Top Flite A0703 INSTRUCTION BOOK

Top Flite Models Champaign, IL
Telephone [phone], Ext. 5

[e-mail]

™

WARRANTY

Top Flite Models guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of
purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case
shall Top Flite’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Fur ther, Top Flite reserves the
right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

SPECIFICATIONS

Wingspan

Wing

Area:

85 in

:

[2160mm]
1329 sq in

[85.7 dm

2

]

In that Top Flite has no control o v er the final assemb ly or material used f or final assemb ly, no liability shall be
assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled prod-

Weight:

uct. By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is
advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the
defective part or item to Hobby
Services at this address:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1
Champaign IL 61822 USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information as possible (da ytime
telephone number, f ax n umber , e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem and a photocop y of the

Wing

Loading:

Length:

Radio: 5-7 channel

Engine: 2.6–4.0 cu in

purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.

READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

Entire Contents © Copyright 2009 TOPA0703 Mnl V1.0

19.5– 21.5 lb
[8842–9749 g]

34–37 oz/sq ft
[104–113 g/dm

2

]

75 in
[1905mm]

[43–65cc] spark ignition gas

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

r

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

AMA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

IMAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SCALE COMPETITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Engine Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Radio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Retractable Landing Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Required Hardware and Accessories . . . . . . 5

Adhesives and Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . 5

Optional Supplies and Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . 6

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Hinge the Ailerons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mount the Aileron Servos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Mount the Retracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Install the Flap Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Install the Aileron and Flap Pushrods . . . . . 11

Join the Wing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

INSTALL THE FIXED MAIN LANDING GEAR . . 13

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Install the Stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Mount the Fixed Tail Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Mount the Retractable Tail Gear. . . . . . . . . . 16

Install the Elevator and Rudder Servos . . . . 18

e Tail Gea

d Rudder Servos . . . .

INSTALL THE ENGINE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL THE FUEL TANK . . 21

INSTALL THE AIR RETRACT CONTROLS . . . . 22

INSTALL THE COWL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

APPLY THE FINAL DETAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

FINISH THE WING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . 30

Install the Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Check the Control Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Identify Your Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . 33

ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . 33

AMA SAFETY CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Radio Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

IMAA SAFETY CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

GEAR DOOR DRILL GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

The P-47D has been recognized as an excellent
modeling subject. The large wing and tail area and
long tail moment make an ideal fl ying airplane –
especially for a warbird! The Top Flite Giant P-47
Kit is a very successful model. Now, Top Flite has
developed the Giant P-47D ARF following the same
design as the kit. The Giant P-47D ARF will get y ou in
the air quickly with a great looking model, without the
sanding and covering required to build a kit.

For the latest technical updates or manual corrections
to the Giant P-47D ARF visit the Top Flite web site
at www.top-fl ite.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then
select the Giant P-47D ARF. If there is new technical
information or changes to this model a “tech notice”
box will appear in the upper left corner of the page.

AMA

If you are not already a member of the AMA, please
join! The AMA is the governing body of model
aviation and membership provides liability insurance
coverage, protects modelers’ rights and interests and
is required to fl y at most R/C sites.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Ph. [phone] Or via the Internet at:
Fax [phone] http://www.modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things
you can do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft
hobby are to avoid fl ying near full-scale aircraft and
avoid fl ying near or over groups of people.

IMAA

The Top Flite Giant P-47D ARF is an excellent sport­scale model and is eligible to fl y in IMAA events. The
IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) is
an organization that promotes non-competitive fl ying

2

of giant-scale models. If you plan to attend an IMAA
event, obtain a copy of the IMAA Safety Code by
contacting the IMAA at the address or telephone
number below.

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road
Salina, KS 67401

Ph. [phone] Or via the Internet at:
www.fl y-imaa.org/
imaa/sanction.html

SCALE COMPETITION

Though the Top Flite Giant P-47D is an ARF and
may not have the same level of detail as an “all-out”
scratch-built competition model, it is a scale model
nonetheless and is therefore eligible to compete in
the Fun Scale class in AMA competition (we receive
many favorable reports of Top Flite ARFs in scale
competition!). In Fun Scale , the “b uilder of the model”
rule does not apply . To receive the fi ve points f or scale
documentation, the only proof required that a full size
aircraft of this type in this paint/markings scheme
did exist is a single sheet such as a kit box cover
from a plastic model, a photo, or a profi le painting,
etc. If the photo is in black and white, other written
documentation of color must be provided. Contact
the AMA for a rule book with full details.

