Did you have to put much weight in the tail?
I had one of these (the P47) a while back but used a GMS .32 for power. Slammed it nose first into a boulder on the maiden flight due to a bum rx. Repaired the front end (was pretty well splintered) and flew it a few times but the engine turned out to have a cracked case and I ended up scrapping the whole plane for parts. I had originally gotten the plane to combat with another flier at the field but he vanished once I got it and I decided to go a different direction as far as flying.
I happen to have an LA .46 that is semi-retired and another one of the combat series planes might be a good home from what you say.
I remember that they do retail for $80.
ORIGINAL: Tim Jones
I started out with an RTF trainer. I aquired a few more fliers and eventually got too brave with and destoyed the trainer. However, I found a great use for the engine and radio gear. I came into a World Model's Air combat series Zero. This pane is made for a 25 size engine and four channel radio. There are four differnt trim schemes available. Well the good old 40LA is pretty mild and extremely reliable, so I put all of the hardware from my trainer into one of these. What a kick in the pants. Low cost equals low risk. The ARF kit is listed at only $80. I put a 9x7 prop on it, and had a great time. I had a bit too much fun with it and stuffed it last week, but a new one is on the way. I'm trying to get a few guys together to race 'em. Talk about cheap entry. I had no flutter problems. The 40LA is mild enough that it seems to work out as a hotter 25. So, for $80 I put together a quick little taildragger that's kind of a high speed trainer. I think it's a great way to "store" an old 40LA.