P-47 Thunderbolt
Sport Scale Model Aircraft
Assembly and Instruction Manual
Warning:
This radio controlled model is not a toy. It requires skill to fly and is not recommended for
the novice pilot. It should not be operated by children without the supervision of a suitably
experienced adult. Max-Thrust reserves the right to modify the specification of this model at
any time.
© Century UK Limited 2011. All rights reserved.
Safety Precautions
1) Do not attempt to repair or modify this aircraft with non-factory parts.
2) Never fly this model over roads, railway lines, near to power lines, airports, buildings or
any people.
3) Do not fly this model in excessively strong winds, in the rain, or thunderstorms.
4) Do not fly or launch the model towards people.
5) Keep hands and face away from rotating propeller at all times.
6) We strongly recommend that all fixings and fasteners used in the construction of this
model are checked regularly for integrity. Failure to do so could cause a crash or personal
injury.
7) We only recommend the use of 2.4GHz radio equipment with this model.
Disclaimer
1) This radio controlled model is not a toy. Used incorrectly it is capable of inflicting serious
injury to persons or damage to property. The owner/pilot assumes all responsibility for
any damage to persons or property resulting from the use of this product.
2) The manufacturer and distributor decline all responsibility for any liability arising from
use of this product.
3) It is very important that you follow all instructions for assembling and setting up of this
model. Failure to do so could result in a loss of control and possibly a crash.
Overview
Thank-you for purchasing this MAX-THRUST P-47 Thunderbolt radio controlled model
aircraft.
The P-47 Thunderbolt offers a stunning combination of terrific looks and sensational flight
performance. Manufactured from “EPOFLEXY” it is extremely robust, however, in the
event of a “less than perfect” arrival, we supply a range of spares to get you flying again in
the shortest time. It is capable of a wide range of aerobatic manoeuvres to thrill the
experienced pilot, but with reduced control throws it provides a solid and predictable flight
performance, perfect for the sports flyer. We are certain you will enjoy your new model,
please take the time to read this manual thoroughly and understand its contents completely
prior to commencing assembly.
Key Features
Powerful Brushless Motor
70A Brushless ESC
Retracting Undercarriage
Highly Detailed 4 Blade Propeller
Factory Applied Decals
Pre-Installed servos
“Live” Control Surface Hinging
Durable “EPOFLEXY” Construction
Steerable Tail Wheel
Specification
Wingspan: 1600mm
Length: 1416mm
Flying Weight: 3000g
Motor: 4258 Out-Runner
ESC: 70A
Servos: 4 x 9g - 2 x 40g
Battery: 3350mAh - 5550mAh 4S 14.8V Li-Po (Not Included)
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Parts List.
1. Fuselage 10. Drop Tank
2. Wing Panels 11. Bombs
3. Horizontal Stabilizer 12. Machine Guns
4. Fin & Rudder 13. Dummy Spinner Nut
5. Aerial 14. Propeller
6. Wing Gun 15. Propeller Adaptor
7. Canopy 16. “Y” Leads
8. Main Spar 17. Fixings Pack
9. Servo Covers
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2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
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10
11
12
13
14
15
16
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Tools required to complete
1. Screwdrivers 5. Scissors
2. Pliers 6. Measure or Ruler
3. Spanner 7. Drill
4. Modelling Knife
Additional items required to complete
3350mAh - 5550mAh 4S 14.8V Li-Po battery (POWER-TECH 5550mAh 33C 4S 14.8V
recommended Part No. PT-B-3355504S)
Charger (Power-Tech C6, B606 or X-Drive 6 recommended)
2.4GHz Transmitter
2.4GHz Receiver
Self-Adhesive Tape
Velcro Battery Fastening
Thread Locking Compound
Recommended Item:
Servo Tester (Power-Tech, Part No. PT-ACC-ST)
Please Note:
“EPOFLEXY” is a very tough and durable material perfect for the manufacture of model
aircraft. When using screwed fixings with “EPOFLEXY” components it is important to
tighten the screws sufficiently to provide a firm fixing.
Excess tightening could result in the foam material becoming compressed, possibly damaging
or distorting the part. Take care to ensure that all screws are tightened sufficiently to provide
a firm fixing, but do-not over tighten. We recommend that all fixings are checked regularly
for security and safety purposes.
