Re-fitting my Thunder Bolt

[RC Storick]

After seeing Don Kirmess beautiful P-47 I decided to give mine a re-fitments and refurbishment. First I ground the engine bearers and re drilled Motor mout holes. I needed to re-fit the TEE-PEE inside the nose. Also upgraded is the fuel Tank to hold the 7.5 -8 oz of fuel the new power plant will need. I re-made phenolic engine pads and I will re-work the plumbing tomorrow night. The PA.75 fits nicely where the old .61 sat.

Also in the plan is to touch up all the paint work and normal wear it has acquired in the last two years. I hope to repair all the hangar rash,nicks and dings. This plane has always been one of my favorites. I hope with the new engine and new location (1/4 farther forward) The CG will be helped and the glide improved. I will post some photo's tomorrow night.

[wwwarbird]

What else ya got on the bench Sparky?

[Kirm Dog]

Hi Sparky;

Your P-47 was an inspiration for me to build my own. Although I have never seen yours in person many of our club members (Chicagoland Curcle Cutters) have seen it and said your planes are gorgous. Now that Bill's plans are avalible I might try my hand at building his version.  Let us all know how the new engine works out. Have you ever thought about using a 4 cycle? Either way there's nothing like horsepower when it comes to pulling a plane around!

[RC Storick]

I just returned from flying the T-Bolt. The .75 was the way to go. The engine pulls the plane like nobody's business! Dick Byron stopped by on his way to the scale NATS. He had a Zero.

[Leroy Heikes]

All Right someone else is going out be there!!    However I can not believe he is there already.  I'm not leaving until tomorrow. Did you take a picture of his plane?

Leroy

[RC Storick]

No photo. I did not have my camera with me.

[Leroy Heikes]

Drats

Leroy