P-47 Thunderbolt

I haven't posted much in the last few months as I have changed jobs and do not have access to internet during work hours for security reasons. However, I have been building and thought I'd share my latest project.

Its a Seagull Master Series kit, 63" wingspan P-47 Thunderbolt Razorback. I bought it late November 2021 as a part build from a Faceache post, £100!! It was complete with Seagull retracts. The construction was very, very good.

There were a number of issues with the kit, not the build, wrong canopy shape (replaced with one from Hanger Nine model), ugly pilot (not me the plastic one in the kit ), no tail retract and a number of scale things missing. I've added a number of 3D printed parts - dummy radial engine, supercharger vents behind the cockpit, exhaust vents behind the cowl, instrument panel and a proper 3D printed pilot. I 3D printed a tail retract system which works nicely. Add a few rivets, some foil panels, paint and its done.

It is covered in silk and dope. Then painted with Tamyia TS6 & TS7 spray acrylic with a bit of weathering. Decals are from Callie Graphics. I have gone for the Touch of Texas scheme as the full size flew in 1944/45 from where I currently fly my models, Beaulieu Heath in the New Forest.

Power is a Turnigy 5065 325kv brushless, running on 8S 6000mah lipos, giving 2000Watts WOT fitted with a Ramoser 4 blade 16" Varioprop. AUW Weight is 4.9kg. Maiden flight is on Sunday!!!

You have made a cracking job of that Ralph as you always do with your models
Good to see you posting again young man

Ralph
That is a serious model with the best part of 3 hp on tap.
Do let us know about the maiden.
.

THE BLACKBIRD wrote: You have made a cracking job of that Ralph as you always do with your models
Good to see you posting again young man

Gotta agree, and nice to see you BOTH back.

Hi guys.

The maiden was a no go. I had problems with the tailwheel not staying down and locked. It is a 3D design and print solution I did. So I didnt design it correctly. I did a review last night and will redesign it this week, hopefully, ready for this weekend if the weather is ok.

I had to cut the belly of the tail section out to understand a better mounting method. Its only engineering, and nothing duct tape, super glue and brains can't sort!! Now where's my brains..........

Did the maiden yesterday, perfect weather for it. It took to the air nicely but the C of G was at the rearmost limit even though it was where the instructions said it should be, 100mm from leading edge. I wasn't able to get the C of G more forward at the field without some engineering. So did some work on it last night at home to remove some weight from the tail and its ready for another attempt today.

Take off was interesting. That big 4 blade prop certainly introduced some torque making ground handling interesting, but once in the air though no problem.