Dora Wings 1/48 Republic P-43 Lancer Kit First Look
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | October 2020 | Manufacturer | Dora Wings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Republic P-43 Lancer | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 48029 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Crisp moldings, fine recessed scribing | Cons | Novices might consider kit complexity daunting |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (GBP) | TBA |
First Look
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Consider Republic’s P-43 Lancer the “missing link” between its pioneering P-35 and legendary P-47.
You can almost palpably perceive the evolution: the same elliptical wing outlines, the same rotund fuselage profiles.
Production examples saw USAAC/USAAF and Chinese service. And Chinese examples actually saw combat. But the Thunderbolt rapidly eclipsed its progenitor. And Lancers fundamentally remain footnotes to WWII American fighter history.
Dora Wings’ 1:48-scale Republic P-43 Lancer includes nearly everything you need to add a stunningly detailed Lancer to your collection. Just add paints and adhesives!
Distributed among seven, virtually flash-free trees, over 135 gray and transparent plastic parts sport a striking mix of, indented and, where appropriate, raised scribing. And the water-clear canopy components appear flawless.
That enclosure covers Dora Wings’ beautifully intricate, 23-part cockpit of plastic, photoetch metal, and decal items. Twelve more components comprise the engine mount and firewall. And if my count is correct, at least 45 parts fashion engine, cowling, and prop subassemblies.
Detail enthusiasts! Start your engines!
Contents include decals and 12-page instructions with parts maps, 27-step assembly sequence, suggested paints, and color guides for 4 American subjects:
- USAAC YP-43, 1941
- USAAF P-43A 40-2920, 55th Pursuit Group, January 1942
- USAAF P-43A 41-6721, 1942
- USAAF P-43A 41-31496, August 1943
Now you can consign your rare Classic Airframes P-43 to eBay auction. This one almost demands building.
May we expect a subsequent release with Chinese and USAAF “war games” markings? What do you say, Dora Wings?
With thanks to Dora Wings for the sample.