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1. Hinge check
Check that all control surface hinges are firmly secured. If required they can be glued in
position using a small quantity of the supplied adhesive.
2. Horizontal Tail Plane
Fix the elevator control horn in the moulded recess
as shown using four M2 x 15mm screws, (image 1).
Make certain that the plastic horn is fitted to the
correct side, with the plastic reinforcement plate
fixed in the moulded recess on the top side of the
elevator.
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Using a light grade abrasive paper, lightly abrade the painted mating surfaces where the
horizontal tail plane joins the fuselage. This provides a good key for the adhesive. (image 2).
Glue the horizontal tail plane in position using the supplied adhesive, (image 3). Secure in
position using the two M3 x 40mm screws, (image 4). Use the adhesive sparingly towards
the edges of the parts to be glued and immediately wipe any excess from the joint.
2 4
3. Vertical Fin & Rudder
Fix the plastic rudder control horn in the moulded recess using two M2 x 30mm screws,
(image 5). Make certain that the plastic horn is fitted to the correct side, with the
reinforcement plate fixed in position on the opposite side of the rudder.
Using a light grade abrasive paper, lightly abrade the painted mating surfaces of the rudder
and fuselage to provide a good key for the adhesive, (image 6).
5 6
4
3
At this stage it will be necessary to lower the tail wheel to expose one of the two fixing holes
for the tail fin. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MANUALLY LOWER THE TAILWHEEL.
Remove the cockpit hatch from the fuselage and locate the tail wheel servo lead marked 5.
Temporarily connect the servo lead to the retract channel of your receiver. Locate the lead
marked 3 from the ESC and plug it into the throttle channel of your receiver, Connect your
flight battery to the power lead from the ESC. Use the retract switch on your transmitter
lower the tail wheel.
Alternatively, we recommend the use of a Power-Tech servo tester which is an easy and
effective way to centre, operate and test servos without the need for an R/C system, (Part No.
PT-ACC-ST).
Apply adhesive sparingly to the mating surface of
the fuselage and push the fin assembly into position.
Remove any excess adhesive immediately. Secure in
place using the two M3 x 30mm screws via the
fixing holes positioned underneath the fuselage,
(image 7).
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4. Fuselage Control Rods
Centre the elevator and rudder servos. Connect the
elevator and rudder plastic links to their control
horns. Make certain that the control surfaces are in
their neutral positions and that the plastic links are
“snapped” closed, (image 8). Any minor adjustments
to the neutral positions of the control surfaces can be
made by rotating the plastic link on the threaded
portion of the control rod.
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4. Wing Assembly
Starting with the left hand wing panel, fix the aileron
control horn and its backing plate in position using
the four M2 x 20mm screws. The flap control horn is
secured in position using four M2 x 25 mm screws.
Check the operation of the wing servos and ensure
they are correctly centred. Locate the aileron and flap
control rods and connect them to their respective
servos, (image 9).
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Note: The Z-bend of the control rod is located in the second hole down on the servo horn.
Connect the plastic control links to the corresponding horns on the control surfaces, ensuring
that the control surfaces are in their neutral positions and that the plastic links are “snapped”
closed.
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Any minor adjustments can be made by rotating the plastic link on the threaded portion of the
control rod. Locate the plastic wing servo covers, trim to obtain a perfect fit, (image 10) then
using the supplied adhesive glue in position, (image 11). Repeat the process for the right
hand wing panel.
10 11
Locate the wooden wing spar and dry-fit the two
wing halves onto the spar to ensure a good fit. Make
certain that all of the servo leads are routed correctly
and there are no gaps at the root of the panels, (image
12).
Note: Due to the moulding process, a very small
amount of trimming may be required to obtain a
perfect fit.
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Remove the panels from the spar and lightly abrade
the mating surfaces of the wing roots to ensure a
good key for the adhesive. Apply adhesive to one
half of the spar and slide into position on the
corresponding wing panel. Then apply adhesive to
the root section of that wing panel and the remaining
exposed section of the spar (image 13). Slide the
remaining wing panel onto the spar ensuring that the
servo leads are routed correctly and not
13 interfering with the fit.
