Official FMS 1500mm P-47D Razorback Thread

[Elbee]

By the way, what did you use for your markings? I’m looking to get some decals to model Gabreski’s first or second HV-A with 6 kill markings...
Cheers,
eagle15

Eagle15,

Best source I've found for custom markings and nomenclature is Callie Graphics here in the States.

https://callie-graphics.com/collections/p-47-thunderbolt

If you have pictures, etc, she will custom design and print anything.

Looking forward to seeing your finished T-Bolt.

Post pictures, please, and welcome to Hobby Squawk, Sir, glad to have you onboard.

Best, LB

[Eagle15]

Hi Eagle15: This is a vexing part of making this mod. I ordered the prop hub, spinner, and larger aluminum prop hub that bolts in place of the original smaller stock FMS parts that have a much smaller prop. So, be sure you are using all the right parts to begin with. None of the original stock 1500mm P-47 FMS parts will work for this mod. They all need to be FMS Corsair V3 props and other parts from the 1700mm Corsair model. You can order all you need from FMS.

Assuming you have all those V3 Corsair FMS parts, you can now begin. I don't know why the propeller bases don't fit into the receptacles in the FMS V3 prop hubs. It's like they were made for two different designs! But every time I order new parts from FMS, the same mismatch happens. What I have done in this case (happens with all three of my P-47s) but I have to use a dremel tool and belt sander to reduce the diameter of the bases of the props that are supposed to fit in the hubs and then get screwed down. If you are careful, it can be done and the screws should tighten down so that they are secure. I've never had a problem with any of my props staying secure in their mounts using this procedure.

Let me know if you are using the larger parts for the V3 Corsair 1700mm prop. That is a key, But even if you are, you have to patiently sand down those propeller bases' diameters a bit so that they fit into the recesses and can be screwed tight. It is possible, and I have done it and have dozens of flights on all my P-47s with the bigger, more scale props.

Regarding your comment about possibly using superglue to keep the prop blades in place, I would be highly doubtful of that working. The power coming off of this motor and prop is tremendous! In my opinion, the only safe way to go forward is to be able to use those bolts and nuts to tighten it down securely so there is no way the prop can get loose. This could be a disaster if you just glued it down and then tried to fly it. IMHO, you need to get the fit, screws, and bolts figured out if you want to use the larger V3 prop system.

Good luck!

Hi Davegee,

Thanks for the info: I was using the original fms 1500 p47 parts the whole time! I ended up cutting and slightly sanding down the Corsair props to fit in there! No wonder it felt and looks wrong lol. Now I gotta order another whole set of propellers… dang it that’s another 20 dollars down the drain… worth it for a p47. anyway, thanks again for the info, this time hopefully the propellers will actually fit with some patient sanding! Thanks for the photos too, your thunderbolts look awesome. By the way, what did you use for your markings? I’m looking to get some decals,
to model Gabreski’s first or second HV-A with 6 kill markings, but have no idea how or where to get them from. I’ll attach some photos of my thunderbolt and prop for now. You can see how I cut down the propeller to fit the razorback part lol. It was rather wobbly so I thinking about using superglue to secure it down . .. Good thing I didn’t!

Cheers,
eagle15

[davegee]

hi Davegee, how did you get your Corsair prop in the p47 spinner? I’ve tried sanding/cutting the propeller down, and although it fits, it’s a little wobbly. Also, the screw doesn’t go all the way through, which makes it difficult to secure the propeller completely. I’m considering supergluing the propeller down at this point 😂 but I was wondering how you did it, as you got not one but three p47s. I like all your paint jobs as well, I’ve attempted to paint mine as Gabriel’s very first razorback with the classic white cowling and identification bands on the back. I have yet to fly it due to weather, but I’m looking forward to it every day!

