Tamiya 60770 - 1:72 P-47D Thunderbolt Bubbletop

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

Tamiya 60770 depicts the later version of the P-47D Thunderbolt, in which the previous raised fuselage spine was replaced by a clear bubble canopy – hence the name 'bubbletop'. This change greatly improved rearward visibility, making it easier for the pilot to observe during combat. The airframe kept its powerful turbo-supercharged radial engine and eight machine guns.

The kit is from Tamiya's own tooling, with a new fuselage and canopy section developed from the earlier 'razorback' kit. It includes underwing stores (500 lb bombs and M10 rocket launchers), and the decals cover two schemes of 8th Air Force machines.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• New fuselage section and bubble canopy
• 500 lb bombs and M10 rocket launchers
• Clear canopy parts
• Waterslide decal sheet for 2 marking options (8th Air Force)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60770
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 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. Paint the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage and fit the bubble canopy last, after painting – self-adhesive masks help with its finish.

Late 'bubbletop' P-47Ds were often left in natural metal with colourful unit markings. 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 (Bubbletop):

The P-47 was a heavy, well-armoured fighter with a high-power radial engine, combining the roles of escort fighter and attack aircraft. The early versions, however, had limited rearward visibility because of the raised fuselage spine.

To solve this, later P-47Ds adopted a bubble canopy, giving the pilot a much better field of view. This created the 'bubbletop' variant, which served both on the European front and in the Pacific, excelling 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: bubble canopy ('bubbletop')

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.