While i'm no expert I do have a few kits under my belt. First I think most would agree that a top-flite P-47 is probably more complex than you want for your first build. Buy a four star kit or something similar and build that first. As far as sheeting goes, the sheeting is bent around curved surfaces after you wet it down, then held in place while it dries(ace wraps work great) then when the balsa dries it will hold its new shape. Takes some practice as far as how much water,how far it will bend wihout cracking etc. Hope this helps some. Steve