Hi Eagle15: I found an older pic of a now defunct FMS 1600mm P-47D. This is in the scheme you were thinking about (Gabby Gabreski) but with a plane called Hairless Joe flown by Dave Schilling. Gabreski and Schilling were contemporaries so your model would look good customized for one of Gabreski's airplanes during WWII. Be aware that paint schemes were changing rapidly during this time in WWII, so you have to sorta pick a particular look in time and stick with it.

I posted this pic to show you the stock FMS prop, although when I was flying this plane a few years ago before it crashed, I was doing some 3D printed experimentation of the propeller hub. This one is not quite the right size or shape for this particular smaller stock prop, but I was able to get the final proper size and shape with the help of folks like Elbee. The development of the larger V3 prop started after this plane, and was ongoing for a year or more.

You might want to just fly your plane for awhile on the smaller stock propeller like I have done on all my jugs before stepping up to the FMS V3 props. It does fly fine on the stock prop and this would be valuable experience for you getting used to the intended stock prop before working on upgrading what we were discuassing earlier.

Cheers

Davegee

[davegee]

Hi Eagle15: This is a vexing part of making this mod. I ordered the prop hub, spinner, and larger aluminum prop hub that bolts in place of the original smaller stock FMS parts that have a much smaller prop. So, be sure you are using all the right parts to begin with. None of the original stock 1500mm P-47 FMS parts will work for this mod. They all need to be FMS Corsair V3 props and other parts from the 1700mm Corsair model. You can order all you need from FMS.

Assuming you have all those V3 Corsair FMS parts, you can now begin. I don't know why the propeller bases don't fit into the receptacles in the FMS V3 prop hubs. It's like they were made for two different designs! But every time I order new parts from FMS, the same mismatch happens. What I have done in this case (happens with all three of my P-47s) but I have to use a dremel tool and belt sander to reduce the diameter of the bases of the props that are supposed to fit in the hubs and then get screwed down. If you are careful, it can be done and the screws should tighten down so that they are secure. I've never had a problem with any of my props staying secure in their mounts using this procedure.

Let me know if you are using the larger parts for the V3 Corsair 1700mm prop. That is a key, But even if you are, you have to patiently sand down those propeller bases' diameters a bit so that they fit into the recesses and can be screwed tight. It is possible, and I have done it and have dozens of flights on all my P-47s with the bigger, more scale props.

Regarding your comment about possibly using superglue to keep the prop blades in place, I would be highly doubtful of that working. The power coming off of this motor and prop is tremendous! In my opinion, the only safe way to go forward is to be able to use those bolts and nuts to tighten it down securely so there is no way the prop can get loose. This could be a disaster if you just glued it down and then tried to fly it. IMHO, you need to get the fit, screws, and bolts figured out if you want to use the larger V3 prop system.

Good luck!

Davegee

[Eagle15]

Beautiful summer morning to take my FMS P-47D out for a flight. Didn't have the time for several weeks to fly this one, one of three FMS P-47s that I own. Love flying all three of them when I can. This one, Hairless Joe, flew wonderfully on its Corsair V3 prop and scratchbuilt printed propeller cuffs and Curtiss Electric type spinner. Definitely seems to have a little more power with that big blade, and certainly Looks better in the air and on the ground. Also flew my E Flite Beech 18 which is a reliable workhorse just for fun flying.

Davegee

hi Davegee, how did you get your Corsair prop in the p47 spinner? I’ve tried sanding/cutting the propeller down, and although it fits, it’s a little wobbly. Also, the screw doesn’t go all the way through, which makes it difficult to secure the propeller completely. I’m considering supergluing the propeller down at this point 😂 but I was wondering how you did it, as you got not one but three p47s. I like all your paint jobs as well, I’ve attempted to paint mine as gabreski’s very first razorback with the classic white cowling and identification bands on the back. I have yet to fly it due to weather, but I’m looking forward to it every day!

