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• Amazon.co.uk customer review (1) • 2013-03-16
• Military Aircraft June 2011 • 2013-03-16
• Airfix Model World • 2013-03-16
• Amazon.co.uk customer rview (3) • 2013-03-16
• Amazon.com customer review • 2013-03-16
• Amazon.co.uk customer review (2) • 2013-03-16
• IPMS UK Magazine 4/2011 • 2013-03-16
• ModelingMadness.com • 2013-03-16
• Cybermodeler.com • 2013-03-16
• Scalemodelingnow.com • 2013-03-16
• InternetModeler.com • 2013-03-16
• IPMSUSA.org • 2013-03-16
• Air Modeler 36 • 2013-03-16
• Skrzydlata Polska 4/2011 • 2011-05-23
• MiniReplika Nr 70 • 2011-05-23

• Amazon.co.uk customer review (1) • 2013-03-16

  5.0 out of 5 stars Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, Bubbletop, 24 May 2011

  By George Bracken "George" (Garland, TX. USA) -

  A great guide to the Bubbletop variants of the P-47D, M and N. Everything is in here for the modeler and historian. Scale drawings, detailed close up photos, and color profiles.

• Military Aircraft June 2011 • 2013-03-16
  
• Airfix Model World • 2013-03-16
  
• Amazon.co.uk customer rview (3) • 2013-03-16

  By HammerUK9

  While looking for a book to give me some good references for a 1/32 P-47 project, I came across this one after it was recommended on another website!

  Quite simply, it's fantastic!

  It is slightly misleading in one or two places - a couple are actually from earlier 'Razorback' versions of the P-47. It would also be really good to have more pictures of the various equipment and components within the airframe, such as the detail behind the engine, and detailing the changes between the -D and -N.

  That said, it's really well split down into different sections (fuselage, wings, landing gear etc), the photos are of really high quality and always seem to capture that angle or that little bit of detail that you didn't know were there, with a good mix of period photographs and modern restorations and survivors. The aircraft artwork at the back rounds the book off really well - if you were making a model and were stuck for painting inspiration, you will definitely find it here!

  Once again, a fantastic product, and would be definitely getting more of Mr. Peczkowski's books for any other warbirds I make!

• Amazon.com customer review • 2013-03-16

  4.0 out of 5 stars Update of a previous Yellow Series title, June 12, 2011

  By Jim Davis (St. Charles, MO USA) - See all my reviews

  This is a Mushroom Model Publication Yellow Series book (number 6128). It's a 6-1/2" x 9-1/2", 160 page, square bound hardcover. Like most Yellow Series books there is no service history of any sort. It has three basic sections. The first section describes the various production blocks of the "bubbletop" P-47s - the late P-47D, the P-47M, and P-47N models. It has some very well done line drawings, black and white photographs, specifications, etc. The second section has color close up photographs of preserved P-47s - 88 pages supplemented by technical manual illustrations. The third section consists of color profiles, the majority of which are of exported aircraft.

  This is a slightly expanded version of a previous Yellow Series book (number 6118). Besides a modest expansion of 32 pages, it also has two unbound fold out sheets depicting the aircraft in 1/48th and 1/32nd scales. If buying second hand make sure these sheets are included.

  As in the case of the first edition this book is not a really satisfactory history of late model P-47s but its main attraction will be to modellers of the type. The latter community will be well served by this book. If you own the previous version, the main attraction will be the bigger scale drawings. There is little reason to "upgrade" otherwise.

• Amazon.co.uk customer review (2) • 2013-03-16

  This is how to do it., 12 Aug 2011

  By Mr. M. A. Turner (Ramsgate, Kent)

  As a keen aero modeller, I'm always looking out for reference material. I usually buy the Detail and Scale books or the Walk Round series; but this book is better than these combined and shows how a book should be written.

  High quality paper, clear photos, pages from the pilots manual, colour profiles, etc.. and the price is unbelievable and I can't wait for future releases.

  Recommended without reservation.

  Well done MMP!!

