Howdy all and Happy New Year,

I've recently purchased a CMPro ARF Thunderbolt (Razorback. Large version, 180cm wingspan) and thought some of you guys could be interested in seeing how I go along. The kit seems nicely done. This is my first warbird, I'm quite excited with the whole thing and may very well overlook obvious problems. Got a 4-stroke OS 120, flaps and plan to install mechanical retracts.

My very first hurdle is to find quality 30mn epoxy glue here in Shanghai... Believe it or not, can only find 5mn epoxy [&:]. Will face similar sourcing issues for retracts too The hobby is still very new in China and I only know of 3 RC stores for a city of 22 millions people. Lots of RC stuff is produced here but little is distributed domestically.

Getting frustrated, I started with some "cosmetic" work. The original camo scheme is nice so I kept it as is. I just tried some weathering with toothpicks dipped in automotive paint, spraying aluminum paint on a bundled convenience store plastic bag and gently tapping the surfaces. Light sandpaper followed all over, from front to back. Will add exhaust stains once I find the right ingredients.
I'm afraid it ain't (and won't be) no masterpiece, but will do since my workshop is the dining table.

Will update as soon as I find the 30mn epoxy. Anyway a few pics first, taken with my mobile. Hope they will show.

Would love to get comments, both neg and positive on those pics as I guess I can still amend. By the way, no particular paint scheme besides the invasion stripes. Red cowl, red cockpit frame and, eventually, a red rudder. Will probably also add a couple of kills under the cockpit.

If anyone has assembled this one or knows of which retracts could fit nicely w/o too much cutting involved, I would greatly appreciate if you could share info and experience.

Zaijian,