Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > RC Warbirds and Warplanes
Reload this Page >

TopRC giant P-47 Thunderbolt ARF

Notices
RC Warbirds and Warplanes Discuss rc warbirds and warplanes in this forum.

TopRC giant P-47 Thunderbolt ARF

Old 10-25-2022, 09:09 AM
  #376  
Colt4570
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Phoenix, Az.
Posts: 142
Received 49 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by marksp
When the kits were first offered for pre-order, I (and prolly others) shared feedback that this “forced” bundling model was short-sighted and would impact sales and customer satisfaction.

Glad to hear they’re now “allowing” customers to purchase what they want without tying what they don’t.

Keep us posted on your electron journey (source, cost, installation, etc.).

I’m flying off grass so matter of time until more robust solution required.

Cheers
Sorry marksp, forgot about your question.

I ended up buying ER-50 Classic model direct from Electron's website (Spain I believe). With the upgraded GS-200 controller, the paypal exchange rate to Euros and shipping, the cost was $413. The method of lengthening the pin (that goes into the retract) to shorten the length of the strut worked really well. Hope that helps.

I do plan on easing up on the strut spring tension somewhat. With the current spring and grease TopRc used, there is bery little give in the struts (at least the ones I got from them). I disassembled the strut and removed all the pine tar like grease and with the spring alone, it takes about 35 pounds to begin moving the strut. I'm concerned that with a harder than average landing, the gear box will come through the top of the wing without a little more give in the oleos.

Last edited by Colt4570; 10-25-2022 at 05:05 PM. Reason: Spelling
Old 11-01-2022, 09:28 AM
  #377  
Colt4570
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Phoenix, Az.
Posts: 142
Received 49 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Got 4 great flights on her including the maiden, but a little issue on the fourth landing. Put a little side load on the right side gear and the steel portion of the strut took a bend. Good news is, the Electrons held up like they should, (solid as a rock). If you've looked at the pin that retains the strut, you'll see it's a hardened roll pin into a blind hole and is obviously not normally a user serviceable part.

I used two different methods to get right and left side pins out. Because I didn't know the length of the roll pin, I used an 1/8" carbide end mill on the first and got it out, but broke 2 end mills doing it. The second one went much better, but you have to measure and approximate the location of the hole from the opposite side, then you can drive the roll pin back out, opposite the direction it was installed. I used an 1/8" end mill on this as well, because you are starting the hole on a radiused surface.

Since it took over a month to hear back from TopRc on the bent retract sideplates, I decided to order some 9/16" chromoly tubing and will have to ream it out and turn it down slightly to size. The stock struts only have a .029" or .73 mm wall thickness. The new ones should be about .060" or 1.52 mm. I will probably have to use different springs as well. If I had to do it all over, I would order Sierra gear from the get go. Definitely a learning experience, but I like flying my planes more than fixing them...


Bent strut

Milled out roll pin

Milled hole and drove out roll pin



Last edited by Colt4570; 11-01-2022 at 09:32 AM.
Old 11-09-2022, 02:41 PM
  #378  
Colt4570
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Phoenix, Az.
Posts: 142
Received 49 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Finished the struts this morning. Ended up using 9/16" chromoly tube with .121" wall thickness beause they were out of the .065" wall stuff. Even less chance they'll bend, lol. Just in case anyone else needs to do this, I'm including my diagram. Also putting a louvered vent from Valley View rc under the cowl between the exhaust cutouts. Without the extra air exit, a couple full throttle laps had the temp at 300°F.

Old 11-11-2022, 08:06 PM
  #379  
Colt4570
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Phoenix, Az.
Posts: 142
Received 49 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Pics of the cowl venting. It seemed to work pretty well. I didn't do any full throttle laps, but that's not typically how I fly anyway, lol. Engine near the spark plug on the rearward cylinder never got over 257 deg. This DLE 111 will do some awesome large loops without even slowing down. Two very enjoyable flights at the 1/8th Air Force fly-in today in Phoenix.



The following users liked this post:
bradley (11-11-2022)
Old 11-18-2022, 04:35 AM
  #380  
Guillaume P
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Hi, could someone give me please the exact CG position recommended in mm if possible ( any feed back about CG position after test flights?) and the length of the cord of the wing, as I 'am adapting a Ziroli P47 with a Toprc cowl to fit a Moi 180. My Ziroli is 92" instead of 96 wingspan and Ziroli recommends 150 mm CG from the leading edge: If I can go for a CG more aft than 150 mm it should be better as , despite of the Moki weight, I'm tail heavy. The cord of the Ziroli wing is 52 cm. Many Thanks for your help. I was unable to upload the P47 Top rc notice.

With respect to the weak landing gear legs, I had the same problem with my Ziroli, with Chineese legs, so I bought some Sierra Legs wich are superb and strong, but not tested yet. Maybe an option for you could be Sierra Legs with ER50 brackets to upgrade the landing gear and fit in the wing . My P47 was 40 lb powered with a DJ 80 with 5 lb of lead in the front.