• IPMS UK Magazine 4/2011 • 2013-03-16
  
• ModelingMadness.com • 2013-03-16

  Reviewer: Scott Van Aken

  Moving right along in their aircraft monographs, we have the latest from MMP Books on the 'bubbletop' version of the P-47 Thunderbolt. Interestingly, the term 'bubbletop' and 'razorback' are very much post war descriptions as the pilots of the day just called them P-47s or Thunderbolts. The Thunderbolt was one of the early US escort fighters and while well powered and heavily armed, they had a poor rate of climb and a rather short endurance. This latter situation was overcome by the addition of a centerline drop tank and in later versions, wing pylons were added where fuel tanks could also be carried (as well as bombs). Eventually, all P-47 equipped fighter groups except the 56th, switched over to the Mustang, which was the escort fighter the USAAF really wanted. P-47s were then used in ground attack units for the most part.

  This book covers the P-47s that had the clear vision canopy with the major production models being the later P-47D, the uprated P-47M and the long range P-47N, which was very much a different plane in many respects to the earlier versions and perfect for use in the Pacific.

  This new book in MMP's Yellow series takes a look at the design and development of the 'bubbletop' P-47s from the initial work to the planes used late in the war. P-47 production did stop in late 1945 when it was determined that there would be no more development of the airframe. Within its 160 pages is a complete rundown on the aircraft and its different variants, complete with descriptions of the differences between them. The history section covers the use of the aircraft both by the US and Allies with some information on its use post war with a surprising number of nations.

  Of course, the P-47 is well represented in museums both in the US and around the world with several of them currently on the list of warbirds, providing exciting flying displays to those fortunate to view them. Thanks to this there is a full and complete walk around with most of the images in this section in full color. Personally I'd take some of the color info with a grain of salt as warbirds and museum planes are sometimes notorious for inaccuracies in this area. For instance, several of these planes have green primer, when period photos show clearly that the yellow primer was used by Republic. The close up and detail information also includes period images and pages from the maintenance manuals to give even greater insight into this fighter. There are also a goodly number of the color profiles we have all come to expect from MMP books. As an added bonus, there are scale plans included in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scale, the latter two provided as huge foldouts that provided additional detail drawings.

  Overall, it is a most complete look at one of the world's more interesting fighters. A book that continues the excellence of MMP products and one that I can highly recommend to you.

• Cybermodeler.com • 2013-03-16

  by Ray Mehlberger

  Mushroom Model Publications is based in the UK. They have their books printed by their associate Stratus in Sandomierz, Poland in the English language. Stratus also does their own books in English and Polish. Stratus sent me this book to review.

  The largest and heaviest single-seat fighter of WW2, the P-47 Thunderbolt served with distinction in all theatres of the war, and was the mount of USAAF aces. This was especially over Europe with the 8th AF. Both the RAF and the Mexican AF also used the P-47 in operations. It also flew with many air arms post war.

  This revised and extended 2nd edition of MMP’s earlier book (reviewed here on Cybermodeler back in May of 2005 and in the reference reviews archives). The new book details the technical development of all the later “bubbletop” variants, P-47D to P-47N, with full technical specifications and production details of all versions.

  The book is soft cover in 9 ¼” x 6 ½” page format and 160 pages in length.

  In addition to 79 black and white wartime photos and 5 color ones, there 14 color photos of surviving aircraft in museums. There are 169 walk around photos, the majority of them in color. The book abounds with line drawings of various marks of the P-47 in 1/72nd scale, including a line drawing of the Curtiss propeller. Included are 1/72nd drawings of seven different types of drop tanks used on P-47 and a illustration of bombs and rockets.

  The book contains four data charts too.

  Color illustrations are:

  A 2-view of a P-47D-30-RA in Ecuadorian AF markings

  A profile of Lt. Col. F.S. Gabreski’s aircraft.

