P-47 Thunderbolt (oz15079)

About this Plan

P-47 Thunderbolt. Radio control standoff scale model WWII fighter. Wingspan 60 in, wing area 720 sq in, for .60 engines.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Congratulations! You now own the most accurate R/C Stand-Off Scale kit ever produced. We at Top Flite hope that you will find this model the most pleasant to build, inspiring to look at and exciting to fly that you have constructed.

It is honest to point out, however, that while this model is no more difficult - in fact is simpler than most comparable kits to make, R/C Scale models generally are not for the newcomer to this hobby. Previous modeling experience and careful attention to craftsmanship are necessary. Even the 'old hand' will do well to study and follow the instructions and guidance given in this booklet. It is our aim to have you say: This is the finest model I have ever built.

Construction of P-47. Before You Start, Read This: The assembly sequence of your Top Flite P47 has been carefully developed to help assure the correct alignment of your model. Utilize the check-off blocks as you build; this will allow assembly of your model in minimum time.

Before beginning an assembly step, read the instructions to familiarize yourself with the parts to be used. Find the parts mentioned and double check them for proper identifi-cation and size with the plans. Do not separate parts from the die cut sheets until you need them. There are machined parts in your kit which are not identified, such as the fuselage siders, stab, ailerons, etc. These parts can be easily identified by checking the parts against the plans.

We are sometimes asked which glues are best for model construction. The answer to this depends upon the particular job. This is our normal recommendation: For all hardwood-to-hardwood or hardwood-to-balsa joints, use white wood glue. Titebond is especially good, as it dries faster than other white glues and is very strong. For balsa-to-balsa joints, regular balsa-wood cements are ample for the job, although white glue can be used here too.

Whichever type you use, remember that excess glue is no substitute for a well-fitting joint. Use a minimum of glee at all times, and wipe off excess glue that squeezes out of joints before it sets hard; when set it is difficult to remove, but if not removed it could spoil the covering job... "

Update 30/1/2024: Added kit review from Radio Modeller, January 1977, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "RM Test Report. Thunderbolt P-47. A really de luxe kit by TopFlite from Ripmax - built and flown by Dave Cronin.

As stated when the contents were reviewed in last September's Trade News, this is certainly a de luxe kit. It makes up into a 60in span 'standoff' scale model of some 720 sq in wing area, for .50 to .61 motors. (The scale at this span is something just over 1/8).

Apart from a variation in density of some of the wood, the materials in the box are very good - the cowling and canopy being quite outstanding. The plan and instruction manual are very comprehensive, and I would advise even the more experienced modeller to study them well.

Getting it together: The lower half of the fuselage is built onto the engine bearers, pinned to the building board, the sides also being pinned down - and here I hit something of a snag. The top edges of the side sheets have a slight curve in them, from nose to tail, so cannot be pinned to the board all along. I overcame this by using packing. The 1/4 in sq cross members fit into notches in the top and bottom members, producing a rigid basic box structure.

The formers are halved, top-and-bottom, and glued onto this main box (when it begins to look more like an aircraft than a boat!) The indicated tailwheel position, incidentally, is not scale, so I mounted the assembly on a plate inside the fuselage and made it steerable via a pushrod off the rudder, as can probably be seen in one of the photographs.

The pre-formed balsa shells or skins are a feature of this kit - and avoid the need for tedious planking - but do, themselves, require care and patience to fit properly. They are well oversize but, nevertheless, care is required. The bottom rear shells went on easily; then one of the top shells. The problem is the last one, as one cannot get a hand inside the fuselage to pull it about! I think I spent more time fitting this one than the others put together..."

Update 30/1/2024: Added kit review from RCM, April 1977, thanks to RFJ.

Update 30/1/2024: Added kit review from Flying Models, January 1977, thanks to RFJ.

Supplementary file notes

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Reviews.

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