For ease of transportation and storage, it is possible
to fly your P-47 Thunderbolt without using adhesive
to join the wing panels. However, we always
recommend that they are glued together as this
provides a huge amount of additional strength to the
model.
If you wish to fit the optional guns and bombs
(included) do so now using the supplied adhesive,
(image 14). Note: The centre drop tank is held in
position with pre-installed magnetic catches. 14
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Position the wing onto the fuselage and fix in place
with the two M3 x 70mm screws, (image 15). Make
certain that all control wires are kept inside the
fuselage and do not foul the wing seat area.
Connect aileron and flap control leads to the
corresponding “Y” lead connectors. The retracting
undercarriage main and tail wheel control leads
marked 5 connect to the “Y” connector with 3 female
sockets. 15
5. Receiver installation.
Note: We only recommend the use of 2.4GHz radio equipment with this model and make the
following recommendations for receiver location and mounting. These must be followed in
conjunction with the instructions supplied by your receiver manufacturer.
Connect the aileron, retracting gear and flap “Y” leads to corresponding outputs on your
receiver. Locate the leads from the ESC, the 2 leads with only black and red wires should be
connected to the remaining black and red leads from the wing. This is the power supply to the
navigation lights. The lead marked 3 is the throttle control and should be connected to the
corresponding output on your receiver. Please double check that all plugs are connected to
the correct outputs on your receiver and that all leads are routed in a neat and tidy manner.
Mount the receiver in the position shown, (image
16) using your choice of double sided self-adhesive
or “Velcro” tape. The ESC should be fixed to the
underside of the wooden battery mounting plate
with self-adhesive “Velcro” tape.
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6. Final Assembly
Fit the aluminium propeller adaptor to the motor
using the 4 x M2.5 x 10mm cap head screws, (image
17). It is very important that these fixings are
tightened securely. Remove the propeller nut and
washer from the shaft. Slide the propeller onto the
shaft, followed by the washer and secure in position
with the propeller nut. Be certain that the square
“key” of the shaft locates into the corresponding
17 aperture in the moulding of the propeller. For
optimum performance, some pilots may wish to balance the propeller. It is very important
that the propeller nut is securely tightened.
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Fix the plastic scale effect spinner nut in position
using the M4 x 35mm screw, (image 18).
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If you wish to install a pilot figure, do so now. We recommend that you drill two small holes
as shown in the clear canopy to allow any heat to disperse, (image 19). Carefully apply
adhesive to the foam section of the canopy assembly, (image 20). Use the adhesive sparingly
and position the clear canopy in place on the moulding, (image 21). Allow to dry thoroughly
before attempting to fit the assembly onto the fuselage.
19 21
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The canopy is held in position with a rubber retaining
band located in the fuselage and pre-installed magnetic
catches, (image 22). Do not attempt to fly the model
without the canopy secured in position with the retaining
band attached.
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7. Battery Installation
Your flight battery, (not included) needs to be firmly
secured in the battery compartment to prevent it from
moving in flight, (image 23). The model includes one
battery positioning strap, however the battery will
require an additional method of fixing to provide
adequate security. Because most experienced pilots will
have a preferred method of battery retention, this has not
been included with the model. We recommend the use of
additional straps combined with self-adhesive 23
“Velcro” tape.
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8. Final Checks
Double check that all fixings and fasteners used on the model are secure, including snap
links, servos screws, wheel retaining screws etc. Check that all control surfaces are moving in
the correct direction in relation to control inputs from your transmitter.
We recommend the following control throws for initial flights, however these can be adjusted
to suit your personal preference after flight testing has been completed.
Elevator: 20mm deflection each way.
Ailerons: 15mm deflection each way.
Rudder: 20mm deflection each way.
Flaps: 45° deflection maximum.
The centre of gravity of your P-47 Thunderbolt is
105mm back from the furthest forward point of the wing,
(image 24). Using the recommended 5550mAh flight
battery, this centre of gravity should be easily achieved. If
you choose to use a lighter battery it will be necessary to
additional ballast to the model in order to achieve the
correct centre of gravity.
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