I dont consider myself to be a very good kit builder so I have no idea why I cant say no to one when I stumble upon it. A coworker approached me with the chance to buy this Topflite P-47 Gold Edition Kit and made me an offer I just couldnt refuse even though I am deathly afraid that I will goof it up and it will find its place as a static Display beside the Topflite P-40 Kit I attempted to build and never finished. Long Story.... Anyhow, this kit included the Scale Engine, Scale Cockpit, and Droptanks. I have started the build, and so far I dont think I have made any crucial mistakes that has caused me to lose interest and want to throw in the towel. I'm moving fairly quickly and although probably not attainable, I have set a goal to have this completed and flying by the end of August for a Warbird Fly In at a local Club. Even if I dont meet that goal, it should at least keep me busy on it so that it doesnt turn into a 3 year project like my first build did. ( I am happy to report that I did maiden the Piper Cub last weekend and it came home with me in one piece)

Anyhow, My question now is retracts for this airplane. Will the Eflite 85 deg electric retracts mount up without much modification if I build the wings according to the plans and the manual? Also, will the Robart Scale Struts work on the Eflite Retracts?

Here are a few pictures of my progress so far. I am normally happy with the build until it comes time to cover it, then it falls to pieces. I just cant seem to get a nice clean finish that I am happy with. Maybe this one will turn out okay..I'm keeping my fingers crossed.