't around at the time, it would also be my early attempt to put together custom markings.
Heads-Up Report:
Fit is pretty decent although some filler and a bit of sanding may be required
Engine is backplate style but pretty decent and you can add to it if you like
Raised panel lines (which I sanded off)
The guns are molded into the wing and are easy to break off (as I recall)
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Replaced wing guns with hypodermic needles
Custom painted nose "Fiery Ginger IV" (named after his wife Virginia)
Aircraft numbers and other markings cobbled together from "the spares box"
End Result:
The paint scheme for this aircraft was the standard USAAF olive over gray (FS 34087 / FS 36270) with the white PTO wing leading edges (and tail in this case), I was pretty happy with the result as I had managed to decently reproduce an aircraft for which I had a reference of but no decals for. It further inspired me to figure out how to produce other markings which may not be readily available.
The After-Build Report:
Despite it’s age, I would still recommend this Monogram (now Revell) Razorback Thunderbolt. If you are looking for a simple build or a budget kit, it fills the bill and looks good when finished, especially if you put some extra work into it. Considering value for money (you can buy several of these kits for the same price you’d pay for other kits) this old kit still should have merit with today's model makers.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers