Folks,
I don’t mean to be a kill-joy or come off as a know-it-all, but isn’t this actually the B-model DW announced last year? The line under the first sprue shot says: “Test sprues P-47B Thunderbolt (1/48)”…………………………………Dora Wings…
The sprues look to have parts for the “B” – both fabric and metal-covered empennage flight control surfaces (fabric used only on Bs and later replaced on those acft with metal-covered); the forward fuselage looks to be the early short version that has the waste gates positioned farther under the wing LE (only on Bs and 1st block of Cs); it has the slanted radio antenna; and the canopy has the extra window behind the sliding hood, an early B-model trait.
But then there are those extra keels provided, one of which is the bulged type with mount holes for belly tank sway braces, so maybe a later C / early D is in the works also? They look as though they’re intended for fuselage parts molded without the keel in the first place, which would allow the modeler to easily build any operational C or Razorback D (assuming the “long” fuselage is provided). If this is the case – HOORAY!!!
Then again, the first production block of the C, P-47C-RE, had the same short fuselage as the B, so any of those 54 aircraft could also be built from this kit (with a vertical antenna mast and filled-in early window).
Great news at any rate! Now I can build an early 56th FG “B” (with that extra window filled-in)!
I’ve just noticed that the rendering (not the sprue shots) that says “P-47C” does in-fact show what looks to be a P-47C. So maybe DW is actually going to release a C, but they’re showing sprues for the previously announced B?
Ok, Tim – glad to be of service!
This is shaping-up to be a good year for P-47 fans. DW with their B & C, and now Mini Art reviving their Ds. One can only hope now for an up-to-date N.
Cheers!
Oh yes yes yes, these will all be mine !!!