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Brisbane Tank

for early model P-47 Thunderbolts in the South West Pacific area

Red Roo Models, 1/48 scale

S u m m a r y :

Catalogue Number:

Red Roo Models Item No. RRR48189 - Brisbane Tank for early model P-47 Thunderbolts in the South West Pacific area

Scale:

1/48 scale (also available in 1/72 scale)

Contents & Media

One salmon coloured 3d printed resin part; A4 double sided instruction sheet.

Price:

1/48 scale - AUD$12.00 plus GST and shipping available online from Red Roo Models

 

1/72 scale - AUD$8.00 plus GST and shipping available online from Red Roo Models

 

and specialist hobby retailers worldwide

Click here for currency converter.

Review Type:

First Look.

Advantages:

Useful accessory for SWPA early Thunderbolts; high quality printing; thorough instructions.

Disadvantages:

Some work will be required to obtain a pre-P-47D-5 Thunderbolt (surgery, conversion or wait for the Dora Wings kits).

Conclusions:

A handy accessory for anyone modelling an early P-47D Thunderbolt in the South West Pacific area.


Reviewed by Brett Green

Background

 

When the USAAF 348th FG deployed to the Pacific in mid 1943, they found that their P-47D Thunderbolts had insufficient range to cover the vast distances of the South West Pacific area.

Their early-version Thunderbolts were not plumbed for wing-mounted tanks so another solution had to be found.

The US 27th Depot Repair Squadron at Port Moresby in New Guinea designed a 200 gallin steel drop tank.

 

 

The Ford Motor Company refined the design and started production of the 200 gallon drop tank at their Eagle Farm manufacturing plant in Brisbane.

Aroung 3,000 of these tanks were produced and used mainly by the 348th FG Thunderbots from mid-August 1943 onward.

 

FirstLook

 

Red Roo Model has added 1/48 and 1/72 scale Brisbane Tanks to their range of accessories. I am examining the 1/48 scale in this review.

Red Roo's 1/48 scale is a single salmon-coloured 3d printed resin part. It is ready to use straight from the box with no cleanup at all required.

 

 

Detail is as good as you would expect from a Red Roo product. The dual mounts, diagonal braces, latches, circumferential pressed metal seam and forward filler hatch are all printed in place.

At this time there are no very early P-47D Thunderbolt kits available straight from the box but both Loon Models and Obscureco have offered conversions with the smaller number of cowl flaps and a flat keel insert.

 

 

Your best bet though, as well as the easiest option, is to wait for Dora Wings' announced 1/48 and 1/72 scale early P-47D kits.

 

 

Thorough research has ling been a hallmark of Red Roo Models and this release is no exception. This simple accessory is accompanied by a double-sided A4 instruction sheet with historical and assembly notes.

 

 

Conclusion

 

This is a handy accessory for anyone modelling an early P-47D Thunderbolt in the South West Pacific area.

Thanks to Red Roo Models for the review samples.

Review Text Copyright © 2023 by Brett Green
Page Created 11 April, 2023
Last updated 11 April, 2023

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