blkbird

To be honest I did not do a full search so I hope this isn't a rehashed subject.

I have begun my research to build a giant scale P-47 with a Tuskeegee Airmen's theme. I am looking for a relatively straight forward kit. So far I am considering a Top Flite kit as this will be my first GS build. As part of my research I have been reading some threads involving fiberglass kits and I am curious to get feedback on the difference in building a Balsa vs Fiberglass kit. Would a fg kit be an "easier" build?? Are there any advantages in terms of flyability. maintainence etc????

phantomdriver

Well it's either Monocote or Glass. Glass harder to repair than balsa IE rip gear out. Personal preferance.

Mark in Michigan

I built a Byron Corsair and feel I could have built a balsa version lighter weight. Can't beat the toughness of a FG fuse though, plus the panel lines etc are molded in. The FG version is probably a quicker build. Methods are very different in that i used hot melt glue to position the formers and then fiberglassed them in. I thought the landing gear mounting method was actually quite good on the Byron and not hard to repair.

scale only 4 me

My Feedback: (158)

A balsa kit will be more work just for the fact you'll have to build 100% of it. With a "fiberglass kit", you'll only have to build the wing/tail feathers.
Typically a fiberglass fuse will be lighter over all compared to a built up, but not much depending on weather you glass/paint or use iron on covering.

Yellow has a p-47 that is mostly prefabricated and very pricey
Zirroli offers two plan set sizes, the larger having a Fiberglass fuse option, Kit cutters offer both, Ziroli offers the misc fiberglass parts/canopies etc.

The Top Flite kit is the least expensive option by far for a complete kit, even after adding the aftermarket fiberglass parts

Good luck