P47-D Intercooler air outlet help

[James B]

Hi,

I'm mid-way through a build of Tamiya's P47 Bubbletop. I have the option of open or closed "air outlets". (step 5 for those with instructions). 

 

I've searched here and the wider web, but keep ending up in threads about exhaust stains. I believe they are intercooler air outlets, but am not 100% certain.

 

However, what I am wanting to know is when these are open and when would they be shut. I am modelling mine in flight, about to start an attack run, so have the cowl in the closed position are the "air outlets" the same?

 

Many thanks

James

[Jure Miljevic]

Hello, James

I believe you can use both option. I understand P-47D had interconnected engine controls and could have been controlled with throttle only, but had a provision for manual override. Automatic intercooler control kept temperatures between 12°C and 35°C. Sliding doors could be opened or closed manually when temperatures were outside these parameters or carburetor ice had been suspected, which was likely with humid air at temperatures just above 0°C. For flying attitude that you described for your model high rpm, high boost and water injection are not very likely, so I would choose closed intercooler doors.

For additional information, here are links to P-47B, C, D and G manual and P-47N manual in PDF:

http://www.theshermantank.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/P-47B-G-TO-01-65BC-1.pdf

https://www.spruemaster.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/manual/Republic_P-47 Thunderbolt.pdf

Cheers

Jure

 

[James B]

Thank you, @Jure Miljevic.  Really appreciate the detailed answer. Closed they shall be.

[Don McIntyre]

There was even a video at one time online that showed the doors opening and closing, but I lost the link during a computer swap. 

[Johnny_K]

Check out this video:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=p-47&&view=detail&mid=50DC5AC9EB6428D7E36150DC5AC9EB6428D7E361&FORM=VRDGAR