CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

P-47 Thunderbolt fans…:D CARF-Models has just created an amazing early version P-47D Razorback that will have you earmarking your IRS refund for 2012. This bad boy is big, HIGHLY pre-fabbed, and detailed to beat the band!
I am writing the Builder’s Manual for this aircraft, although “build” is a misnomer as it is more an “assembly” process than a building process. As I progress, I will post info.

Suffice it to say, this one sets the bar on warbirds in general and the Thunderbolt in particular.

Span is 110 inches. Recommended power is the Moki 250 5 cylinder radial, although those who lack the bank for the Moki, can opt for a DA120. Provisions for both are included.
Sierra Precision is making the gear for this CARF and they are a work of ART, just like the plane! A very cool feature: they pump up when everything is powered up, and sink when power is removed. They shorten as they retract, just like the full scale and they, along with the matching wheels, are extremely rugged!
CARF also offers a complete pneumatic kit to facilitate retract installation.
Solo Props offers a 4-blade propeller hub and CARF offers the carbon fiber 30” (total diameter) propeller blades.

The plane comes finished in a silver gel coat with Fowler style flaps completely engineered and working; TONS of surface detail: panel lines, inspection covers, flush rivets, raised rivets, trim tabs, scoops, detailed gear doors, and a super accurate outline. This thing is virtually ready to paint right out of the box.

As I have a life, a job, and a million other irons in the fire I promise to add info and update this build thread as my time permits.
In the meantime, I would be happy to answer any questions.

You can find the plane at:
http://carf-models.com/public_carf/p...460&title=P-47 Thunderbolt

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

*@&#@)*$%# want one

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

<div>Richard
</div><div></div><div>I will be following your CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt thread because I like the contribution that you made to the CARF 33% Gee Bee thread. I like the way you process complex issues, think out of the box and possess that painstaking persistence to see problems through! I am sure that the P-47 Thunderbolt thread will be likewise as beneficial to all that participate and follow.
</div><div></div><div>Carl
</div>

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Thank you Carl.

Well, in an effort to "think outside the box." the first thing I did was USE THE BOX to make a fuselage cradle for this monster!;)
It lends itself quite well to this purpose and certainly solves the immediate issue of HOW to hold this thing securely while working on it.
The pictures are self explanatory.

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

What's the price for the airplane and accessories? Didn't see it on the site, but maybe just looked in the wrong place.
TIA

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

For product pricing, Click on 'P-47 All Silver'

OR

http://carf-models.com/public_carf/p...ant&proId=2461

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Here are a few photos of the surface detail on the plane. This is EVERYWHERE on the aircraft's surface. The wings are unbelievable.... I will post photos soon as I move into retract installation.
I am also including a photo of the carbon fiber propeller blades offered by CARF and the pneumatic support kit for the retracts.

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

<div>Richard
</div><div></div><div>That kit is stunning. The detail in the mold that shows rivets and panel joints is amazing. The quality of the silver gelcoat looks like you could add your paint scheme and decals and go to the field. Is that what you are finding?
</div><div></div><div>You know how much I love carbon fiber, and those four blades are enough to make one drool. Have you checked them for balance? You would think that the vacuum bag molding process would make them very close. The air air system will make those retracts work flawlessly.
</div><div></div><div>That's going to be a neat plane to watch in the air. Will this be your plane when finished? and if it is, are you going to provide video and a description of the maiden flight on this thread? I realize that you are writing the <u>Assembly</u> <u>Manual</u> and taking construction photos for CARF and that this will add to your time. . . and knowing Richard, making engineering design modifications as well. Do you have a feel for how long it will take to complete?
</div><div></div><div>Carl</div>

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Carl and others,
YES, I will be doing a video of the plane once completed.
This Builder's Manual will be quite extensive with LOTS of color photos, so I am imagining it will be offered on CD or as a (large) download at the CARF-Models website. A black and white hard copy would not do it justice nor provide the necessary detail, but could be used as a rough builders guide.

You can see the prototype being flown by Andreas Gietz on the web site NOW! That Moki is one awesome sounding BEAST:D
http://carf-models.com/public_carf/p...000/video.html

And YES this is MY PLANE. I hope to do a magazine review as well, once the Builder's Manual is complete and maiden flights are under my belt.

The silver gel coat does appear to be paintable such that if a modeler chooses one of the natural metal finishes so often seen on the Thunderbolt, paint and detail will be much easier than on other warbirds. And of course the level of surface detail also saves the modeler an ETERNITY of scale detailing time!:)

Feast your eyes on the wing surface ‘gingerbread’... INCLUDING INSIDE the gear doors!

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

You are right, there is no sound like that wide open flyby! What detail in the wingsurface and gear doors.

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

The plane looks just great! I ordered mine around mid-December, and am expecting it (along with the Moki 250) around the beginning of April. When did you order, and did you receive it recently?

Cheers

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

I received mine mid February, but it was shipped specifically so that I could begin the Builder's Manual ASAP.
I know CARF is shipping these now, so the delay should not be terribly long.

