Ok I justt finished a 40 size p-47 and I was balancing it and noticed it is very tail heavy. The plane is about 6 lbs and I think I have to add weight in the front to balance it. I am looking at about 12 ounce's.( total 7lbs ) So is this two much wieght for a magnum .46 engine???? It sucks if it's not since it fit perfectly under the cowl with out cutting and it's sitting side ways not inverted. Positive info would be great. Thanks in advance.

Which kit is this and what is the wing area? This will give a clue on wingloading. I assume you have the batt as far forward as possible? Thunderbolt's have a fairly large forgiving wing as compared to some other warbirds. If you state your model, others may provide first hand experience for you. It is looking like you will probably want at least a .61 at 7 lbs, although I flew a Senior Kadet with a .46 at almost 11lbs.

It has 56in wing span and is a CMPRO ARF.

Wing Span: 55.5"
Weight: 5.51lb
Length: 44.5"
Wing Loading: 25.66oz./sq.ft.
Wing Area: 496sq.in
Engine Required: 2c 40, 4c 52
Radio 4~5 Channel 5~6 Servos

At 7 lbs, your wingloading will be over 30oz/sq.ft. I personally would be nervous after the 28 oz/sq.ft mark on that sized plane. I think a .60 is going to be needed for any sort of performance, ie, getting off the ground quickly out of the tipstall danger zone. It may take some work, but can you move the Servo tray farther forward? Replace the wheels with lightweight foam? Using carbon fiber push-rods from Cent. Hobbies can save several oz. in the back. A NiMH battery can save a couple oz over a NiCd. There are other weight saving ideas, others will think of.

Not much of a moment on this plane. I have a 72inch that came out tail heavy even with a 1.08 in the nose. Texans (the plane) are the same way.

Can you put the battery up in the nose?

I tried putting the battery in the nose but it won't fit. I think I am going to have to get a bigger engine and add lead in the nose. I don't want to do that since the cowl is already cut for a .46 or .50 magnum or os engine. I really like how clean it looks with no engine showing. But like this its only good for looking at not flying.

There are crankshaft weights that will fit under many spinners. 1 0r 2 oz at the end of the crankshaft is about the same as 4 oz on the firewall.

SIG also makes weights with a predrilled hole in the center, these can be put between the bolts holding the engine and the motor mount.

If you have the room for the battery on the firewall (either on the engine side or inside the fuselage), epoxy AND SCREW a length of velcro to the firewall, then secure the battery in place. You may need to drill a hole in the firewall for the battery lead (remember to remove the fuel tank BEFORE drilling any holes ) and use a short extension to get to the switch.