bandit357

speaking of struts... any one have a cabane strut break?? last weekend one of the rear struts at the fuse broke, the wire broke where it exits the fuse. i did not build my fleet, i just get to enjoy flying it. until i fix it, she is grounded, so now i have to get creative, because from what i have found, the wires are installed and soldered on the fuse. so repair is out of the question. next option is to build new ones. Tonight i was surveying my options, and noticed the original builder epoxied the wire into the fuse, so there goes my idea of using all thread through the fuse to attach the struts..

anyway, any advise will be welcome, i will post pics tomorrow.

Kinner

Mine were epoxied in place and were prebent by the kit manufacturer (Concept).  Medium copper I think they were which means continuous bending or vibration could cause that failure.

Sounds like the makings of a tuff fix.

Ray W.

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

I don't think they were copper, but if they were, they would have behaved like Ray said if repeatedly bent. I suspect music wire that has been heated, bent and quenched. When bandit357 breaks into the structure, and he must, he'll find out for sure.

I don't envy the repair, although my spar repair on Fleet #1 amounted to the same agony.

Bob

bandit357

hi guys, thanks for the reply's, here is a pic of the broken strut, mine are made of music wire, i very much suspect that vibration is the cause. the engine on mine is a Sachs 3.2 swinging a 22x8, it purrs like a kitten at idle, and vibrates a little at full, it runs smoother than other 50cc engines i have seen.

so, i am considering using a aluminum plate fassioned into a T, and securing it with bolts and screws just to get back into the air. the correct repair will require taking out the wire struts, and getting into the fuse... i am NOT looking forward to that.

it appears i cant upload pics right now, i will try again tomorrow.

Kinner

I remember when I opened the kit, the prebent cabanes had a copper color to them.  Soft as well.

The failed music wire could have been bent cold and not retreated with heat.   Bending too sharp a bend for differing diameters will also either break the material or, at a minimum,  alter the internal molecule structure.  Then it just takes some time and vibration to shake it all loose. 

I'd suspect the improper re tempering after a sharp bend.

Ray W.

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

Bandit, if you decide to use music wire, here is a link for annealing and tempering:

http://www.vaillyaviation.com/images...re%20_web_.pdf

I've tried it when I made replacement landing gear wire after failure of the piece I had on my first Fleet. I also used it when I bent the cabanes on my present aircraft. It works!

Bob

bandit357

thanks bob, i will look into it.. and this time i will again try uploading a pic of the broken strut. i am pretty sure i WONT use wire for the struts, i am thinking of fabricating mine the same way i did for my WACO, quite simply bass wood and aluminum, which is quite strong on my WACO. for this type of attachment, i need to run all thread through the fuse where the wires are now, then i can attach the struts and tighten down, and remove later for repairs or adjustment. anyway, lets see if pics will load now,

dabrown

OK if we can now upload pics, here is my wing rigging going on. Seems OK so now to tear down and paint.

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

Does that have retracts?

Bob

Kinner

Floats?

Bandit, that break looks very likely a bend that didn't receive a nice retemper or it was bent red hot and quenched too fast.  Makes things real brittle that.  The Vallencourt article is what I use and has worked for me.  keep it handy.

Your alumnium bends can suffer the same malady but I'd say from your photo, your in good shape but keep and eye peeled at the bend for small hairline cracks developing.

Ray W 

dabrown

Ha! Yes, anything to be different. Probably will add flaps, guns, missile pylons, and a bomb bay too.

Dave

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

Lookin' good, Dave. Let's get the paint on it!

Bob

bandit357

OK, here is my okie repair, nothing a flat piece of brass and screws cant fix.. i know its not pretty, but sure is strong. so i will try it out this weekend. if successful, i can put off the perm repairs for months???? at least i can get back to flying her..

Kinner

Slow in the ole "hood"

I've begun a slow survey of my crashed Fleet.   Lots of hidden transmittal damage but all will be uncovered and set right...but not now.   I've an NE-2 I'm trying to finish for a Warbird flyin in late April. 


Ray W.

dabrown

Yes, it's been slow. Good flying weather here in Calif. Working on my landing gear and finishing the N struts and cabane struts. Also applied numerous (want me to go out in the garage and count 'em?) glue dots to the wing and empennage surfaces.) Ready for painting, mostly, but have family coming to visit...

I give, what's an NE-2?

dave

bandit357

yep, CA. good weather, at least the last  days for sure... i put 2 flights on my Fleet, and the repair is holding great.

Kinner

NE-2 was just an upgraded NE-1. Since I've not applied any decals yet, it might turn into an L-4/O-59

Ray W.

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

NE-2 is a Navy version of the L-4 Piper Cub.

Bob

bandit357

Flying today at Apollo field ... (Los Angeles) winds were blowing over 20 mph gusts, then dead calm.. very strange, i would take off with little wind and then land with 20 mph gusts, and cross to boot. Anyway, i had the field to myself, nobody else was flying, they said too much wind.. hmmm. not much a problem for me, just some challenging landings, that's all. a club member down there took some great pics, i will post when he sends them to me.

retransit

My Feedback: (18)

Good for you!

When we have an event at our field and the wind gets over 10mph, the scale guys sit down and hangar fly.

Bob

HOT COALS

     I can understand that BOB.The winds here in TX have been very bad. 40 to 55 gusts.  I am afraid to take my bird s from 1 building to another. To do any kind of work. Already have a guy to put a new roof on my house. When the wind dies down.

HOT COALS

  See I am so upset about this wind, I forgot my name.  HANK #20.

HOT COALS

   OK!!!! not related to the brotherhood. I am looking for a STINSON 108 voyager,  91" or better built. RTF.   THANKS  HANK #20

HOT COALS

   OK!!!! not related to the brotherhood. I am looking for a STINSON 108 voyager,  91" or better built. RTF.   THANKS  HANK #20

HOT COALS

   SAY BANDIT 357. LOOKING AT YOUR PHOTOS.IS THAT A BICycle LANE, YOUR FLYING OUT OF . HANK.