  A 2-view of a P-47D-30-RA in Chilean AF markings

  A 2-view of a P-47D-30-RA in Brazilian AF markings

  2 profiles of P-47D-28-RE’s in U.S.A.A.F. markings

  A 2-view of a P-47D-30-RE in U.S.A.A.F. markings

  A 2-view of a P-47D in Dominican AF markings

  A profile of a P-47D-28-RE in RAF markings

  A profile of a P-47D-30-RE in RAF markings

  A profile of a P-47D-30-RE in Italian AF markings

  A profile of a P-47D-30-RA in Italian AF markings

  A 3-view of a P-47D-30-RE in RAF markings

  A 2-view of a P-47D-28-RE in Free French AF markings

  A profile of a P-47D-30-RE in Iranian AF markings

  A profile of a P-47D in Cuban AF markings

  A 2-view of a P-47D in Mexican AF markings

  A 2-view of a P-47D in Nicaraguan AF markings

  A 2-view of a P-47D-40-RA in Peruvian AF markings

  A profile of a P-47D in Venezuelan AF markings

  A profile of a P-47D-27-RE in Soviet AF markings

  A profile of a P-47D-30-RA in Turkish AF markings

  A profile of a P-47D in Ecuadorian AF markings

  A profile of a P-47D-30-RA in Portuguese AF markings

  A profile of a P-47M-1-RE in U.S.A.A.F. markings

  A profile of a P-47D-30-RA in Chinese AF markings

  A profile of a P-47N-25-RE in Connecticut National Guard markings

  A profile of a P-47D-28-RE in U.S.A.A.F. markings

  A profile of a P-47D-40-RA in Yugoslavian AF markings

  A profile of a P-47D-30-RA in U.S.A.A.F. markings

  A profile of a P-47D-30-RE in U.S.A.A.F. markings

  A profile of an unknown P-47 version in U.S.A.A.F. markings

  A profile of a P-47N-5-RE in U.S.A.A.F. markings

  A profile of a P-47N-20-RE in U.S.A.A.F. markings

  A profile of a P-47N-25-RE in U.S.A.A.F markings

  There are two large loose fold out sheets inserted into the book. These have 1/32nd and 1/48th scale line drawings on them.

  In 1/32nd there are profile line drawings of the P-47D-30-RA/RE, P-47D-25-RE, P-47D-26-RA, two of the P-47D-30-RA, P-47D-25-RE. Included also in this scale is a line drawing of the lower wing of the P-47D-30/D-40 and the rear fuselage of a P-47D-30A.

  The 1/48th scale line drawings on these sheets include a 2-view drawing of the P-47D-26-RA, a 4-view of the P-47D-25-RE, profiles of the P-47D-30/RA/RE and the P-47D-30/D-40. Also illustrations of 4 different propellers used on P-47’s.

  The back cover shows the cover art of a forthcoming book from MMP titled “Bell P-39 Airacobra”.

  This book is one great reference source on the P-47’s. Highly recommended.

  This book will prove to be an invaluable source of data for aircraft modelers and aviation enthusiasts.

• Scalemodelingnow.com • 2013-03-16

  Review by Geoff Coughlin

  MMP’s Yellow series is building up into a bit of a one-stop-shop in terms of reference material relating to specific aircraft subjects and what a reference resource this is.

  The largest and heaviest single-seat fighter of WWII, the P-47 Thunderbolt served with distinction in all theatres of the war and was the mount of the USAAF aces, especially over Europe with the 8th AF. Both the RAF and the Mexican AF also used the P-47 on operations. It also flew with many air arms post war. This revised and extended 2nd edition of MMPs earlier book details the technical development of all the later “bubbletop” variants, P-47D to P-47N, with full technical specifications and production details of all versions.

  Title overview…

  In addition to many contemporary images, there are colour profiles of representative aircraft from many of the units and air forces that flew the P-47, plus scale plans in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:32 scales. A comprehensive walkaround section illustrates all the details of the airframe and armament, in colour.

  Scale plans too…

  The fact is, this book epitomises the standard of exactly what scale modellers want and need in their reference material. The book is simply stunning from a modelling perspective. The inclusion of scale plans in all three major scales is extraordinary and from my lay perspective these look to be accurate and extremely useful, especially if you want to add some finesse to your model. I am thinking of those of you who add rivet detail or are working with an older tooling or one where you need to replace or reinstate panel line detail – excellent.