If you would like photos of the full-size Tarheel Hal
P-47D for scale documentation, or if you would like
to study the photos to add more scale details, photo
packs are available from:

Bob’s Aircraft Documentation

3114 Y ukon Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Ph: [phone] Or via the Internet at:
Fax: [phone] www.bobsairdoc.com

PROTECT YOUR MODEL,
YOURSELF & OTHERS…

FOLLOW THESE IMPORT ANT

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Your Giant P-47D ARF should not be considered
a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that
functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because
of its performance capabilities, the Giant P-47D
ARF, if not assembled and operated correctly, could
possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and
damage to property.

2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as
doing so may result in an unsafe or unfl yable model.
In a few cases the instructions may diff er slightly from
the photos. In those instances the written instructions
should be considered as correct.

3. You must take time to build straight, true and
strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in
good condition, a correctly sized engine, and other
components as specifi ed in this instr uction manual.
All components must be correctly installed so that the
model operates correctly on the ground and in the air .
You must check the operation of the model and all
components before every fl ight.

5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not
fl own this type of model before, we recommend that
you get the assistance of an experienced pilot in your
R/C club for your fi rst fl ights. If you’re not a member
of a club, your local hobby shop has information
about clubs in your area whose membership includes
experienced pilots.

6. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed
normal use, if the plane will be used for extremely
high stress fl ying, such as racing, or if an engine
larger than one in the recommended range is used,
the modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinf orce
the high stress points and/or substituting hardware
more suitable for the increased stress.

3

7. WARNING: The cowl and landing gear covers
included in this kit are made of fi berglass, the fi bers
of which may cause eye, skin and respiratory tract
irritation. Never blow into a part to remove fi berglass
dust, as the dust will blow back into y our eyes . Alwa ys
wear safety goggles, a particle mask and rubber
gloves when grinding, drilling and sanding fi berglass
parts. V acuum the parts and the work area thoroughly
after working with fi berglass parts.

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but
ultimately the quality and fl yability of your fi nished
model depends on how you build it; therefore, we
cannot in any way guarantee the performance of
your completed model, and no representations
are expressed or implied as to the performance or
safety of your completed model.

REMEMBER: Take your time and follow the
instructions to end up with a well-built model that is
straight and true.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the
Giant P-47D ARF that may require planning or
decision making before starting to build. Order
numbers are provided in parentheses.

ENGINE RECOMMENDATIONS

When considering engines for this model, refer to
the engine size recommendations on the cover of
the manual. Spark-ignition “gas” engines are most
popular with large-scale warbirds such as this. One
advantage of a gas engine is economy – gas engines
tend to consume less fuel than a glow engine as
well. Additionally, gas engines deposit little exhaust
residue on the model. Among other engines, this
model was test fl own with a Fuji-Imvac BT-43EI-2
engine. The Fuji-Imvac BT-43EI-2 provides more
than adequate power and fl ies the Giant P-47D ARF
in a scale-like manner.

NOTE: Instructions for mounting every possible
engine cannot be incorporated into this manual.
Modelers using another engine may refer to the
instructions as a guide for mounting their engine in a
similar way. If using the BT-43EI-2 engine an optional
muffl er is recommended.

Bisson Inverted Muffl er (BISG6543)

❏

Per the IMAA Safety Code, magneto spark-ignition
engines must have a coil-grounding switch on the
aircraft to stop the engine and prevent accidental
starting, The switch must be operated manually
(without the use of the transmitter) and accessible by
the pilot and assistant. If using a spark-ignition engine,
refer to Install the Cowl on page 25 for details.

RADIO EQUIPMENT

The radio equipment and number of channels required
to fl y the Top Flite Giant P-47D ARF depends on the
capabilities of your transmitter and how the servos
will be connected.