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Hi, RichardGee. I am new on this forum, but have built many CARF planes. I am receiving two kits in a couple of weeks, and plan to use the Moki 250 as power plants on both. Does the engine installation seem to be straightforward to you, or do you anticipate any modifications? By rthe way, how is the instruction manual coming along?

Best regards

CARF pilot

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Having looked at the pictures on the CARF homepage, I was planning to build the entire engine assembly less fuel tank separately. One really nice feature of the kit is the possibility to do this, with ease of assembly and later access to all components such as choke and throttle assembly, ignition box anb battery, as well main engine assembly.
CARF pilot

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

I have not yet focused on the engine installation, but it appears very straight forward.
The kit comes with a carbon fiber engine dome upon which the Moki will mount.
In turn, this dome will bolt to the fuselage firewall.

The dome is fairly small, so I am not sure it would accommodate ignition and battery.
The gas tank is mounted inside the fuselage in a pre-made tank cradle and so is not part of the engine dome, nor is their any room for it.

The manual is over 50 pages at this point - mostly composed of photos.
I anticipate completion within a month.

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Is it possible to tell me the dimensions of the "room" inside the cowl, like length and width.
I am seriously thinking of putting the 3W 4 cylinder in mine.
Thanks,
Frank Tiano

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

In the meantime, here is my latest CARF project, ready for maiden. In the background, a 3,3 m with a Moki 250, in the pipeline

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Now hopefully with a couple of pictures;) The model to the left is the 82 inches yak 55 sp, the one to the right is the 125 inch yak 55. Both are CARF models, with custom schemes. The big boy has a Moki 250, needless to say. Practicing on building large planes will come in handy for the P 47, I guess

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Frank,
Here are a number of pictures of the cowl, with and without DA100 for reference.

A ONE FOOT ruler fits to within 2 inches of touching the inside front lip of the cowl.
The DA100 EASILY fits even with the long mufflers in the way.

IF your 3W is about the same size as a DA200, I do not believe you would have any problem installing it within this cowl.

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Hey guys,

Here are a few more pictures of some of the inner workings of this BEAST:)
The aileron servo installation is a bit challenging as you need to make a LOOOOOONG philips screwdriver to access servo screws.
There are other ways as well, like combining the long driver with a short 90 degree Chapman tool.
The flap servos are considerably easier to install, BUT HEY - IF you want SCALE LOOKS, sacrifices must be made!;)

WHO wants ugly servos and linkages hanging out in the breeze, detracting the eyes from all the surface detail "eye candy?":)
NOT EYE!

The Sierra gear are gorgeous and robust, as are the scale rims and tires.
Nothing has been terribly difficult to install, yet. Of course, one man's difficulty is another man's challenge...

Even the gear door cylinder is a piece of cake (if you follow my instructions:D)

Manual is up to 53 pages, but still plenty more to go. I would anticipate a completion date of 45 days from now.

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

The kit looks fabulous . What servos do you use? I was plannimg on usingHitec 7955 throughout, but maybe that's overkill ?

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Carl,

For the build I am illustrating JR 8611As throughout. These are "drop-in," as all servo pockets and mounting holes are perfectly spaced for the JR servo.
For my personal P-47 I am using Hitec 7955TGs throughout. BE ADVISED that for exact mounting screw spacing, the existing mounting holes must be filled and CA'd (I use round toothpicks) then redrilled IF you are using Hitec or some other servo with different mounting dimensions than the JR. This can be a real challenge in some of the hard to reach areas, but I have managed.

The servo pockets themselve are sized to accommodate either servo.

The manufacturer specifically recommends 200+ in. oz. BB, metal gear, digital servos in general; JR 8611s in particular.

For an airplane this large and expensive, I would not go with anything less than top of the line digital servos!
I have used Hitecs in all 6 of my CARF aircraft and never had a failure. However, I have no doubt you simply cannot go wrong with the JR servo. IF I did not already have 8 brand new Hitecs, I would have gone with the JRs just to save the extra effort.
It is ultimately up to you what servos you use.

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

OK; thanks. I have had the same problem with some of the servo trays on my larger Yaks. Speaking of which; the 3,3 m needs a 30 inch screwdriver to access the servo tray for the ailerons. I guess I will use that for the Thunderbolt as well. On all my CARFs so far I use the 5955 or 7955 except on throttle/choke. I have never used the JR servos, but probably will for this project, given your recommnedation. I dont mind extra work, but if the same result can be achieved without, there is no point in going the extra mile. Now I need to find out where to get them. And, how may do I need?


Best

CARF Pilot

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Is there any servo programmer available for the JR servos? I would think you would need one to set the speed on the flap servos. Or can this be done with a radio such as the Futaba 14 MZ, which I use?

RE: CARF-Models P-47 Thunderbolt
 

Carf-Pilot:

You can get the JR 8711 servos at Horizon, Chief Aircraft, or Troy Built Models. Chief Aircraft sells them in a 4 pack that is cheaper than the 1 at a time price.