Tamiya 60769 - 1:72 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Razorback

Plastic model kit of the Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Razorback fighter in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60769 depicts the early version of the P-47D Thunderbolt, known as the 'razorback' after the distinctive raised fuselage spine behind the cockpit. It was one of the heaviest and most robustly built single-engine fighters of the Second World War, powered by a powerful turbo-supercharged radial engine and armed with eight machine guns.

The kit is from Tamiya's own tooling. The model offers a generous fit: two 108-gallon tanks, two 500 lb bombs, two M10 rocket launchers and two different propellers to match the chosen option. The decals cover two schemes – one from the European front and one from the Pacific.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• Two 108-gallon fuel tanks, two 500 lb bombs and two M10 rocket launchers
• Two different propellers to match the chosen option
• Clear canopy parts
• Waterslide decal sheet for 2 marking options (Europe and the Pacific)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60769
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 153 mm, wingspan: approx. 172 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit; dedicated joining beams between the wings and fuselage help maintain the correct wing angle. Paint the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage and add the underwing stores last, after painting.

P-47Ds wore various schemes: European machines were often painted in Olive Drab or left in natural metal, while Pacific examples could be more colourful. Lay the decals over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, then finish with a satin varnish. The instructions provide paint references for both schemes.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Gloss varnish for the decals and a satin coat to finish
• Optional: self-adhesive canopy masks

About the aircraft – Republic P-47D Thunderbolt:

The P-47 was one of the first single-seat fighters fitted with a turbo-supercharged radial engine of about 2,000 hp, allowing it to operate at high altitude alongside bombers. Armed with eight .50-calibre machine guns, it was – alongside the P-51 Mustang – one of the main USAAF fighters.

The 'razorback' variant is the early-production P-47D, recognisable by the raised fuselage spine behind the cockpit. Thanks to its large payload and ruggedness, the Thunderbolt excelled both at bomber escort and at attacking ground targets.

Original aircraft specifications (P-47D Thunderbolt):

• Length: approx. 11.0 m
• Wingspan: approx. 12.4 m
• Height: approx. 4.3 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 7,900 kg
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-2800 turbo-supercharged radial engine, approx. 2,000 hp
• Max speed: approx. 690 km/h
• Armament: eight .50-calibre machine guns; underwing bombs and rockets
• Crew: 1
• Feature: early 'razorback' fuselage spine

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Tamiya's own-tooled kits are popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike, combining accurate detail with thoughtfully engineered, enjoyable assembly. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.