The Giant P-47D ARF requires a servo to operate the
air control valve if using retracts, a throttle servo, two
fl ap servos, two aileron servos, two elevator servos
and a rudder servo. Servos with a minim um of 50 oz­in [3.9kg-cm] of torque are required for operating the
elevators , rudder, ailerons and fl aps. We recommend
that metal geared servos also be used. Standard
servos may be used for the throttle and choke (the
servo operated choke is optional). A micro servo is
required to operate the retract air valve. An optional
servo operated kill switch may also be used (this is
in addition to the IMAA-required, manually operated
engine kill switch. A servo operated kill switch is only
really necessary for engines that do not reliably shut
off by closing the carburetor, but could also serve as
a backup.

Function Type RequiredQty.

Elevators 2

Rudder 1

Ailerons 2

Flaps 2

Tail

Steering

Throttle 1

Retract 1

Optional

Choke

Futaba
S3305

Futaba
S3305

Futaba
S3305

Futaba
S3305

Futaba

1

S3305
Futaba

S3004
Futaba

S3102
Futaba

1

S3004

(FUTM0045)
min. 50 oz-in torque

(FUTM0045)
min. 50 oz-in torque

(FUTM0045)
min. 50 oz-in torque

(FUTM0045)
min. 50 oz-in torque

(FUTM0045)
min. 50 oz-in torque

(FUTM0027)
standard

(FUTM0034)
micro

(FUTM0027)
standard

Total10–11

A receiver battery with a minimum of 1,000mAh is
recommended for fl ying the Giant P-47D ARF. The
battery voltage should be checked before every fl ight
to be certain it has enough “charge”.

In addition to the servos, the following items (or
similar items) are also required. The order numbers
shown in parentheses are for Futaba servos.

Items RequiredQty.

6" Y-harness

4

ailerons & flaps (FUTM4130)

6" Servo Extension

4

choke, ailerons & flaps (HCAM2701)

12" [305mm] Servo Extension

3

for flaps & receiver switch (HCAM2711)

24" [610mm] Servo Extension

2

for ailerons (HCAM27021)

Heavy Duty Switch Harness

2

Ernst Charge Receptacle 124

1

for elevator, rudder/steering,

for throttle, optional

(FUTM4385)

(ERNM3001)

4

Note: The length and quantity of servo extensions
and Y-connectors may vary depending on the brand
of radio you are using and the radio installation.

RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR

The Top Flite Giant P-47D ARF may be assembled
with either the included fi xed landing gear or optional
retractable landing gear. If fi xed landing gear is used
no other items will need to be purchased to install the
gear. If you wish to install retractable landing gear,
this model is designed for Robart pneumatic retracts.
Following is the complete list of items required to
install the Robart retracts:

Items RequiredQty.

Robart #622P47

Top Flite Giant P-47

1

Pneumatic Retractable Main Landing Gear
(ROBQ1637)

Robart #160LWC

1

Retractable Tail Gear Assembly
(ROBQ2225)

Robart #157VRX

Large-Scale Deluxe Air Control Kit

1

– includes pressure tank, air line tubing,
variable-rate air valve, T-fittings
(ROBQ2305)

Robart #169

1

10' [3048mm] Red & Purple Pressure Tubing
(ROBQ2369)

Robart #190

1

pkg.

Note: An air pump will also be required to pressurize
the air tank. The Robart hand pump could be used,
but is not practical because of the large capacity
of the air tank in this model. A small, 12V electric
pump is recommended and can be purchased at an
automotive or hardware store.

Air Line Quick Disconnects
(ROBQ2395)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

REQUIRED HARDWARE AND
ACCESSORIES

In addition to the items listed in the “Decisions Y ou
Must Make” section, following is the list of hardware

and accessories required to fi nish the Top Flite
Giant P-47D ARF. Order numbers are provided in
parentheses.

(2) Dubro #813 1/8" Fuel Line Barb (DUBQ0670)

❏

(1) Dubro #554 X-large Tygon Fuel Line

❏

(DUBQ0427)
(1) R/C foam rubber (1/4" [6mm] (HCAQ1000) or

❏

1/2" [13mm] (HCAQ1050)
Optional Black paint for the plywood radial

❏

engine frame
Propeller and spare propellers suitable for your

❏

engine.
Painted Pilot (GPMA2807)

❏

ADHESIVES AND BUILDING SUPPLIES

This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies
that are required to fi nish the Giant P-47D ARF.

