Trumpeter 1/32 Scale P-47 Razorback And Bubble Top. Wildcat And Hellcat. Opinions Please

Hi,

I love the Trumpy 1/32 scale kits for the most part, except the Hellcat kit. It is super-detailed like a typical Trumpy, but I believe the overall shape of the kit is wrong. The back spine behind the cockpit is way too rounded. Also, the engine cowling shape at the bottom half is all wrong.  Wish I could combine the Hasegawa 1/32 kit body with the Trumpy kit..

Regarding the Trumpy P-47Razorback, it is a great kit but I’m not finished with mine yet.  This is almost an educational kit that includes the complete ducting of the supercharger in the back of the lower belly. I believe the only concern I have heard with this kit is that the main wheel struts may be a little short.  

I know this reply is late but hope it is helpful.

Regards,

David K.

Thank you Toshi and Hammer for the insights. I'll take a look at getting one. Hope to hear opinions on the Hellcat or P-47 as well.  Thanks, Zar

I'll second Toshi on the Wildcat.  I have both the -3(late) and the -4, both partially built.  So far, no issues with either.  There is  an Eduard PE set that I got for the -4 that can be all the bells and whistles if you want to go that route.  (engine wiring, interior and gun bays).  Trumpy has PE control surface hinges in PE in the kit.

Worthwhile kits if you want a 'Cat in larger scale.

Zar, I have a thread with the Trumpeter 1/32 F4F-3 Wildcat.  Go ahead and take a look.  It comes with a clear cowling and if I’m correct, so does the Hellcat.  You can paint it or leave it clear like I did to show off the engine detail and the copper sparkplug wires I added on.  

The Wildcat kit went together very well.  There were no problems at all.  I really enjoyed putting the fueselage together as for gaps, there were none.  And the seam line was minimal at best.  You really need to take care and be aware of the landing gear assembly.  The landing gear assembly looks fantastic although it took several dry fit attempts to get it just where I wanted it to be..

Cockpit detail was great.  Lots of little parts so be very careful when removing tiny parts from the spruce as well as when you go to attach the part.  One example is the very tiny rear wheel.  Trumpeter actually built a tiny rubber tire as well.  Again, I warn you of the delicate nature of the rear wheel as it’s so small. 

I purchased the kit from Squadron at a really decent price point.  I know eBay had it but Squadron beat the price point by only a few dollars.  Would I build it again?  Most definately, the engineering of the Trumpeter Wildcat was almost Tamiya like.  

Your friend, Toshi

P.S.  Here’s a quote from GMorrison.  Nice choice of aircraft and scheme.

A couple of things. The kit is a -3 not a -4. Check the box and funny papers.

Yours does not have folding wings. The other major difference was 4 guns on the -3, 6 guns on the -4.

Trumpeter royally screwed the pooch on the color sheet there. The aviators name was Galer, not Glaer. The Marine Squadron was VMF-224, not -244.