Top Flite P 47 Conversion to Electric?

[Forge]

Guys,

Anyone here ever built this P 47 Thunderbolt, and converted it to electric? I am looking to build a good size warbird, but I would appreciate any input before undertaking a fairly extensive project.

http://www.top-flite.com/airplanes/topa0135.html

Stock Number: TOPA0135
Wingspan: 63 in (1600 mm)
Wing Area: 713 in² (46 dm²)
Weight: 8-10 lb (3630-4540 g)
Wing Loading: 27-32 oz/ft² (82-98 g/dm²)
Fuselage Length: 55 in (1400 mm)
Engine Required: 2-stroke .61-.90 cu in (10-15 cc) or 4-stroke .91-1.20 cu in (15-20 cc)
Radio Required: 4-7 channel w/4-8 servos

Thanks

Forge

[Grasshopper]

I'm sure you can electrify it and it would be a great flyer. I've come real close to buying that one to build as electric. I've got a set of plans for a P-47 that I'll eventually enlarge to build around that size for electric. Right now, I'm getting ready to scratch build a 55" SBD Douglas Dauntless. The P-47 might very well be next.

If you do it, be sure to do a build thread on it. I'd love to see that one.

[Forge]

Grasshopper,

Thanks for the feedback. I'm sure I could figure out how to convert it with a lot of research and trial and error. I haven't been in this hobby for that long, but I'm loving it.

It would be easier, if I could follow someone's already proven path. I am very tempted to buy the kit and start building anyway, then just figure out the motor requirements and electric conversion.

Thanks!

Forge

ps. Post up the Dauntless build too, I will definitely follow along

[BradT]

I've seen 3 or 4 conversions of this kit over the last 10 years, ranging from an Astro 40 geared/brushed motor and 24 NiCad cells(very heavy!) that flew with authority and LOTS of speed in pre-brushless/lipo days, to recent versions with b/l motors from Hacker, AXI, etc., on 6 to 10 cell lipos, which, of course, have much lighter weight and higher power than the older versions. Every one that I saw flew very well, the design seems to have no real bad habits, and they have real presence in the air, looking even bigger than they really are as they whistle by. I have no details on any of the specific conversions, but I believe that most of the ones I've seen had simply built the kit pretty much per the plans, and mounted an e-motor where the glow was, and stuffed the battery pack into the fuel tank area. As you build the kit, look for opertunities to lighten structure where you can, and figure out motor mounting and pack location and mounting as you go. Check out the other conversion threads on the forum, you'll get lots of ideas as you search them.
Brad.

[gramps2161]

forge did you buy it already I was just wondering how there kits are quality wise. I really like the corsiar that they have.

[Grasshopper]

Top Flite kits are supposed to be really nice.

If you compare it to the Hangar 9 P-47 it's really close in size and specs.

Hangar 9 P-47:

 Wingspan: 65 in / 165.1 cm
 Overall Length: 51.18 in / 130 cm
 Wing Area: 727.5 sq in / 4693.5 sq cm
 Engine Size: 60 2-stroke / 72-100 4-stroke
 Trim Scheme Colors: Silver HANU881, Black HANU874, White HANU870

Hangar 9 has an electric conversion for the P-47 that calls for an E-Flite Power 60 motor. That's what I'm putting in my Dauntless build. Here's a link to the Hangar 9 conversion:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...egory=Electric Conversion Setup

[Forge]

Originally Posted by gramps2161

forge did you buy it already I was just wondering how there kits are quality wise. I really like the corsiar that they have.

Gramps,

No, I haven't purchased the kit yet, but I have seen some other builds and reviews of the kit which look good. I am doing some research at this point because I realize this will be a major undertaking for me.

Grasshopper,
Thanks for the suggestion. I did see a built up Hangar 9 P-47 in one of my local shops and it did look really nice. I believe it is an "ARF", and not a kit, which I am look to spend time building.

I did see a couple of reviews and in progress builds on RC groups.