1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro™ CA (GPMR6001)

❏

1/2 oz. [15g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6007)

❏

Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)

❏

Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)

❏

Threadlocker thread locking cement

❏

(GPMR6060)
Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)

❏

Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

❏

Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)

❏

Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

❏

R/C-56 canopy glue (JOZR5007)

❏

Milled fi berglass (GPMR6165)

❏

Masking tape (TOPR8018)

❏

Plan protector (GPMR6167) or wax paper

❏

Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32"

❏

[2.4mm], 7/64" [2.8mm], 1/8" [3.2mm], 3/16"
[4.8mm], 1/4" [6.4mm]

Small metal fi le

❏

Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)

❏

Silver solder w/fl ux (STAR2000)

❏

Hobby Heat™ micro torch (HCAR0755)#1 Hobby

❏

knife (HCAR0105)
#11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)

❏

#11 blades (100-pack, HCAR0311)

❏

Sanding tools and sandpaper assortment (see

❏

Easy-Touch™ Bar Sander section)
Curved-tip canopy scissors for trimming plastic

❏

parts (HCAR0667)

Covering tools

Top Flite MonoKote® sealing iron (TOPR2100)

❏

Top Flite Hot Sock™ iron cover (TOPR2175)

❏

Top Flite MonoKote trim seal iron (TOPR2200)

❏

Top Flite MonoKote heat gun (TOPR2000)

❏

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES AND TOOLS

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual
that will help you build the Giant P-47D ARF.

2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)

❏

CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)

❏

CA debonder (GPMR6039)

❏

Builder’s Triangle Set (HCAR0480)

❏

Scale Warbird Template (TOPQ2187)

❏

36" metal ruler (HCAR0475)

❏

Hobbico® High Precision Diagonal Cutter 5"

❏

(HCAR0630)
Pliers with wire cutter (HCAR0625)

❏

Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)

❏

Switch & Charge Jack Mounting Set

❏

(GPMM1000)

5

Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)

❏

Rotary tool such as Dremel

❏

Rotary tool reinforced cut-off wheel (GPMR8200)

❏

Servo horn drill (HCAR0698)

❏

AccuThrow™ Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❏

CG Machine™ (GPMR2400)

❏

Laser incidence meter (GPMR4020)

❏

36" bar for incidence meter (GPMR4021)

❏

Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

❏

IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES

● Anytime a sheet metal screw is installed in wood,
fi rst install the screw, remove the screw and apply a
couple of drops of thin CA in the hole to harden the
threads. After the CA has cured, reinstall the screw.

● Photos and sketches are placed before the
step they refer to. Frequently you can study photos in
following steps to get another view of the same parts.

● The Giant P-47D ARF is factory-covered with Top
Flite MonoKote fi lm. Should repairs ever be required,
MonoKote can be patched with additional MonoKote
purchased separately. MonoKote is packaged in six­foot rolls, but some hobby shops also sell it by the
foot. If only a small piece of MonoKote is needed for
a minor patch, perhaps a fellow modeler would give
you some. MonoK ote is applied with a model airplane
covering iron, but in an emergency a regular iron could
be used. A roll of MonoKote includes full instructions
for application. Following are the colors used on this
model and order numbers for six foot rolls.

Aluminum (TOPQ0205)
Orange (TOPQ0202)
White (TOPQ0204)
Black (TOPQ0208)
Sapphire Blue (TOPQ0226)
Missile Red (TOPQ0201)

● The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine
thrust angles have been factory-built into this
model. However, some technically-minded modelers
may wish to check these measurements anyway.
To view this information visit the web site at www.
greatplanes.com and click on “Technical Data.” Due
to manufacturing tolerances which will have little
or no effect on the way your model will fl y, please
expect slight deviations between your model and the
published values.

KIT INSPECTION

Before starting to build, take an inventor y of this kit
to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts
to make sure they are of acceptable quality. If any
parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality , or if
you need assistance with assembly, contact Product
Support. When repor ting defective or missing parts,
use the part names exactly as they are written in the
Kit Contents list.

