Decisions You Must Make; Engine Selection; Radio System Requirements - Top Flite P-47D Thunderbolt User Manual

If this is your first giant scale project, get
assistance with assembly and your first flights
from an experienced, knowledgeable modeler.
You'll avoid risking your model before you're ready to
fly it for the first time. Your local hobby shop has
information about flying clubs in your area whose
membership includes qualified instructors.
You can also contact the Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA), which has more than 2,500
chartered clubs across the country. We recommend
you join the AMA which will insure you at AMA club
sites and events. AMA Membership is required at
chartered club fields where qualified flight instructors
are available. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-
free phone number below.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302
(800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org
1. You must build the plane according to the plan and
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as
doing so may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In
a few cases the plan and instructions may differ
slightly from the photos. In those instances the
plan and written instructions are correct.
2. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
3. You must use a proper R/C radio that is in first
class condition, the correct sized engine and correct
components (fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout
your building process.
4. You must properly install all R/C and other
components so that the model operates properly on
the ground and in the air.
5. You must test the operation of the model before
every flight to insure that all equipment is operating
and you must make certain that the model has
remained structurally sound.
6. If you are not already an experienced R/C pilot,
you must fly the model only with the help of a
competent, experienced R/C pilot.
Please inspect all parts carefully before you start
to build! If any parts are missing, broken or
defective, or if you have any questions about
building or flying this model, please call us at:
(217) 398-8970 or e-mail us at
productsupport@top-flite.com
If you are calling for replacement parts, please
look up the part numbers
identification number (stamped on the end of the
carton) and have them ready when you call.
NOTE: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you
with a top quality kit and great instructions, but
ultimately the quality and flyability of your finished
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.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

ENGINE SELECTION

Recommended engine size:
34.5 - 45cc (2.1 - 2.8 cu. in.) displacement
Glow Engine
41 - 70cc (2.5 - 4.2 cu. in.) displacement
Gasoline Engine
We strongly recommend the use of a soft engine
mount to relieve the stresses on the airframe and
radio system and to make your aircraft quieter. The
- 3 -
instructions show a Great Planes
(GPMG2000) with the U.S. Engines
J-Tec, Soundmaster and others produce soft mounts
for large engines as well.

RADIO SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

For operations other than flight-critical control surfaces
(such as the tail wheel steering, throttle, air control
valve, flaps and optional onboard ignition kill switch for
gas engines), you may use standard servos.
Frequently, we even use a micro servo for the air
control valve. For flight-critical control surfaces
and the kit
(ailerons, elevators, rudder), this model requires five
"high-torque" servos. IMAA recommendations specify
servos with a minimum of 45 inch-ounces of torque.
However, some standard servos supply nearly that
much, so for the giant P-47 we suggest servos with at
least 50 inch-ounces of torque. Another reason to use
servos with a higher torque rating is that they have
stronger centering capabilities with less free-play. A
servo that holds strongly when centered is necessary
to prevent flutter on giant models. Futaba 9001's are
shown in the model in this manual.We use them in our
giant warbird flying prototypes. 9001's put out
approximately 54 inch-ounces of torque and are
suitable for your P-47 if it is powered by most of the
engines within the recommended range (such as the
US Engines 41cc). If you are using a more powerful
engine and plan to fly your model at high speeds,
servos closer to 70 inch-ounces of torque are
recommended. There are many high torque, standard
size servos available, but larger 1/4-scale servos may
be used in this model too. The servo tray in the
fuselage and the servo hatches in the wing are
designed to fit standard size servos. If you choose to
use large 1/4-scale servos, you will have to modify the
servo trays or make your own to accommodate
the servos.
The minimum capacity of a receiver battery pack
required for this model is 1000 mAh. Receiver packs
having 1200 to 1400 mAh are preferable. Some
modelers use 6-volt (five cell) 1200 to 1500 mAh packs.
®
Isolation Mount
™
41cc engine.