Thanks, I let you guys know what I decide to do. Any input is welcome.

Good flying.

Forge

[Grasshopper]

You're correct. The Hangar 9 is an ARF. I posted it for a reference in size and power system requirements.

[scigs30]

I like the Golden Kits from Top Flite, will order one of each, who knows when they will stop making them.

[kyleservicetech]

Originally Posted by Forge

Guys,

Anyone here ever built this P 47 Thunderbolt, and converted it to electric? I am looking to build a good size warbird, but I would appreciate any input before undertaking a fairly extensive project.

http://www.top-flite.com/airplanes/topa0135.html

Stock Number: TOPA0135
Wingspan: 63 in (1600 mm)
Wing Area: 713 in² (46 dm²)
Weight: 8-10 lb (3630-4540 g)
Wing Loading: 27-32 oz/ft² (82-98 g/dm²)
Fuselage Length: 55 in (1400 mm)
Engine Required: 2-stroke .61-.90 cu in (10-15 cc) or 4-stroke .91-1.20 cu in (15-20 cc)
Radio Required: 4-7 channel w/4-8 servos

Thanks

Forge

I've flown a similar sized model (Hanger 9 P51D Mustang Sport 40) with a Hacker A50-12S motor, 14X10 APC-E prop, Castle Creations 60 Amp ESC, and 6S2P A123 batteries. That combination turns the 14X10 at 7850 RPM, at around 1100 watts. If you like Lipos, that's a 5 Cell 5000 milliampere hour Lipo. Mine weighs in at around 8 pounds, and flies with authority.

If you are wanting to match the power of a glow engine larger than a four stroke 70, you might want to check out the Hacker A50 "L" motors for more power. IMHO, in these larger models, its a good idea to check out the higher quality motors so you won't be disappointed. These motors have four ball bearings, including a large diameter ball bearing supporting the "Bell" end of the motor. Check out this motor. http://www.aero-model.com/Hacker-Brushless-A50-12L.aspx This site indicates this motor will turn a 14X10 prop at 8600 RPM pulling around 1300 watts out of a 8S, 5000 milliampere hour Lipo.

Also have a scratch build 150% version of the late 1990's Electrostreak with 65 inch wingspan, 850 square inch wing with the same Hacker A50-12S power system. This model has well over 200 flights on it with the Hacker motor and same A123 battery pack. This model goes back to 2003, and has over 1000 flights on it with three different power systems over the years.

Take a look:

Thread on 70 size glow engine conversion to electric
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45222


(No I don't work for Hacker, but do have 7 of their motors, ranging from an A30 to the newest A60 series.) If you've not run these larger motors, you need to be careful with them. They have a LOT of power, and it is not a good idea to get something into the prop when they are running.

[ECP666]

Here is some new input for an old thread:

I built this Top Flite conversion last winter, and it has about 20 flights on it now. It's an excellent flying warbird. It was my first "60" size warbird and I have no trouble flying it. It's a forgiving plane as long as you keep in mind it weighs 10lbs, particularly when landing. It slows down very well with flaps, but try to put the wheels on the ground without stalling and slamming it down.

I use an E-Flite Power 60 motor on a H9 mount, and an 80amp E-Flite ESC. I use a Castle Creations 10amp external BEC to power the Spectrum 6 channel receiver and servo's at 6V. The stock mechanical retracts have been flawless, with a JR RT88 servo regulated down to 5.2V. I fly a 5000mah 6S LiPo that I insert into the "fuel tank" area before I attach the wing. Remember to use an "arming plug" since the battery is not accessible before flight. The balance was perfect with this configuration. I get a comfortable 7 minute flight with plenty left for several missed approaches, with a 16x8 APC prop.

As a final note, this ARF has a pre-built hatch forward of the canopy, complete with attachment dowels and magnets. Why they sheeted right over it and never even mention it is a bit odd. On the other hand, if you cut it out to use, be advised that the battery will not fit in without some plywood cutting and rebuilding.