What's the point of buying Tamiya's P-47 Bubbletop?

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hey guys,

I thought I’d just write up a short rant about Tamiya’s P-47D “Bubbletop” kit, but first of all, don’t get me wrong on this: I absolutely LOVE Tamiya’s P-47 kits. I can actually call quite a bunch of them (7) my own.

Two of those kits I have are the Bubbletop boxing I’m referring to in this post. The reason I see no point in purchasing that version is Tamiya’s P-47M. It actually is the P-47D kit plus an additional sprue with all the parts you need to build an -M and different decals. There are also parts on the sprue to build a P-47D-30 and later models becusa it includes the tail fillet needed for those T-Bolts as well as the smooth cockpit floor.

The -M retails for the same price as the Bubbletop (and sometimes even for a bit less) and offers far more build options. The only reason to get the Bubbletop version would be the Decals, but they are on the thick side and most modelers decide on an AM decal sheet for a more interesting paint scheme anyway.

I ordered an -M sprue each for both of my Bubbletop kits at my LHS now, but they are about 10 bucks each and you basically get them for free in the -M kit.

I hope this helps some of you if you want to get this kit and build it with AM decals…

If you know of any other kit with the same “problem” feel free to tell everyone else…

Cheers, Clemens

2

If I recall correctly, wasn’t there a similar case with one of Tamya’s P-51 kits. I think it was their Korean war offerings. I think that kit allowed you to build several other variants. Thanks for the great heads up.

3

Yes, the Korean War Mustang (both 1/48 and 1/72) has two different props and underwing rockets and all the rest of the parts from the WWII P-51D kits.

4

That’s nice to know. I think it’s the same with their big Mustang too (the -K version). That one includes extra ordnance and an additional prop assembly, but it’s slightly more expensive.

5

Thanks Clemens, I’d heard about the P-51 but not the P-47- oddly I’ve both kits in my stash but never checked to see what options are on the sprues.

6

It’s because the D preceeded the M… By a couple years. Agreed, the M is a much better value. I should have grabbed many when Hobby Lobby carried it… Doh!