Top Flite Product Support

3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822

Ph: [phone], ext. 5
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: airsupport@top-fl ite.com

ORDERING

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts for the T op Flite Giant P-47D ARF are
available using the order n umbers in the Replacement
Parts List that follows. The fastest, most economical
service can be provided by your hobby dealer or mail­order company. Not all parts are available separately
(an aileron cannot be purchased separately , b ut is only
available with the wing kit). Replacement parts are not
available from Product Support, but can be purchased
from hobby shops or mail order/Internet order fi rms.
Hardware items (screws, nuts , bolts) are also availab le
from these outlets.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit www.top-fl ite.com
and click on “Where to Buy”. Follow the instructions
provided on the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or
International dealer.
Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby
Services by calling [phone], or via facsimile
at [phone], but full retail prices and shipping
and handling charges will apply. Illinois and Nevada
residents will also be charged sales tax. If ordering
via fax, include a Visa or MasterCard number and
expiration date for payment.

Mail parts orders Hobby Services
and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1
personal check to: Champaign IL 61822

Be certain to specify the order number exactly as
listed in the Replacement Parts List. Payment by
credit card or personal check only; no C.O.D.

If additional assistance is required for any reason
contact Product Support by e-mail at productsupport@
top-fl ite.com, or by telephone at [phone].

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Order

Number

TOPA1816

Description

Missing pieces
Instruction manual

Full-size plans
FuselageTOPA1810
Wing SetTOPA1811
Stab/ElevatorsTOPA1812
RudderTOPA1813
CowlTOPA1814
CanopyTOPA1815
Landing Gear Wires

6

How to

purchase

Contact
Product

Support

Not available

Contact

your

hobby

supplier

to

purchase

these
items

Order

Number

Description

Gear CoversTOPA1817
Dummy EngineTOPA1818
Tailwheel Assy.TOPA1819
Spinner HubTOPA1820
DecalsTOPA1821
Stab TubesTOPA1822

How to

purchase

Contact

your

hobby

supplier

to

purchase

these
items

COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

Stab = Horizontal Stabilizer
Fin = Vertical Stabilizer
LE = Leading Edge
TE = Trailing Edge
" = Inches
mm = Millimeters
SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screw
mAh = Milliamp Hours (refers to the

usable capacity of a battery)

To convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches
by 25.4 (25.4mm = 1")

KIT CONTENTS

1

ASSEMBLE THE WINGS

HINGE THE AILERONS

Start with the left wing so the assembly matches the
photos the fi rst time through.

22

19

21

20

16

15

3

1 - Fuselage
2 - Left wing
3 - Right wing
4 - Belly pan
5 - Left Stabilizer
6 - Right Stabilizer
7 - Stabilizer Joiner Tubes
8 - Rudder

18

17

14

12

13

4

9 - Fixed Tail Gear
10 - Innercooler Exhausts
11 - Turbo Charger Exhaust
12 - Cockpit Parts
13 - Wing Joiner Parts
14 - Fixed Main Gear
15 - Wheels
16 - Landing Gear Doors

11

6

9

8

10

5

7

2

17 - Fuel Tank
18 - Canopy
19 - Dummy Engine
20 - Spinner Nut
21 - Cooler Intake
22 - Cowl

1. Lay a few paper towels on top of each other

❏

and cut them into small squares. These paper towel
squares will come in handy for wiping away excess
epoxy throughout the assembly process (and will
save you from wasting whole paper towels).

2. Separate the aileron and fl ap from the wing

❏ ❏

by carefully peeling off the masking tape holding
them together. Use a paper towel square dampened
with naphtha lighter fl uid or similar solvent to remove
any glue left behind from the tape.

3. If necessary, use a covering iron with a

❏ ❏

covering sock to go over the wing, fl ap and aileron
to remove any wrinkles. The best method to remove
the wrinkles is to glide the iron over the covering until

7

the wrinkles disappear, then go over the area again,
pushing down on the iron to bond the covering to the
wood. If the wrinkles don’t disappear, the balsa in
that area might be fl exing inward. If this is happening,
don’t press down. Simply let the heat of the iron shrink
the covering. If the wrinkles momentarily disappear,
then immediately reappear, the iron may be too hot,
thus causing air bubbles. Lower the temperature of
the iron or use a sharp #11 blade to puncture several
holes in the covering, then reheat. The suggested
iron temperature is around 360 degrees F.

2. Install a servo arm on the aileron servo.

❏ ❏

Position the aileron servo on the aileron servo hatch
cover as shown with the servo arm centered in the
opening. Set the tw o 5/16" x 5/8" x 13/16" [7.9 x 15.8
x 20.6mm] hardwood blocks in the embossed servo
block locations, checking that they are correct. If not,
mark the new location.