[davegee]

Today marks the 81st anniversary of the start of the ill-fated Operation Market Garden campaign in Holland. The plan was to take a series of important bridges culminating in taking Arnhem with a bridgehead to jump into Germany and end the war early, maybe by Christmas of 1944. The plan started falling apart for several reasons and the attack failed with a large loss of life. The movie "A Bridge Too Far" covers the ground attack fairly well, I think. I did get to visit Arnhem and the surrounding area on bicycle after taking a train from Amsterdam many years ago. It was a memorable day trip.

On the air side, one of the principal units involved was the famous 56th Fighter Group based out of Boxted, England. Their job was to suppress anti aircraft batteries supporting the parachute and glider invasion. They took tremendous losses that day, with 16 lost out of 39 aircraft dispatched.

My FMS 1500mm P-47D that I've flown for over 5 years is a replica of one of the planes that fought that day. It flew on D-Day and then was damaged over Holland but made it back to the base. But a gear broke off on landing and the airplane was a writeoff.

My "I Wanted Wings/Button Nose" flew this morning commemorating the event in WWII. I almost had a similar ending as the real one did when one of my main gear wouldn't come down. But eventually I recycled it a few times and it landed just fine. Worked fine on the ground. Go figure!

I'll attach a couple pics of the model after my flight.

Cheers

Davegee

[davegee]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1rxT7Sn-xY

A Joyful Noise.... to me anyway.

Best, LB

Totally agree! This one has one of the newer "C" series engines that had even More power!

Cheers

davegee

[Elbee]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1rxT7Sn-xY

A Joyful Noise.... to me anyway.

Best, LB

[davegee]

just in case you guys missed it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yncBUBoQVbE

Great video

Grossman56
(Dangerous Dan)

Thanks for posting that, Dan. I have seen it before, but always good to see it again. This fighter group was highlighted near the end of the war in Europe, with lots of cameras in the cockpits and elsewhere to document what low alititude fighter missions were like, and in color, too. I had a good friend, now since passed, who told me about a time he and his wingman were flying low, looking for "targets of opportunity." They were flying the new M model, the hottest fighter at the time. They came across a small locomotive, approached it at a 90 degree angle and both planes unleashed a combined sixteen 50 caliber machine guns simultaneously, roaring like a bat outta hell low to the ground. The locomotive responded by falling over on its side! That was a LOT of power!

Davegee

[f4u ausie]

Hey gross just came across this (above). On tv u tube.... Shoulda looked at it when u posted it anyway. Great video. But 1 thing I learned and never new(U alluded to it). Give em the whole 9 yards.. !!!
My grandad was always saying it.. he grew up in a ruff neighbourhood.
And fought in Africa.. anyways. Now I no where that saying come from.. and I've learned not to ignore the squark team in the future dick parker from the 9th. Was the one. Cya 4 now

[Grossman56]

just in case you guys missed it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yncBUBoQVbE

Great video

Grossman56
(Dangerous Dan)

[Elbee]

Success creates confidence. Glad this design is working for you, Again, you are welcome.

[davegee]

I took "Ole Cock" FMS P-47D razorback up for two test flights today with the modified Elbee prop cuffs and CE prop dome design. Both flights went great, Prop very solid, and I couldn't nail down any deficiencies of this modified FMS Corsair V3 prop versus the same prop without the prop cuffs. The cuffs, glued onto the props in the way I did, are rock solid and don't budge a bit before, during, or after flight inspections. My other two FMS P-47s used the Hamilton Standard prop and dome and have never shown any problems in flying. So, I'm happy this project has worked out, even with the challenges it presented coming to this point.

Elbee, thanks again for your help and assistance designing the CE prop dome that I printed out, and the prop cuffs which work so well now. My friend at the Ace Hardware who is working on a different design sleeve for the prop cuffs will have them ready for me soon, and I will also give them a try to see how they do.

A few pics taken this morning at the field after the two flights were completed on my P-47 "Ole Cock."

