I am looking to start on a winter project, and I'm really wanting to build a warbird this time. I narrowed down my choices to the Top-Flite gold series .60 size warbird kits due to the fact that I have head these were the most builder friendly engineered kits on the market. I am now just looking for comments from people who have built the Top-Flite f-4 Corsair or the Top-Flite p-47 Thunderbolt, and what type of setup they used in their warbird. I plan on taking my time with this kit, since usually I finish up most of my kits with in a month and am usually ready to fly within two months. I want to go all out with working flaps, retracts, cockpit kit, etc,... etc,... This will be my first attempt at trying to build scale,... well actually my goal is not going to be true scale just as close as my building skills and the kit can get me.


Thanks,
FUZZ

I would suggest the P-47. You would have less problems with the retracts. I have the corsair and like it a lot. But the robart retracts have given me problems. Seems to be ok now. I used an ST.90 for power. Take offs are great, flying is great, landing keeps you on your toes. I think it just takes more practice since its a warbird.
Edwin

I have an extra OS .61 FX that I was gonna use for power. Would this be enough oomph? If I buy a new engine I will probably buy a Magnum .91 4 stroke in order to save $$$.

Thanks,
FUZZ

There are those that say it would be enough. I personally like having a little excess to get into and out of trouble. I would think that if you build light, no problem. Many here have said the P-47 is the best flying TF kit made. If it were me, I would use the saito 1.00. Its .90 (4-stroke) sized with more power.
Edwin

I have seen many of the TF "60" size birds. The ones I have seen with the best performance used a Saito 1.20.

I have the P-51B kit, and bought the RCV 1.20 for it. Now I just need the time to build it...and the others....

I built the Corsair and I love it. It will probably take more time than the P-47 due to the gull wing. It flies great, probably very similar to the P-47, so I say pick whichever one you like better. The Corsair has more of a reputation for being difficult to fly, but I have not had a problem and I have only been flying for 1 year.

I use a YS 91 because I wanted good power but I didn't want too much sticking out of the cowling. It is perfect for it.

I would vote for the P-47. As Dannost said, the Corsair wing is much more difficult to build, and other factors are:

1) The Thunderbolt, even without using flaps, will fly in almost at a glide, unless you build it way too heavy.

2) The Thunderbolt, "Jug", will allow a much larger engine to fit inside the generous cowl, with minimal alteration, if scale appearance is important to you.

For the TF Gold Edition model, I think you will be happiest with a 4-stroke engine of the .90 size for thrilling ,scale-like sound and performance.

Just my opinions.

I would agree with Edwin on the ST90 for power. I have the Hollywood Zero with this setup. It is low cost(150.00 new) and is reliable and way powerful. I just got the
P-47 andam about to start it. Let me know if you have any questions while you are building it. The Top flights are extremely easy to build just remember to completely read the instructions before you build. This will give you an idea what is coming next and make more sence of what you are doing now. I made some avoidable mistakes on the zero by not doing this.

I would recommend the P47, it has been more fun to fly than the Corsair I had a few years ago, low passes down the runway with the wheels sucked up really turns on the crowd. People land when I put it in the air just to watch. It has a ST 75 which seems to be plenty of power. The flaps make the landing very realistic.
The plane just finished 6 seasons of flying, must have 500 flights by now, it has worn out 2 engines.

I've spoken to a few others that have built the P-47, it requires nose weight to balance. I am planning on putting a Saito 1.20 in mine, supposed to be a great combo. If you opt for a 2-stroke, check out your muffler options first. Super Tigre 75 will work great, just right amount of power and can use the Top Flite in-cowl muffler. If you go up to the .90, you cannot use the in-cowl muffler- too much back pressure I guess.

Go with the one you like the best.I was told by many how hard the corsair would be to build and that they had never seen one fly well at all.Well,I wanted the corsair so that's what I went with.Full complement of flaps,cockpit kit,full pilot,dummy engine,robart retracts and struts.Also used an o.s.91fx engine and a 14/8 three blade prop.Came in at 10 pounds and 3 ounces. Flies very well,but I would be scared with less power.This bird can be built at a good bit lighter weight but if you build strong and power adequetly,you will be fine.Retracts take a while to install and get to working correctly.Good luck.Build what YOU want,not what someone else talks you into.Tivey

I would also like to mention that the top-flite corsair was very easy to build.Very good instructions.I followed the review that is with their web address.Helped some.It was my first kit to build.Plane came out very nice.Tivey

I'm in the process of building the Corsair now. I want to know how the plane balanced. Also how much does it weigh? I'm using the Robart retracts adding flaps and also using two servos for the ailerons. That's eight servos and retracts plus a Saito 120-a lot of extra weight. I'm building the wing now and would like to make any adjustments now. Instead of adding lead later. I hate lead.

I have a couple earlier post you can refer to,to see what all I have in my corsair. It balanced out perfectly without adding any weight.I too was wondering the same thing when I built mine.I was warned by others on here before I flew my corsair and now I will warn any others who read this.Be very careful not to come up too early on your first take off. The warnings I received ,I know,was the only thing that kept me from crashing mine.The tail will try and come up quick and so will the plane if you let it.Be sure and run down the runway a good bit and also be very careful about having too much elevator throw.It wont take much at all.My bird flies great and I am thankful for all those who shared their valuable experience with me before I flew mine. Just fyi. Hope it helps.Feel free to email any questions. Tivey

You may hate lead but lead is your friend! You dont even want to think about a tail heavy plane. I learned the hard way with my Hollywood Zero. I made it through the flight ok but it stood on its nose with just a slight flair at about six inches off the runway. It was back on the bench replacing the front end. I added more lead and now it is a *****cat. Use a balance formula instead of the plans for balancing. That is where I made my mistake.