Cheers
Old 11-19-2022, 11:32 AM
  #381  
Colt4570
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Phoenix, Az.
Posts: 142
Received 49 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Guillaume P
Hi, could someone give me please the exact CG position recommended in mm if possible ( any feed back about CG position after test flights?) and the length of the cord of the wing, as I 'am adapting a Ziroli P47 with a Toprc cowl to fit a Moi 180. My Ziroli is 92" instead of 96 wingspan and Ziroli recommends 150 mm CG from the leading edge: If I can go for a CG more aft than 150 mm it should be better as , despite of the Moki weight, I'm tail heavy. The cord of the Ziroli wing is 52 cm. Many Thanks for your help. I was unable to upload the P47 Top rc notice.

With respect to the weak landing gear legs, I had the same problem with my Ziroli, with Chineese legs, so I bought some Sierra Legs wich are superb and strong, but not tested yet. Maybe an option for you could be Sierra Legs with ER50 brackets to upgrade the landing gear and fit in the wing . My P47 was 40 lb powered with a DJ 80 with 5 lb of lead in the front.

Cheers
The manual recommends 159mm from the leading edge at the root, which seems to work very well for mine.
I will look into the Sierra legs if anything else goes wrong, but so far so good!
Old 11-19-2022, 03:32 PM
  #382  
Guillaume P
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Colt4570
The manual recommends 159mm from the leading edge at the root, which seems to work very well for mine.
I will look into the Sierra legs if anything else goes wrong, but so far so good!
Thanks for the answer, did someone test in flight a CG more aft , as 170 mm?
Old 11-22-2022, 06:19 PM
  #383  
LtMash1A
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 241
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Is there a particular size (number) cotter pin that you used? And, what size and type drill? Wonderting how hard the metal is.
Old 11-24-2022, 07:15 AM
  #384  
Colt4570
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Phoenix, Az.
Posts: 142
Received 49 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LtMash1A
Is there a particular size (number) cotter pin that you used? And, what size and type drill? Wonderting how hard the metal is.
Not quite sure who the question is for and what it's related to sir. If you could quote the original post that would help us out.
Old 11-27-2022, 08:03 PM
  #385  
LtMash1A
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 241
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by yeahbaby
looks great amigo. Mind if I get a copy of the file for the scoop? My buddy has a printer I can use or I’d be happy to compensate you for your time and material. Glad to see the 150 fits well and can’t wait to hear about first flights.
Having a hard time fitting my UMS 150 in the cowl. If I clear the valve stems, my prop hub does not extend far enough out of the cowl to place the prop. What am I doing wrong?
Old 12-05-2022, 08:22 AM
  #386  
John8861
My Feedback: (2)
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Plainfield, IL
Posts: 100
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default P47

Hi guys,
TopRC now has 5 silver P47’s on order. ETA likely February 2023. I have one of these on order. Sounds like the gear is not standing up to expectations. I just spoke with Sierra and Darryl will hopefully be coming up with gear to fit. The more of us interested in using his gear the more likely he will be to making a set.
who is interested?
The following users liked this post:
Colt4570 (12-05-2022)
Old 12-05-2022, 01:11 PM
  #387  
LtMash1A
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 241
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by John8861
Hi guys,
TopRC now has 5 silver P47’s on order. ETA likely February 2023. I have one of these on order. Sounds like the gear is not standing up to expectations. I just spoke with Sierra and Darryl will hopefully be coming up with gear to fit. The more of us interested in using his gear the more likely he will be to making a set.
who is interested?
Darrell's gears are pretty bulletproof and he can supply parts. Hopefully he makes it drop in without doing any modifications .It would be good if someone close by couLd supply him with a wing. I would buy a set. BTW, this is my big complaint with TRC. Unlike other plane manufacturers, they don't supply spare or replacement parts like CARF or Black Horse etc.
Old 12-10-2022, 10:48 PM
  #388  
mudflap31
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Norwich, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 129
Received 22 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Guillaume P
Thanks for the answer, did someone test in flight a CG more aft , as 170 mm?
i certainly would not attempt to fly at this CG, 159mm is neutral, 170mm would not be pleasant!
Old 12-11-2022, 01:09 AM
  #389  
marksp
My Feedback: (9)
 
marksp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 888
Received 22 Likes on 20 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by John8861
Hi guys,
TopRC now has 5 silver P47’s on order. ETA likely February 2023. I have one of these on order. Sounds like the gear is not standing up to expectations. I just spoke with Sierra and Darryl will hopefully be coming up with gear to fit. The more of us interested in using his gear the more likely he will be to making a set.
who is interested?
Originally Posted by LtMash1A
Darrell's gears are pretty bulletproof and he can supply parts. Hopefully he makes it drop in without doing any modifications .It would be good if someone close by couLd supply him with a wing. I would buy a set…
I’d commit to Sierra gear
Old 12-15-2022, 01:17 PM
  #390  
John8861
My Feedback: (2)
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Plainfield, IL
Posts: 100
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Good news,
Looks like Darryl with Sierra is on board. Here is the challenge. Does anyone have a spare wing they can send him so that he can make gear to fit?
I won’t get my plane till next March.
thanks!
The following users liked this post:
bradley (06-21-2023)
Old 12-29-2022, 08:19 AM
  #391  
Colt4570
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Phoenix, Az.
Posts: 142
Received 49 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Hey guys,

Hope everyone had a good Christmas or whatever you celebrate. New mod I wanted to share. I was having a bit of ground handling issues on our asphalt runway. Didn't seem to always have great control on the ground with the tailwheel on takeoff or landing and would would sometimes have to swing around quickly rather than hit the fence. I found when the tailwheel suspension was compressed, it would slightly loosen the pull pull cables to the tailwheel. My tail gear doors were also moving a lot, because they're directly connected to the gear itself.

