When I was a kid, I loved Monogram models. Any kit with the Monogram label was worth my dollar, or in many cases, $.99. I was never a big fan of Revell, though. Even today, I really wish that Revell would label the old Monogram kits with the old Monogram label.
In any case, I’m glad to see Revell releasing the Monogram kits, regardless of name. The nostalgia of opening one of these kits and seeing the same parts I did as a kid is wonderful. Some folks may complain about “releasing the same tired kits”, but I find them incredibly fun, and the feeling I get building the old Monogram kits far exceeds any fun I have on any newer kits, no matter how well they are engineered.
Building Monogram’s re-released P-47D Thunderbolt “Razorback” brought back a lot of memories. Those memories alone more than make up for the age of the kit and raised panel lines.
Especially given the fact that with a coupon from a big-box craft store, you can get it for less than $10.
The kit is a breeze to build. The cockpit is a simple but adequate tub, with decent detailing. No, it’s not Tamiya’s Razorback (which is a gorgeous kit, don’t get me wrong), but this kit is still very good.
The fit is superb. Only a little sanding was needed to smooth out the joins along the top and bottom of the fuselage. I carefully sanded those areas down, and then restored the raised panel lines. I did this by applying masking tape along the remaining panel lines, and then painting the tiny gap with Mr. Surfacer. A single coat was enough. Once it dried, I removed the masking tape, did a little clean up with a toothpick, and I had restored panel lines. This method, when done right, will make it just about impossible to tell you have made a repair.
The wing fit was great, and did not need anything more than a bead of Mr. Surfacer to fill in minute gaps, and then a cotton swab moistened with 91% rubbing alcohol cleaned up the excess. The tail planes went in and clicked in to place and fit with no adjusting. Find that in a modern kit.
The kit comes with some very colorful decal options. I opted for a P-47 operating in the Southwest Pacific, “The Juggler”. After painting the kit with Tamiya acrylics and Model Master Aluminum, I did some post shading and fading. After a coat of Future, the decals went down. The decals with this re-release are excellent. Don’t think you’ll have to source aftermarket decals just because it’s a low-cost kit. The decals are excellent.
This is a fun kit to build. Whether you built it 30 years ago, or weren’t even born 30 years ago, I think you’ll enjoy building this kit. Despite it’s age, it still holds up well, and looks really good when finished. And the great thing about building these Monogram re-releases (from Revell…. I know…) is you can buy2, 3 or even 4 kits for the same price you’d pay for other kits.
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