Cheers

Davegee

[davegee]

Davegee, Elbee,
Nice looking jet. Would be a great group build. My main build this year will be the Phantom, but it's not like I haven't had more than one build going at a time. Air Force Museum has several F-86s on display so getting good pictures of the details wouldn't be a problem.
Best Regards, Rex

Yeah, your proximity to Dayton is a big plus for doing field trips to check out details on varous aircraft! I just bought a book on Amazon, one of the numerous "walk arund" books on th eF-86. That is also a good source of info for these models.

Cheers

Davegee

[jetfool]

Davegee, Elbee,
Nice looking jet. Would be a great group build. My main build this year will be the Phantom, but it's not like I haven't had more than one build going at a time. Air Force Museum has several F-86s on display so getting good pictures of the details wouldn't be a problem.
Best Regards, Rex

[Elbee]

Hi Rex and LB: speaking of F-86s, I have one on order...This would be a great group build, among others mentioned that may or may not materialize as a kit in the future.
Cheers

Davegee

Now that's what I'm talkin' about.

I've never bought an FMS model, but with Freewing discontinuing their Sabre, if ya want one, it's the FMS.

You can count me in, though after the B-25 build.

Zoom Zoom.

Best, LB

[davegee]

jetfool

I do not have the F-86 NIB as Motion RC has discontinued that airframe.

I am hoping for a future Version 2 release, but who knows.

I've looked at the FMS F-86 and it looks awesome, but I have not decided one way or the other.

I did pickup the Freewing T-33 pre-tariff negotiations.

As for a group build the F-86 made sense to me as it was inexpensive, great flyer, highly modifiable, and was available.

Motion RC has the big Nexa SBD,Dauntless, so I don't know that bird would be viable for a 1600 mm FlightLine addition, but you never know.

It would be very cool with enough built-in features, just my $00,02USD.

Best, LB

Hi Rex and LB: speaking of F-86s, I have one on order as I write this. It is the FMS version. It looks to be a good airplane, FMS makes nice stuff. I used to have a Freewing F-86 years ago, and really loved it. I eventually wore the last one I had out and retired it.

The FMS plane looks good, but has some glaring inadequacies that make me do a slow burn why FMS didn't really complete this model to a higher scale level. To wit: the landing gear doors stay down as long as the gear is down (instead of cycling up like they should). Lots of extra drag and it looks unscale like that. Some people like Chris Wolfe (RC Geek) figured out a way to cycle the nose and main gear doors in a realistic way. He explained on a video how he rearranged the wiring on the nose gear door to cycle correctly, but I haven't figured out exactly how he did it yet. Hopefully I'll figure it out when I have the model in my hands.

This would be a great group buiild, among others mentioned that may or may not materialize as a kit in the future. In any event, when I get mine done or add any mods on it, I'll put up some blogs in the appropriate space on HS.

Cheers

Davegee

[jetfool]

f4uausie,
Hot, Hot here. I think the V2 A-10 would be awesome; they used to fly low over our farm practicing right before Desert Storm. they flew very low and was neat to see.
We are proud of both our daughters, they both have their own business, and each are going on 10years of ownership, same with their spouses. They have gone thru slow periods but learned to save for those times. Small ownership is hard.
Best Regards, Rex

[f4u ausie]

Rex in all seriousness they do look like an awesome little detail type pen or brush.... Ye middle of winter.. has been 0 C. Couple times. But we have had our shortest day, so it's all uphill to spring. We have moved house(Lotsa work after 20 years) so old house action this Saturday so I'm tossing between the V2 a10. V2 F16 90 luv the scheme. Or the B2 twin 70. Luv the subject matter of it.
Ya would be proud of ya daughter.. it's hard working for yaself,, but rewarding . Have fun b safe

[jetfool]

HA! No seriousness taken. Just wanted to tell about the fine pointed brushes that we can get finer paint detail. I have nice artists brushes, but these are the smallest brushes I have seen. How is your weather there? It's your winter months right. Are you working on anything new? Enjoy your comments.
Best Regards, Rex