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Top Flite P-47D Thunderbolt ARF .60-.91: Building & Mods

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Top Flite P-47D Thunderbolt ARF .60-.91: Building & Mods

Old 04-21-2015, 08:07 AM
  #951  
Jaybird
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Thanks. I've had several people suggest that and will give it a try before the next flights. The field will also have to dry out some before anyone flies up our way with drenching rains all week to add to "mud season" squishyness already.

Jaybird
Old 05-11-2015, 11:11 AM
  #952  
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Moved the large 4-cell receiver battery pack from the intended mounting plate in front of the CG location to the open bay just behind the CG location in front of the cockpit area. That moved the balance point back about 1/4" but still within the recommended range. Test flew this weekend. The ground handling was much better with a much reduced nose over tendancy. Flight test was good with no new bad habits. It will slow down more quickly, especially with full flaps. First landing attempt got a little squirely as I got too slow and started to drop a wing but power input had it flying again for a go-around. Second attempt kept the nose down and it flaired beautifully for a solid wheel landing in the grass and roll out. It didn't try to nose over and slowed down nicely to taxi. I was able to taxi back with full up elevator and again the tail would bounce but not rise. Yippee! I did not put spacers under the landing gear to angle them forward and don't think I'll need to.

Jaybird
Old 05-31-2015, 07:48 PM
  #953  
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If anybody needs some new Oleo struts for retracts check them out here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2424320
Old 06-29-2015, 10:32 AM
  #954  
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I am building the Top Flite P-47 gold edition arf and am trying to figure out the main gear servo (my first operable gear). The servo arm is above the wing surface, my problem is I don't know if this is correct or if it should be inside the wing. Any and all assistance will be appreciated.
Old 06-29-2015, 11:15 AM
  #955  
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I mounted my gear servo as low in the wing as I could, the bottom of the servo is only about 3/32" from the wing sheeting. I made a new servo mount to mount the servo to, much like aghost did in post #938. That way the servo arm and push rods are inside the wing, my push rods are straight with no bends. My gear works perfectly, so far.

Bob Mc
Old 06-29-2015, 11:26 AM
  #956  
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Some time without posting....mine have now over one hundred flights and still flying like a champ..., I added full drop tanks ordnance and performance doesn´t looks mar.. just landing now are little more faster...
just a vid for sharing...
Best regards friends.
Manolo.
https://vimeo.com/121179611

https://vimeo.com/121179611
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Last edited by ultimate2; 06-29-2015 at 11:36 AM.
Old 06-29-2015, 01:36 PM
  #957  
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Thanks birddogs2, that is a good idea and seems as if it will work fine. As you haven't had any problems, I will do the same.
Old 06-29-2015, 01:42 PM
  #958  
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I noticed some people are having trouble with flap. I spent about an hour adjusting mine on both the servos and linages and now have full travel, about 2". I also had to reverse that channel to get proper direction. Keep tinkering with them and it will pay off.
Old 07-09-2015, 06:19 PM
  #959  
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I have just finished installing the stock mechanical retracts, they work but do not retract all the way, as you can imagine this is kind of aggravating. How do you adjust them so they close fully? I have tried all my feeble old brain can come up with. It is probably real simple, but it escapes me.
Old 12-30-2015, 07:47 AM
  #960  
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Has anyone tried a Saito 120S or Saito 150 in this plane?
If so how did it balance? Tail weight needed?

And how does a Saito 100 balance in this plane?

Thanks.
Dan
Old 12-30-2015, 08:27 AM
  #961  
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Mine balanced perfectly with a DLE 20 and a stock muffler. Check the differences in weight between that and your engine and you'll have the answer.
Old 12-30-2015, 10:48 AM
  #962  
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Dan, I have a .91 4 stroke on mine and it took 11 oz. of lead to balance. This a tail heavy bird and the heavier the motor the less weight will be needed.

Last edited by lobohart; 12-30-2015 at 10:49 AM. Reason: left out a word
Old 01-01-2016, 10:07 AM
  #963  
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Thanks guys. That's all I needed to know.
Saito 120S should work well.
Old 01-27-2016, 12:36 PM
  #964  
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Hi--Has anyone used the OS GT22 gas engine in this bird? I got one as a "gift" and am looking for a home.

Thanks-

Larry
Old 01-27-2016, 12:40 PM
  #965  
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A lot of people, including myself have used the DLE 20 with great success. I assume the slightly larger O.S. would do fine.
Old 01-27-2016, 04:29 PM
  #966  
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Hi Lifer-
Thanks--Ive read through the DLE20 posts but was wondering if anyone has tried the OS engine--just to see if there is anything particularly useful that I ought to know.

Thanks-

Larry
Old 01-31-2016, 10:31 AM
  #967  
phakur
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Hi all-

Just getting started on this ARF--removing wrinkles right now. I have a few questions based on what I am using. Hope someone can provide some guidance.

I will be using:
OS GT22 gas engine.
Hitec 425BB servos all around
Century Jet Pneumatic retracts
Eagle A3 Super II flight stabilizer

Here's some questions:

Servo Mount-Looking at the photos in this thread: Some mounted the servos with the arm "away" from the controlled surface--some mounted with the arm closer (resulting in a shorter pushrod). Is there a "correct" way? Does it really matter?

Retracts: I notice that the wheel well is lined with plastic. Since I will be doing some cutting, should I remove the plastic wheel well entirely? If so, how? If so, does it need replacement of some kind?