  Profiles – what a choice…

  As with just about all MMP publications, the profiles are high quality and the sheer number of different, especially foreign air arm aircraft included is breathtaking. Several sheets of decals featuring ‘foreign Thunderbolts’ is / are available so you have no excuse but to seek them out if you want to create something a little different. Alternatively USAAF ‘Jugs’ are well documented in both the walkaround and famous flier pages.

  This new title really is a one-stop-shop and for just £13.99 (Mar 2011) that cannot be bad – you won’t need to buy anything else on the P-47 “bubbletop” fighter.

  Highly recommended Geoff C.

• InternetModeler.com • 2013-03-16

  By Chris Banyai-Riepl

  One of those iconic aircraft of the Second World War, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the primary fighters of the US and its allies. Its popularity has resulted in quite a few books covering the subject over the years, and in many cases multiple editions of the same title. Such is the case with this latest book from Mushroom Model Publications. Back in 2005, MMP released their first edition on the P-47 Bubbletop variants. This Second Edition expands on that original release with more photographs and new 1/48 & 1/32 scale drawings.

  The book begins with a detailed type breakdown. While the base variant is the P-47D, there are lots of separate blocks in that family, and this section helps shed some light on just what a P-47D-25-RE is, compared to a P-47D-40-RA. Also covered are the P-47M and P-47N, with a similar breakdown to the sub-variants. Complementing the written text description of these variants are corresponding scale drawings, with 1/72 printed in the book and the larger scales covered in separate fold-out pages.

  As noted, the photo coverage is greater in this book over the 1st edition, and many of these photos are of period Thunderbolts. There are quite a few interesting markings out there, and this book barely scratches the surface in terms of fancy names and artwork. The P-47 lent itself well to personalization, with its large cowling and fuselage sides. Some of these schemes are carried over into the color profile section, which appears to be identical to the 1st edition. Those illustrations cover both US and foreign operators of the P-47. Finally, there is a very detailed photo close-up section that covers all aspects of the airframe. This is a perfect reference for the scale modeler.

  Overall, this is an incremental update to the first edition, and if you have that title it doesn't really present much new material, certainly not enough to warrant purchasing. However, as that first edition has been out of print for some time, if you missed it the first time around, here is a second chance. Given that these Mushroom titles do sell out fairly quickly, I would not hesitate to pick this one up if you are interested. It is a solid reference on the P-47, and between the scale drawings, detail photos, and color profiles, there is plenty for the modeler in these pages.

• IPMSUSA.org • 2013-03-16

  Reviewed by: Pablo Bauleo, IPMS# 46363

  The P-47 “Thunderbolt” went through a major design upgrade in 1943, when its canopy and back fuselage was modified to be a “bubbletop”. Based on the information in the book the ‘inspiration’ for this modification was the RAF Hawker Typhoon.

  This book covers all the “bubbletop” production variants from P-47D-25 to the final version, the P-47N, including all the related prototypes.

  The first section of the book is dedicated to technical details on each prototype and production variants. There are plenty of historical pictures for each variant including foreign operators and post war operators and even a few historical color pictures too.

  The second part of the book is a “walk around” of different P-47 preserved in museums. The walk around is neatly organized by “fuselage”, “tails”, “landing gear”, “engine”, etc.

  Finally the book has artist’s color profiles for 38 airplanes. Some of the drawings are only side views, but others include top views as well. The color profiles shows the markings of the USAAF, several Air National Guards, and several foreign operators like RAF, Italian AF, Mexican AF, Nicaraguan AF, Iranian AF, Ecuadorian AF, Yugoslavian AF, Chinese AF among others.

  Through the pages of the book 1/72 scale line drawings are included. As a bonus, the book has 1/48 and 1/32 scale line drawings in separate fold out sheets.

  This is the “2ndEdition” of the book, which says it is “expanded” but as I don’t have the 1stedition, I cannot tell which sections have been expanded.

  Modelers will find very useful the walk around and line drawings, while the color profiles are a source of inspiration for future builds. Recommended to all “Jug” enthusiasts.

• Air Modeler 36 • 2013-03-16
  
• Skrzydlata Polska 4/2011 • 2011-05-23
  
• MiniReplika Nr 70 • 2011-05-23