Republic XP-47H
conversion set for Tamiya P-47D Thunderbolt Razorback

Halberd Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

In an attempt to improve the performance of the P-47 Thunderbolt, Republic began a project to install a 2,300 hp Chrysler XIV-2220-1 16-cylinder inverted-V engine in two P-47D-15-RE airframes in August 1943.

The resulting XP-47H featured a new streamlined nose with a large intake and was expected to have a maximum speed of 490 mph.

While sources do not agree whether the aircraft met the speed expectations or fell short, by the time the aircraft were modified in 1945, the Jet Age was beginning and the USAAF was losing interest in piston-engine fighters, and the XP-47H project was cancelled.

We have had a number of resin and vacform XP-47H conversions in 1/48 scale over the decades, and AMtech even announced a full kit early this century, but there is still room in the market for a good quality option.

Halberd Models has now taken up this challenge.

Halberd Models from Ukraine continues its exploration of rare birds with its latest conversion - a 1/48 scale XP-47H.

This set has been specifically designed for the Tamiya1/48 scale P-47D Thunderbolt Razorback (kit no. 61086).

Halberd's conversion comprises just 12 parts in green coloured resin, six photo-etched parts and decals for two marking schemes.

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All the parts required to convert Tamiya's kit into this prototype variant are included in the box. The converion fuselage totally transforms the radial powered P-47D to a shark-like profile.

The conversion has been designed to be easy to build.

The surface textures on the resin conversion parts are the equal of those on Tamiya's excellent kit - crisp, fine and consistent. This will result in a seamless matching of style and quality where Tamiya and Halberd meet.

The fuselage is cast in two main pieces - port and starboard halves.

Also included are two optional supercharger intakes, two blanking panels for the wing leading edges (these cover the openings for the wing guns, which were not fitted to these prototypes), and a large lower nose scoop.

A new propeller assembly is also provided. This is made up from four propeller blades and a one-piece spinner.

At first glance the spinner seems to have a fairly stout casting block at the rear, but test-fitting reveals that the spinner fits perfectly between the fuselage halves at the nose with no preparation at all. Very impressive.

Production quality of the resin parts is excellent, with only minimum cleanup required.

The only flaw on my set is a small air bubble at the base of one of the supercharger intakes.

Halberd Models has cast locating pins and holes for the fuselage joins. I have tested the major components and fit appears to be excellent.

Six copper-plated photo-etched parts deliver various fuselage vents.

A small decal sheet with serial numbers for the two marking options is included. You'll be using kit decals for the propeller blades.

The instructions will be easy to follow. In fact, the set is so well and so simply designed that instructions are almost redundant.

A parts list and camouflage and markings guide round out this package.

All you need to add is a Tamiya 1/48 scale P-47D kit.

This is a comprehensive and well executed conversion for the XP-47H prototype in 1/48 scale.

The quality of the surface textures and casting is outstanding.

Its simple design, easy cleanup and minimal surgery also means that minimal modelling experience will be required to tackle the project.

The other Halberd conversions over the last few years have been snapped up in hours, so grab one of these while you can!

Thanks to Halberd Models for the sample

Halberd Models Facebook Page

Text and Images Copyright © 2023 by Brett Green
Page Created 30 August, 2023
Last updated 31 August, 2023

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