Small Scale Military Headquarters

I'd appreciate any detailed reviews on 21st Century's P-47D Thunderbolt "Eileen" in terms of defects and detailing.

Thanks

The one I have has the poorest paint quality of any P-47. I was very disappointed with it, especially since I like the overall scheme. Nothing crisp about the paint lines, and the stars look like they were blown up 2x the normal size. Hopefully, others have better news to report.

I do not own this particular version, but have the "Snortin Bull" P-47 Bubbletop. However, I have seen the "Eileen" aircraft in person many times both in the box and out.

In my opinion, it really is a fantastic scheme, with great nose art and, of course, that checkered cowling. The plane bears the markings of the 78th Fighter Group (before they converted to P-51s) and thus would actually go quite well with the 21c "Big Beautiful Doll" P-51.

The features are the same as the other XD P-47s. Opening cockpit, movable control surfaces, retractable gear. It has a bunch of ordinance including the drop-tank, bombs and rocket tubes. A figure is also included. The engine detail is great, and you can make out the double row of cylinders.

As this is a somewhat older 21c aircraft design, it is a bit more toy-like in some respects than more recent planes. The cockpit, while well-detailed, it a bit oversized and the seat sits too low. There is no gunsight either (though that's a small complaint). The landing gear doors also have rather visible pull-tabs. You will notice that the landing gear are also short, but this was done so they could retract properly into the plane. Assembly is very simple, with no screws required. There is also a very real possibility of paint defects, especially on the checkered cowling. Overspray is very common. "Eileen" is really a plane that you will want to inspect in person (or have inspected for you by a retailer) in order to get an example with a clean, even, checkered pattern. That is the biggest concern for me with that particular plane.

Overall, however, if you can get an example with a good paint job, it is a great plane

Don't let the outsized stars alarm you. On later jugs they used larger paterns from C-47's on the wings of the P-47 to help friendlies ID them.

GUYS:

Thanks for the info.
I already own a 21st Century P-51 Big Beautiful Doll and I had many problems with defects, bad paint and its toylike quailty---especially compared to my BBI P-51.
I'm worried if I buy an Eileen on the internet I'll be getting a load of defects with it just like my Big Beautiful Doll.

Did they change anything with the bubbletop p-47s or update it? I recently ordered a snortin bull so I hope it's the best of the best in terms of detail.

Did they change anything with the bubbletop p-47s or update it? I recently ordered a snortin bull so I hope it's the best of the best in terms of detail.

P-47 bubbletop mold has not changed since intial release.

I must say that out of all P-47s, including the Razorbacks, the absolute best/crisp/highest quality paint job is on Peg 'O My Heart. I love it.

To be honest, I don't think "Eileen" has that many paint defects. There are a couple of places where the paint blurrs slightly as if the stencil was not held directly onto the model. The white ID bands on the tail are that way too, but not that bad. Eileen is olive drab upper and grey lower....so ANY paint defect shows up real well. I like to think the real-deal probably had paint defects too....most war-time paint schemes are applied rather fast. BTW...she is hanging on the wall right next to me. If you'd like pictures...good and bad areas....just ask.

I really don't complaign about quality unless they've left an FBI quality mit print in the paint. These, either scale, are getting so hard to find I just go for the best paint job available. As far as "Eileen ", my TRU has about 12 of them, have had them for what seems like months, NOTHING BUT Eileen s!!!!! Other than the fact that I'm sick of seeing her, the quality and deco are above average. Buy one please, buy one!!

Smalljoes still has these for sale...

FUDDMEISTER:

What is the price of the Eileen at ToysRUs?
I was at ToysRUs this week--no 1/18 planes--just 1/32 and 1/48.

Dragon... in 1/18th they've got one of the jets, two Mustangs... Undertaker and Old Crow I think. I'll check today on the prices of the 1/32nd as well as the big stuff.

FUDDMEISTER:

Thanks a lot. I want to make a decision on buying an Eileen by this weekend.

ive got 2 P 47 : one razorback and one .... "EILEEN" bothe are great and ... not so great !

The first point is the toyish look of both and their assembly ( the wing attachment are weak) but i display theses "in flight" so it s mo problem.

The finish of "EILEEN" version is less crisp but it s a good , agressive model ... plus its so BIG

Go for it

SUPERSONICFIFI:

You describe the Eileen as:
1. "toyish look"
2. "wing attachment is weak"
3. "finish ...less crisp"

Those describe my P-51D Big Beautiful Doll, too. My BBD looks toyish compared to my BBI P-51. The wing attachment is weak---when I pick it up, the wing wobbles--it needs more screws. The paint finish is ok---but far inferior to my BBI P-51.
However, I want an Eileen because when I was a kid I had A Revell 1/72 P-47 with the same paint scheme (olive drab with checkered cowling) and from the same squadron as Eileen. I loved the Revell P-47, so now I want a bigger one. I guess I'll have to accept Eileen's inherent flaws.

Question: Has 21st DISCONTINUED Eileen?

Another question:

Where's the antenna on the 1/18 Eileen?

I asssumed the antennas were a put on yourself piece as normally if they're already on they're busted! Dragon... the TRU near me has $19.99 on the Eileens.

FUDDMIESTER:

Thanks for the info.
Which ToysRUs in New York had the Eileens?
I've got a relative in New York City who might get me one if that's where you saw them.
Thanks for the help.

Syracuse/Central New York. If you can't find it, I'll do @ cost, you do shipping. Just to clarify... 1/32nd, correct