Top Flite TOPA0415 - Manual (Page 4)

COMPETITION-MINDED MODELERS
The outline of the Top Flite Gold Edition P-47 was
derived from three-view drawings and photos. The
elevator and rudder hinge lines have been modified
to simplify assembly and to use standard model
hinging techniques. The landing gear has been
slightly relocated to improve handling and durability
and the wheels are smaller than scale to fit in the
space available. The landing gear does not retract
fully into the wheel wells, but protrudes below the
wing by approximately 3/16".
The approximate scale of this model is 1:5.6.
If you plan to enter your P-47 in scale competition (it’s
lots of fun and the runways are usually paved!), this kit
may be entered in Fun Scale, Sportsman Scale and
Expert Scale classes in AMA competition. All classes
have the same flight requirements in which you must
perform ten maneuvers, five of which are mandatory.
The other five are up to you–“easy” stuff like a slow, low
“inspection pass” with flaps extended, or maybe a touch-
and-go. If you have never competed in a scale contest,
you could start out in Fun Scale. In Fun Scale, the only
documentation required for static judging is any proof
that a full-size aircraft of this type, in the paint/markings
scheme on your model, did exist. A single photo, a kit
box cover from a plastic model, or even a painting is
sufficient proof! If you’re interested, contact the AMA for
a rule book that will tell you everything you need to know.
You can find a contest schedule in the back of the AMA
magazine (Model Aviation).
One last note for those who are interested in scale
competition: Strive to build your model to reflect your
documentation. Whatever lines and features appear
on the full size plane should also appear on your
model. Refer to the photos and documentation of the
P-47 you are using for your model.
TRIM SCHEME
The colorful “Tarheel Hal” trim scheme on the kit
box cover is rather bold and ambitious, but can be
accomplished by modelers who have experience
with iron-on coverings. Top Flite MonoKote
® was
used for the covering and LustreKote ® was used
for the paint. Refer to the back of this manual for
more information about painting and covering (and
for more details that may help you to decide
whether or not to attempt this scheme).
The primary colors of MonoKote film required for
“Tarheel Hal” are aluminum (main portions of fuse
and wing), orange (tail) and royal blue (front of
fuse). Additionally, you will need small amounts of
insignia blue, cub yellow and missile red (for the
flag on the rudder), black and jet white (for the
invasion stripes) and flat black (for the anti-glare
panels on the top of the fuse).
The colors of LustreKote paint required are two
cans of white primer and one can each of
aluminum, royal blue, missile red, cub yellow, flat
black, crystal clear and gloss black. If you’ll be
painting the intercooler doors to match the stars
and bars on the side of the fuse, you’ll also need a
small amount of insignia blue.
RAZORBACK OR BUBBLE CANOPY
The Giant P-47 may be constructed as either a
D-23
Razorback or a D-25 Bubble Canopy (it
should be noted that not all bubble canopy P-47’s
featured a dorsal fin). This kit includes all the wood
parts and complete instructions to build either
version, but includes the bubble canopy only. The
razor back canopy is available separately if you
wish to build the D-23 version (order number
TOPQ8042). You don’t have to decide which one
to build until you get to the turtle deck when you’re
building the fuse.
Be certain your servos, receiver, on/off switch
and charging system are compatible with your battery
pack. Use servo extension cords and Y-connectors
where required. It is likely that you will need these for
flaps and ailerons. Connections between servo cords
and extension cords or Y-connectors should be
secured with heat shrink tubing, vinyl tape or special
clips intended for this purpose.
LANDING GEAR
The Top Flite Giant P-47 uses Robart #622
retractable main landing gear which are designed
specifically for this model and a #160LWC
retractable tail gear. Other systems may work, but
it will be up to you to make the modifications
required to fit them. Following is a list of items
required for the retracts.
Robart # 622 Top Flite Giant P-47 main landing
gear retracts (ROBQ1636)
Robart #160LWC Retractable tail gear (Robart direct)
Robart #157VR Air Control Kit w/ variable rate
valve (ROBQ2301)
Robart #192 Large Pressure Tank (ROBQ2392)
Robart #164G 100 PSI Pump w/gauge
(ROBQ2363)
Robart # 190 Quick disconnects (ROBQ2395)
Pull-Pull cable kit for tail wheel steering (SULQ3120)
(16) #6 x 1/2" screws for mounting main and tail
gear (GPMQ3160, 4 per pack)
COCKPIT & PILOT
Your Thunderbolt won’t be complete without the Top
Flite Giant P-47 Cockpit Kit (TOPQ8410). It includes
the floor, side panels, instrument panel, seat,
headrest and hardware. The cockpit kit can be
installed after the fuselage is completed, but is easier
to install if you have it on hand during construction.
Top Flite offers two 1/5 scale WW II Military Pilots
specially made for the Giant Scale Gold Edition
kits. One is a full body pilot (TOPQ9030) and the
other is a bust only (TOPQ9032).
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