Kirk's info is right on. Except for the packing tape thing, but to each his own. I have had tape lose its adhesion along the edges from fuel seeping under it (which is the main reason why I switched to Econokote). I never had the problems he describes when using Econokote. Most dents are easily removed with a heat gun (which also causes the foam under it to swell some and sort of fill the dents back in). Prop cuts can usually be taped over quickly for field repairs without much (if any) loss of membrane strength. I usually use white Econokote, then scuff it with steel wool & paint over it.

As for other JKA kits:
Corsair - Builds heavier than the P-47 due to the gull wing, and consequently is a step down in terms of performance compared to the P-47N. Wingspan is limited to a maximum of 44" for 2610.
Zero - Easy to build and fun to fly. It is a real rocket with a stout .25. Wingspan is limited to a maximum of 43.5" for 2610.
Ta 152H - Absoluely great flyer. Flys much like a pattern plane. Builds lighter, but has much less wing area than the P-47N. Wingspan can go up to just over 51" and remain legal for 2610. Narrow chord wing is thin and nowhere near as tough as the P-47's.

The best by far:
P-47 (built as an N with a 46.5" wingspan) - Great flyer with the lowest wing loading of all the JKA kits. Super tough, easy to repair and plenty of places in the massive fuse to fit any size radio gear. It does build heavy due to the large fuselage.

Long wing span is important for grabbing streamers, and weighs heavily on my choices. Lots of wing area is also important to reduce wing loading.

D