After the servo is installed the spacer will be removed,
providing adequate spacing for vibration isolation.

5. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the blocks

❏ ❏

for the servo mounting screws. Mount the ser vo to
the blocks with the screws that came with the servo.
Remove the servo mounting screws and apply a
couple of drops of thin CA in each hole to harden the
threads. Allow the CA to fully harden. Then, reinstall
the servos and remove the spacer.

The P-47 had many attributes that led to its
reputation. One of the most important was its
durability in combat. Oftentimes the P-47 would
bring pilots home with missing cylinders, blown-off
wing tips and large portions of tail surfaces missing.
The P-47’s internal systems were also durable and
well protected.

MOUNT THE AILERON SERVOS

1. Use a sharp hobby knife to trim the opening

❏ ❏

from over the left aileron servo hatch and the eight
screw holes.

3. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the two blocks

❏ ❏

to the bottom of the servo hatch over the embossed
servo block locations. Thoroughly coat the end of
the blocks and allow them to set for a few seconds
while the blocks absorb the epoxy. Then, recoat the
blocks. Use clamps to hold the blocks to the servo
hatch tray.

4. Once the epoxy has cured, remove the

❏ ❏

clamps. Place a 1/16" [1.6mm] spacer, such as a piece
of cardstock or a piece of paper folded several times,
under the servo and between each mounting block.

8

6. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the blocks

❏ ❏

at the two hole locations on the top of the aileron
servo hatch. Install two #2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] fl at head
sheet metal screws to secure the servo mounting
blocks to the aileron servo hatch. Use thin CA to
harden the screw threads

7. Connect a 24" [610mm] servo e xtension wire

❏ ❏

to the aileron servo. Cut a piece of heat shrink tubing

in half and slide it over the servo connections. Shrink
the tubing by applying heat to the tubing.

8. Use the string in the wing to pull the aileron

❏ ❏

wire through the wing.

9. Place the aileron servo hatch with the servo

❏ ❏

in the wing. Be certain that the hatch is positioned
correctly as shown. Secure the hatches using six #2
x 3/8" [9.5mm] fl at head sheet metal screws. Use thin
CA to harden the screw threads.

10. Go back to step 1 and install the right aileron

❏

servo following the same procedure.

aluminum landing gear door mounts onto the strut
and reinstall the strut in the strut mount.

MOUNT THE RETRACTS

Note: The fi xed main landing gear will not be
installed until after the two wing halves have been
joined. If using the fi xed main landing gear , proceed
to “Install the Flap Servos” on page 13.

Install the left retract fi rst.

1. Use a hex wrench to loosen the strut

❏ ❏

mounting bolt and remove the strut. Slide two

2. Trim the axle that is included with the Robart

❏ ❏

retracts to 1-1/2" [38mm] long. File a fl at spot at the
end of the axle. Inser t the axle through the included
5" [127mm] wheel and into the retract. Apply a drop of
threadlocker to the 10-32 x 3/16" [4.8mm] set screw,
included with the retract, and tighten the set screw
onto the fl at of the axle. Make sure that the wheel
rotates freely.

9

3. Test fi t the retract unit with the wheel into the

❏ ❏

wing. Position the retract so the wheel is centered in
the wheel well. Adjust the strut position in the retract
body as necessary to achieve the correct spacing
all the way around the wheel. You may need to sand
the top of the opening in the rib slightly to allow the
retract to fi t. Remove as little wood as possible.

4. Extend the retract. View the wheel from

❏ ❏

directly above. Adjust the strut so that the wheel
is parallel to the root of the wing. Lock the strut in
position by applying a drop of threadlocker to the
threads and securely tightening the bolt at the top of
the strut.

5. Double check that the wheel will fully retract

❏ ❏

into the wing. Extend the retr act to make sure it does
not interfere with any part of the wing and that the
retract is operating smoothly.

the retracts with fi ve #6 x 3/4" [19.1mm] sheet metal
screws, one in each corner and one in the middle as
shown. Use one #6 x 1/2" [12.7mm] sheet metal screw
in the hole over the air cylinder.

7. Remo ve the six screws and retr act and apply

❏ ❏

a couple of drops of thin CA in the holes.

8. Cut the covering from the holes in the top of

❏ ❏

the wing for the servo wires and the airline tubing.