I intend on adding some support below the retract mounts between the two wing formers. I will be using 1/4 plywood. Has anyone done something like this?

Props: Are there any 4 blade props available for a gas engine that fit this plane? I've seen several 3 blade.

Thanks in advance for any help you offer!!

Larry
Old 02-02-2016, 05:50 AM
  #968  
CorsairJock
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Hi Guys, I started this thread over 5 years ago, just dropping in to let people know mine is still flying, in great condition. I've replace glow plugs, rx battery, exhaust extensions (silicone burns thru eventually), and the cowl 1 time (mounting holes wore out due to vibration). Other than that, everything else id original, a testament to what a great model this is.
I glanced a page or 2 back, and saw some Really Nice Models, I especially like the one with the drop tanks.
My trusty Saito 100 is holding up well also, as are the retracts. Can't say enough about this model, I got rid of the Top Flite Mustang I had: it was nice, but I was constantly fiddling with the retracts. Not so on the Thunderbolt, the stock retract units are still on it (with RoboStruts), and actuated by dual Hi Torq/ Low Profile proportional servos.
Glad to see there is still so much interest in this model,......... Jim Jager, Kalamazoo, MI
Old 02-10-2016, 10:14 AM
  #969  
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I got this a few years ago and am finally getting around to putting it together. I have a SAITO 115 for power.
I was assembling the.fuse and found out the ball link for the rudder/tailwheel servo arm was missing, the set screws for 2 wheel collars and the tailwheel wire we also missing. I notified Hobbico tech support and received an email back that they were having probs identifying the parts and could I provide some more info. So.. I did. Page numbers, figure nos, paragraph step nos. Then.i get emails saying the parts have been shipped and they armrest closing the ticket. I get the ball link and... a tailwheel for the U-CAN-DO 3D Sf 61! Unbelievable. They can't I'd the correct parts or even send me the correct tailwheel assembly.
I wouldn't mind the tailwheel collars set screw prob so much but they appear to be an odd size and only 1 LHS stocks any SETSCREWS and you pretty much have to know which ones they are. I've already replaced the missing screws in the axle collars.

Last edited by albsurfer; 02-10-2016 at 10:17 AM.
Old 02-12-2016, 08:08 AM
  #970  
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Hi everyone.
I got mine about a year ago and just started it. I have to say I'm not too impressed with the quality. I only started the wings but already have some issues. The flaps were binding on both wings, so I had to cut the hinges, carefully drill them out and redo those. It also seems something wasn't put together right; when I join the wings they do not line up, they are twisted by about an inch. I can fit them together though and it shouldn't pose much of a problem. I am now working on fitting the stock retracts. I had to shim them or the struts were sticking out about 3/8 inch at the wheels. The gear doors are still not flush with the wing but are only sticking out by maybe 1/8 inch now, I can live with that.I do have a question for those that went with the stock landing gear. When I attach the gear doors I can still twist them by hand, no matter how much I tighten the screws on those "nylon humped landing gear straps" (as TF calls them). I was thinking about putting a little tape around the strut in that area or something. Anyone have a better idea please let me know.
Old 02-12-2016, 06:35 PM
  #971  
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I have an update on the retract installation. Shimming was not a good idea. I put the wing halfs together and noticed [because of the shims] that the wheels were not at all 90 degrees to the floor. This didn't work so I wanted to remove the shims. I decided to investigate and opened up the retract. I found some burrs where one of the screw heads apparently protruded to the inside of the housing and prevented the retract to close all the way. It was way in the corner of the housing. I removed it and also cut a chamfer to the edge of the plastic part of the strut ( for lack of a better word) and now the retracts will close all the way and no shims are needed. This was found on both retracts. I know this is an old thread but I thought I'd post it anyway, someone might need the info in the future.
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Old 03-13-2016, 04:51 AM
  #972  
phakur
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Just curious---Has anyone used a gyro with this plane?
Old 03-16-2016, 02:29 PM
  #973  
phakur
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Please help if you can-----Hope someone who used a gas engine can help--I'm a bit confused right now. I am using an OS GT22 which is a beam mount but will not fit if the existing firewall drilled holes are used--therefore-new holes required.

My typical assumption is that the lines etched into the firewall intersect at the centerline of the engine shaft, which essentially means that on the P47 the engine is mounted a bit below (looks to be 1/4 inch) and horizontally centered on the firewall hole.

Can anyone tell me the best way to translate that into where to place the engine mount and ultimately where I am to drill new holes for the engine mount support?

My prior experience with DLE 30 was a mounting template to get the screw holes correct or a firewall that had markings for multiple engines.

Not sure how to do this with a beam mount.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Larry
Old 05-19-2016, 06:35 AM
  #974  
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Just wanted to share....if anybody wants a copy of the scale bulkheads for locating the gear in the scale location, i can you a copy if i get from you a self addressed/stamped envelope. Just send me a message to exchange info.
This was obtained from a post in rcgroups by "Gree" .
Old 01-07-2017, 09:44 PM
  #975  
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Default build progress. landing gear installed

Hi all. I picked up this ARF a few months ago. I've always wanted to add inner doors and I decided this plane would be the one. I got carried away and started to add panel lines etc. I was puzzled as to how to do the tail wheel, so I put the plane away for a while. Now that the gear is installed (Robart electric retracts) hopefully finishing this model won't take too much more time. I'll be using a DLE 20 for a power plant.

SJ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-6jYR-92mk

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