I removed the compression spring in the factory tailwheel retract and made it solid to keep the cables from getting loose. Hopefully get to try it out tomorrow or Saturday. Let me know if anyone else has had the same problem.

Darrin
Old 12-30-2022, 05:48 PM
  #392  
Colt4570
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Phoenix, Az.
Posts: 142
Received 49 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Only got one flight today before it started raining, but so far so good. The roll on takeoff and roll out on landing seemed much straighter without having to make major corrections. I wanted to give this big girl a chance to be tame on ground handling, because I was on the verge of using a rudder gyro for the first time ever with one of my planes. The solid tail wheel seems to have helped quite a bit. I'll get some more indication when the weather clears up. Have a happy New Year!
Old 12-31-2022, 08:48 AM
  #393  
PaulD
My Feedback: (39)
 
PaulD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Coquitlam, B.C., CANADA
Posts: 1,473
Received 12 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

So has anyone done anything with the “oil canning” of the rear section of the fuse?

I’ve got my cockpit tub out - the useless brace underneath it was not even glued on one side so I yanked it out.

Looking to add something to stiffen the Sides up - maybe some spruce rails glued on edge?

PaulD
Old 12-31-2022, 04:36 PM
  #394  
PaulD
My Feedback: (39)
 
PaulD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Coquitlam, B.C., CANADA
Posts: 1,473
Received 12 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Here’s what I came up with for a solution.

Ran 1/8x1/4 Basswood on edge down the sides of the fuse in the middle of the “soft” area. Capped it with some CF tow. (In hindsight it might have been better to sandwich the tow between two basswood sticks)

Then repurposed the crossbrace that was under the cockpit and added a 1/2” wide cap strip.

Add a huge difference - not completely done but better and minimal weight added behind the CG.

PaulD

looking at the picture now, those inner ears on the cross brace are useless - gonna go back and trim those



Old 12-31-2022, 05:11 PM
  #395  
Colt4570
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Phoenix, Az.
Posts: 142
Received 49 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Paul,
I tried to do that with some carbon fiber from the back, but couldn't get my hand in far enough. Just made some plywood 1/2 formers 7" and 14" back from the wing tube mount. Wanted to make the belly strong enough to pick up the plane. Only time the sides are an issue for me, is when I'm trying to turn the fuse upside down to work on it. Hasn't been an issue otherwise. But if your cockpit tub is out, you should be able to get some bracing in there pretty easy. I'd put some support in the belly while your at it.
The only other thing I'd suggest, is to shape some styrofoam and glue it into the top half of the vertical stab so you can pick tail up when walking the plane around at the field. Just my 2 cents.
Old 01-01-2023, 10:12 AM
  #396  
PaulD
My Feedback: (39)
 
PaulD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Coquitlam, B.C., CANADA
Posts: 1,473
Received 12 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Colt4570
Paul,
I tried to do that with some carbon fiber from the back, but couldn't get my hand in far enough. Just made some plywood 1/2 formers 7" and 14" back from the wing tube mount. Wanted to make the belly strong enough to pick up the plane. Only time the sides are an issue for me, is when I'm trying to turn the fuse upside down to work on it. Hasn't been an issue otherwise. But if your cockpit tub is out, you should be able to get some bracing in there pretty easy. I'd put some support in the belly while your at it.
The only other thing I'd suggest, is to shape some styrofoam and glue it into the top half of the vertical stab so you can pick tail up when walking the plane around at the field. Just my 2 cents.
Thanks, some good advise there.


Cheers,

Paul
Old 01-05-2023, 06:00 PM
  #397  
marksp
My Feedback: (9)
 
marksp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 888
Received 22 Likes on 20 Posts
Default Fuselage "surgery"

Ended up cutting aft end to gain access, then laid down glass to stiffen fuselage




The following users liked this post:
Colt4570 (01-06-2023)
Old 01-14-2023, 07:48 PM
  #398  
LtMash1A
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 241
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Where can you order a spinner from for the UMS 150 P-47?
Old 01-15-2023, 04:28 PM
  #399  
stuka
My Feedback: (62)
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lake Placid, Fl FL
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Has Sierra started to make the landing gear for this plane yet?
Old 01-20-2023, 06:43 AM
  #400  
LtMash1A
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 241
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

I talked with him a couple of days ago. He needs a wing.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.