10. Connect the two pieces of air line tubing to

❏ ❏

the string in the retract bay. Guide the airline tubing
through the front of the retract bay, through the fl ap
bay and out the hole in the top of the wing. Also pull
the aileron servo lead out the hole. Tape the air line
and aileron servo lead to the top of the wing. Remount
the retract in the wing.

11. Use a sharp hobby knife to remove the

❏ ❏

covering from over the fi ve mounting holes in the
plywood retract cover. Set the retract cover over the
retract and drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] pilot hole using the
holes in the cover as a guide.

12. Mount the retr act cov er to the wing with fi ve

❏ ❏

#2 x 3/8" [9.5mm] fl at head sheet metal screws.

6. Hold the retr act in the wing. Using the mounting

❏ ❏

holes as a guide, drill 7/64" [2.8mm] pilot holes into the
retract rails. Caution: Do not inadv ertently drill into the
air cylinder when you get to the middle hole. Mount

9. Cut a 21" [533mm] piece of red air line

❏ ❏

tubing and a 23" [584mm] piece of purple air line
tubing from the tubing included with the Robart Air
Control Kit (not included). Connect the red line to
the front of the air cylinder and the purple to the
back of the air cylinder.

10

13. Cut tw o of the landing gear door drill guides

❏ ❏

from the back of the manual. Place the drill guides
in the rectangle recesses of the landing gear door.
Place the landing gear door on a piece of scrap wood
and drill a 1/8" [3.2mm] hole through the door at the
marked hole location.

14. Adjust the position of the two landing gear

❏ ❏

door mounts so that they align with the fl ats on the
landing gear door when the door is positioned in the
landing gear opening.

15. Install a #4 fl at washer on 4-40 x 3/8"

❏ ❏

[9.5mm] machine screw. Inser t the machine screw
through one of the holes in the gear door and
thread it into the landing gear door mount. Note that
it tightens against the landing gear strut before it
tightens against the gear door. Install the second
machine screw to hold the gear door in position.
Check to make sure that the gear door is fl ush with
the bottom of the wing. 1.5mm thick rectangular
plywood spacers have been included to space the
gear doors out if needed. Both screws will need to
be shortened, a little at a time, so that they tighten
against both the landing gear strut and the gear
door. Be sure to use threadlocker on the screws.

INSTALL THE FLAP SERVOS

1. Install the fl ap servos following the same

❏ ❏

procedure used to install the aileron servos. Note that
the fl ap servos face the same direction.

2. Connect a 12" [305mm] servo e xtension wire

❏ ❏

to the fl ap servo. Secure the extension to the servo
with a piece of heat shrink or electrical tape.

3. Route the fl ap servo leads to the root of the

❏ ❏

wing and out the hole in the top of the wing.

INSTALL THE AILERON AND
FLAP PUSHRODS

Do the left aileron fi rst.

aileron servo arm 5/8" [15.9mm] from the center of
the arm.

2. Position the control horn so that it is inline

❏ ❏

with the pushrod and over the plywood mounting
plate. The pushrod holes in the control horn should
be aligned with the hinge line of the aileron. On the
aileron, mark the four mounting holes. Remove the
control horn and drill a 5/64" [2mm] pilot hole at each
mark. Do not drill completely through the aileron.
Attach the control horn using four #4 x 1/2" [12.7mm]
sheet metal screws. Use thin CA to harden the holes.

16. Return to step 1 and mount the right retract in

❏

the right wing.

The P-47 was manufactured by Republic Aircraft
Corporation, which at one time was named
Seversky Aircraft Corporation, started by two fello w
Russians, Alexander De Seversky and Alexander
Kartveli.

1. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over a 4-40

❏ ❏

threaded metal clevis. Thread a 4-40 nut followed by
the 4-40 metal clevis, threaded 12 turns onto a 4-40
x 12" [305mm] metal pushrod. Attach the cle vis to the

11

3. Install the metal solder clevis in the second

❏ ❏

hole from the end of the control horn. Center the
aileron servo and aileron. Mark the pushrod where it
meets the solder clevis. Remove the pushrod and the
solder clevis and cut the pushrod 1/4" [6.4mm] past
the mark. Solder the solder cle vis to the pushrod using
the techniques described in the following Hot Tip.