kinverflyer

Have you thought about contacting YT International?

WarbirdPilots

My Feedback: (209)

Thank you for the advise. I will give them and KMP a call.

Thanks,

Adam

oriole

My Feedback: (19)

Adam,

You could also call Spring Air. I replaced mine with Spring Airs. They dropped right in and are air up, spring down. Work better than the arf supplied retracts.

www.retracts.com


Oriole

nemesis4u

My Feedback: (77)

YES... GIVE BILL WATTON at spring air a call...

He is most helpful if you want spring down type gear....

Just tell him your model and he can figure it out from there...

-CHEERS!

TOMAS
VQ WARBIRDS
"KEEP 'EM FLYING"

www.vqwarbirds.com
[email protected]

Shihtzutan

Sorry Twin, I should have given you the courtsey of a reply even if your offer was a tad bit insulting; I'm not going part with them for less than 50% of their value (as listed on TBM's website), rounded up to the nearest dollar, or you can buy them 'new'. I'm going to the RAM show in Feb., if you want them let me know . . . I'll be their Sat., or I'll be in CT just about every weekend once the weather warms.

WarbirdPilots

My Feedback: (209)

Hey Shihtzutan,

Where do you see the original retracts on TBM's website? I can't find them. I see the generation 5 retracts on there. They are selling for $119.00, but you get the generation 5 retracts, struts, wheels, tank, valve, and all the accessories. I am just looking for the original generation 1 retracts. The ones that I have pictured above. Are those the ones you have?

Beechbum

My Feedback: (11)

I'm pretty sure I've got a set out in the hangar if you are still interested. I seem to recall they were a bit wobbly, though.

Beechbum

My Feedback: (11)

I guess I could have looker before I posted. I have a set with a valve and the fittings and a length of hose. They were mounted up but never flown. Shoot me a PM.

nemesis4u

My Feedback: (77)

GENTS...

cHeck this out:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9454630

tevans55

Tomas-

That looks very nice! Will you show us an exploded view of the kit when it becomes available? Thanks.

nemesis4u

My Feedback: (77)

TEVANS55,

yes...thanks...

-TOMAS
VQ WARBIRDS
"KEEP 'EM FLYING"
www.vqwarbirds.com
[email protected]

Shihtzutan

Sorry Twin, I should have looked closer. I have originals, new, unused; identical to your pic. I'll part with retract unit, wire, and valve for 50.00; will deliver or meet me halfway.

WarbirdPilots

My Feedback: (209)

No problem Shihtzutan. I actually just bought a set from another member for the original price I gave you. But I am still interested in your set of retracts. I will give you my original offer plus $5 shipping for just the retracts. Send me a PM.

Thanks,

Adam

Shihtzutan

Hi Turbo, I'll use them in something I don't care about that much, I'm not going to part with them for that amount. If I knew you personally or we were a member of the same RC club, it would be different! Anyway, good luck. Personally, I don't see what you like about them but they will be ok for a beater plane.

impalas

My Feedback: (1)

Hi Adam; I know this is a late reply to your original post. Nice refit on the KMP Spit retracts. I am just completing my Spit. I would like to know what struts you are using on your retracts. I agree that the original mounts leave a lot to be desired. I leaned them forward but we fly on the turf farm and the grass is rather high. I think that when I do the rebuild I would like to add the struts. In viewing your pictures I noticed a weld just below the link up area for the strut. Am I correct? If so could you get back to me on the strut type you used. Impalas

WarbirdPilots

My Feedback: (209)

Hi Impalas,

I am using Robart 670 Straight RoboStruts 1/2" diameter. The struts are great and really sturdy. Since I am using the original generation 1 retracts I used a 1/4" wire to connect the struts to the retracts. I had to enlarge the hole in the retract to accept the 1/4" rod.

You are correct, it is a welded piece on each strut. What happened is that when I repositioned the gear to the correct spot, it extended them 1/2" or more. So I had a buddy weld a piece onto the strut to extend it.

What I would suggest doing for any KMP/ESM arf is to strengthen the gear blocks with triangular stock and epoxy each and every edge and joint surrounding the blocks. I would also highly suggest using 6-32 blind nuts and bolts to secure the gear to the gear blocks. The wood screws that they suggest using just don't cut-it on any 15+ pound plane.

Good luck and I hope I answered all your questions.

Adam

impalas

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks Adam; I have already started the mod on the retract blocks. I've taken pictures as I go along.Will forward them when I get things together. I have made up two U-shaped 5 ply plates that sink it into the existing wing framing,with additional support,saimilar to what we do on foam core pattern wings. When I opened it up, I noted that the main spar was comprised of two long sheets of light ply and hollow in the middle which was a suprise to me. . We've had flooding up here in Rhode Island and as my business is pool maintenance, I've been quite busy today pumping out relatives cellars. I started the "Surgery"early this A.M. and was called off. I'll keep you posted on the mod. I have not flown the Spit yet but after all I've read about the nose over problem, I decided to deal with it now and not at the field. Mine is also an early version. The gear works very well. I set it aside for a few years and after getting back on it I had trouble charging the air system. I took the control valve apart and found a really dirty charging stem inside the valve. It looked like the stem was coated with a piece of neoprene. I cleaned it up and the gear works fine. I don't charge to 60 or 65. I charge to 50 the gear works OK and although quick, it does not slam home. I'll keep in touch . And, Thanks for the info on the retracts. Pete

ghostrider168

I am going to maiden my Spitfire this coming Sunday. I am a little concerned with the CG recommended at 120mm. Has anyone have any experience or flown at the recommended CG? Or how did you set your up?

Thanks,

Gary

tevans55

My first ESM Spit manual indicated a 107mm CG and it flew best at 110mm. Just my opinion but I think 120 will leave you trimming the elevator alot on the first flight. My first ESM Spit hit a bird last fall and I have just finished the second one and will fly it at 110mm for the maiden.

DVM100

Hi guys,

I've converted my Spitfire from a 28cc gasser to electric and I've balanced her at 110mm. I've got a Turnigy 200kV motor on 10S Lipo swinging an 18 x 14 APC and I'm going to trial 19 - 20" to see how she goes. I've got the same set up in a 1.20 size Seagull PC9 swinging a 15.5.x 12 4-blade and she goes VERY well. Can't wait to get the Spit back in the air.

tevans55

Be sure to shoot some video...would love to see and HEAR your spit!

Good Luck.

DVM100

lol, sounds like a dig at electrics...if I put my Benedini sound system on board would that be better? My club mates are all taking the piss out of me coz I've gone electric after being a staunch "smelly" for so long

tevans55

No dig...I am interested to hear a plane this size...just curious.

DVM100

I've got a Seagull 1.20 size PC9 flying on the same motor swinging a 15.5 x 12 4-blade and it sounds awesome. I also have a 96" Austars Cessna 152 using the same set up as well swinging an 18 x 14 - it sounds great as well.

Merlin Man

Hi,
DVM, could I talk to you re your PC9 flying ?

I don't want to highjack this thread and so I will send you a PM.

Cheers,
Merlin Man.