CARF-Models P-47 Bubbletop (All Silver)
A Giant Scale, All Composite WWII Fighter Without Compromise.
After introduction of the Razorback version of our P-47 Thunderbolt, we successfully produced and sold an impressive number of highly prefabricated "Razorbacks". However, the demand for a "Bubble Top" never silenced. So, we looked at the amount of modifications required to convert the Razorback into a Bubble Top.
CARF Models has then built all new plugs of fuselage, canopy, canopy frame and dorsal fin, matching the full scale outline 100%. The dorsal fin is a separate part, so that you can produce both the earlier and the later versions of this version of the airplane. Vertical fin, stab, elevator and wings have been take over from the good old Razorback. All internal construction and equipment installation was directly copied into the new Bubble Top.
Features
The P-47 Thunderbolt "Bubble Top" features the same high prefabrication as it’s Razorback brother.
Fuselage
Fuselage readily built, wing mounts installed, firewall installed, cowling mounted, and all mounting provisions completed to install the Moki and its equipment. Even an engine dome with the exact mounting position and angles is provided. Rudder Servo mount, fuel tank mount, equipment tray, all is built in or prepared to be bolted on. Canopy frames are also molded in two part molds, reinforced with a 3D-frame, which allows the scale sliding canopy mechanism to be installed (optional). A vacuum formed cockpit kit is also included, which can be additionally detailed and refined up to your desire.
Wings
The wings are the real masterpiece of this P-47. Especially the flap system. Various components of this 100% scale flap hinging system have to be installed even before the mold halves of the wings are joined. The complexity of the system awards with an impressive scale flap mechanism similar to a fowler system, extending wing area and lift as well as drag. Ready to install flap servos. The ailerons are hinged in scale manner, allow partial balancing and due to the hinge line outside the wing surface, the control horn and linkage can be fully hidden, too.
Tail
The tail area of the fuselage is also widely finished. Tail gear mount is glued in, tail gear door is cut out and hinged, stab and fin mounts are installed and aligned. The tail control surfaces are hinged, rudder control horns are glued in and a hidden elevator torsion linkage is built and readily installed. Even the bolts to secure it to the fuselage and to attach the elevators to the torsion linkage are preinstalled.
Retract
The wing is precisely prefabricated to accept a specially designed scale landing gear with no modifications. The gear mount is made from strong aircraft grade plywood and carbon plates, which will even withstand some serious abuse without damaging the internal wing structure. Gear doors are scale in shape and surface, made in two-part molds with structured inner surfaces as well. They are readily hinged and attachment points to the gear are prepared.
The retracts for the CARF-P-47 are as sophisticated as the whole airplane. They have been designed by Sierra Giant Scale in collaboration with CARF, to fit specifically our plane. The scale strut is not only retracting, it is also compressing during the retraction process so that the full scale length when extended is available, and still the compression during retraction allows the scale strut and wheel bay position in the wing.
In order to compress the strut all the way, the oleo must be partially an air piston, where pressure is released when the gear is cycled. As a side effect, once the radio is switched off, the plane sinks into the struts just like the real one, where the fading hydraulic pressure made the plane sit low when the engine and hydraulic systems were switched off. A scale gimmick, as extraordinary as the whole plane.
Against the scale mains, the tail gear seems quite regular and un-exciting. Working flawlessly and reliably. The light weight design keeps the tail light, so that no additional nose weight is required even with a lighter engine.
Engine Choice
The engine of choice is undoubtedly the Moki 250 Radial. For this engine a perfectly matching engine dome is included in the kit. Attachment positions are predrilled, not only for the engine itself, also for the accessories such as ignition, throttle servo and exhaust stacks. The thrust line is set in the motor dome, anticipating that the Moki 250 and the CARF 4 bladed 30” prop is used. For this engine choice a specific equipment tray is included in the kit, which allows to install the equipment further towards the tail of the airplane without requiring balance weight.
The more economical option would be the use of 100-120 cc flat twin or inline twin engines. There is a huge array of engines available on the market, but we’d recommend the DA-120 and the DA-120R. Both engines will fit and will power this airplane with authority, even though they would not spin the 30” CARF scale 4-blade prop. A different, but also included equipment tray will be used in order to place the equipment as far forward as possible, so that here, too, no additional balance weight is required for the optimum C of G.
Flying Characteristics
Its real qualities, the CARF P-47 Thunderbolt will show in the air. What a powerful and monumental appearance. This airplane represents in the air absolutely like the real thing. It is extremely stable, at the same time versatile and maneouverable. The wide speed range and the absolutely smooth stall characteristics make it a pleasure to fly. The ground handling is very good, too. This is due to the wide gear track and the long fuselage. Even though a tail dragger, it even is very manageable on tarmac runways, too.
Conclusion
As you will see, it is almost impossible to put more prefabrication and performance into a warbird than we managed to do with our P-47. This is the plane leading the industry standard from now on in regards of design and prefabrication and flying performance. It’s the new flagship of the CARF warbird line, our pride and joy.
We chose the way of zero compromise. This ARF version is truly ARF and doesn’t leave any guess work to you. However, this does reflect on the price and we hope that we made the right decision by carrying the meaning of “ARF“ all the way to the end. Please accept our approach and appreciate the enormous value your money will buy when purchasing this airplane.
