Sheet The Fuse Bottom - Top Flite P-47D Thunderbolt User Manual

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17. Cut the aft fuse stringers that run from former 9
to the end of the fuse from a 1/4" x 1/4" x 30" balsa
stick and glue them into position as shown. Notice that
top edge of the 1/4" x 1/4" stringers that contact the
main stringers should taper to a sharp edge at the end
as shown on the plan (not as they are in the photo).
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18. From the remainder of the 1/4" x 1/4" balsa
stick used in the previous step, cut the first two
stringers that run between former 1 and 2 below the
main stringer and glue them into position.
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19. Now would be a good time to install the retract
air tank. You may wait until later if you prefer, but it's
easiest to do now. Use RTV silicone or epoxy to glue
the air tank to the formers as shown on the plan.

Sheet the fuse bottom

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1. The same as you did before sheeting the top of
the fuse, glue leftover 3/32" balsa to both sides of
former 6 to support the sheeting where it will be
spliced together.
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2. You can wait until later, but now would be a
good time to connect air lines to the air cylinder on
the tail gear while it's still accessible.
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3. Use two 3/32" x 4" x 30" balsa sheets to sheet
both sides of the bottom of the fuse from the middle of
former 6 aft. Save leftover sheeting for the dorsal fin.
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4. Use two 3/32" x 4" x 36" balsa sheets to sheet
both sides of the bottom of the fuse from F6 to F1.
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5. Sheet the bottom of the fuse from former 5D aft
using two more 3/32" x 4" x 30" balsa sheets. For now,
trim an opening in the sheets just large enough to
clear the tail gear. Later, we'll instruct you to cut a nice,
neat opening. Gear doors are not featured with this kit,
but may be installed if you wish to fashion them.
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6. True the edges of the fuse sheeting at the back
end to accommodate the 1-3/8" x 3" x 9-1/2" balsa
aft fuse block.
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7. Bevel one end of the aft fuse block to fit former
9 and bevel the other end of the block to match the
fin TE. Without gluing it into position, roughly shape
the block to match the fuse and rudder. If you prefer,
hollow the inside of the block with an appropriate
carving gouge or a rotary tool. Look at the following
photo to see what the aft fuse block looks like after
it's glued into position and sanded to match the fuse.