Cockpit Finishing; Optional Cockpit Interior; Add The Molded Scale Details - Top Flite P-47D THUNDERBOLT User Manual

COCKPIT FINISHING

(Basic cockpit)
1. Sand the inside of the cockpit with 320-grit
sandpaper. True up any uneven edges in the
cockpit area.
2. Assemble and paint your pilot.
3. Paint the interior of the cockpit. An alternative
to paint is to cover the inside of the cockpit with a
fine-grit black sandpaper for a textured finish. If
you use the sandpaper technique, it is still
advisable to first paint the cockpit corners black or
medium green.
4. Install the Instrument Panel Decal. It be
applied directly to the existing panel, or for best
results, stick the decal to a scrap piece of 1/64" to
1/16" plywood, trim it to shape, then glue it
in place.
5. Glue the pilot in position. Hint: In addition to
gluing, you may also use a screw to fasten the pilot
in position from the underside of the cockpit floor.
Add any other cockpit details of your choosing at
this time.
6. Glue the canopy to the model. We
recommend using RC-56 glue or 6-minute Epoxy
but if you have a favorite technique, use it. You
should remove a small strip of MonoKote film (if
applicable) from under the canopy frame for good
glue adhesion. Use masking tape to hold the
canopy in place while the glue cures.

OPTIONAL COCKPIT INTERIOR

1. Cut out the existing cockpit floor (if you
haven't already done so) and test the unfinished
pieces of your Top Flite Cockpit Interior (Not
included – TOPQ8405) into the opening. Trim the
plastic and fuselage interior to obtain a good fit.
2. Paint and detail the Cockpit Interior following
the instructions that are included with the cockpit kit.
3. Install the cockpit interior with 30-minute
epoxy or silicone adhesive. Start with the floor,
followed by the back, then the two sides, and finally
the instrument panel.

ADD THE MOLDED SCALE DETAILS

If you plan on installing the Intercooler Air Exits
and have made the modifications to the main side
stringer, all that remains to be done is remove a
section of side sheeting.
1. Draw the section of wood to be cut out directly
on the fuselage side. The aft edge of the hole is
aligned with the aft edge of the cutout in
the side stringer. The dimensions are given in
the photo.
- 50 -
2. Use a hobby knife with a #11 blade to cut
along the lines. Test fit the intercooler air exit and
make adjustments to the hole if required. Glue the
intercooler air exits in position with epoxy.
3. Cut the Outboard Drop Tank Pylons along
the cut lines.
4. Use the drawings on the wing plans to make
two sets of forward and aft Pylon Mount Plates
and Release Mechanism Mounting Plates from
left over 1/8" lite-ply.
5. Temporarily mount the front and aft pylon
mount plates to the wing with #4 x 1/2" button head
sheet metal screws (GPMQ3124). Place the pylon
on top of the plates and mark their location on
the pylon.
6. Remove the mount plates and glue them to
the pylon at the location you marked.