installing aftermarket retracts
 

Just bought a Great Planes P-47 Thunderbolt from TowerHobbies. It's the 39.5 inch wingspan version.

I am looking to change the fixed landing gear with retracts. The problem is: a) I don't really know what size of retracts to get.

b) I could not find any of those plastic inserts that you cut into the wing so when that the wheels would fit into when retracted.

Anyone know of any retract kits and where to buy?

Any help is appreciated.

thanks

RE: installing aftermarket retracts
 

Is this the Electric P-47?

RE: installing aftermarket retracts
 

You should be able to use small mechanical retracts made for EP's.

Note however that doing all this will be completely up to you. You'll need to "engineer" things to get a proper fit and operation.

As for the WHEEL WELLS forget about the plastic inserts as you'll have a hard time finding them.

You could try your hand at forming a plastic bottle, using a hot air gun... but IMHO the easiest thing to do is to cut out the wells to size, and "warp" balsa into a circular shape to fit the circular opening.

Thin balsa bends easily when wet, so you could soak balsa sheets to obtain the circular shape of the wheel well walls, let the sheet dry, and glue the walls into place.

Once done, cut off the excess, sand and paint.

RE: installing aftermarket retracts
 

Minnflyer: yes, it is the electric p47.

opjose: Yes, i looked at local hobby shops and on the net and couldn't find any.

Balsa seems like a great idea. Thanks for the suggestions

RE: installing aftermarket retracts
 

As opjose said, you'll have to make the wheel wells yourself. but there are some small retracts here:

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/retracts.htm