Blackie

I have the world Model super stunt 60 and would like to convert it over to a tail wheel.

The only two ways I can think of to do this would be to install a push rod driven wheel or a static spring action wheel.

Also how far forward would I relocate the main landing gear?

Does anyone please have any other options or methods to do this.

I have constructed a different vertical stab and rudder but both are still located above the horizontal service, the rudder is now designed like the typical triangle type of rudder.

Thanks
Randy

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

Randy, I'm converting my Super Stunt 60 to taildragger. It seems like a never ending project; other things always crop up and put this one on hold.

So far, I've reshape the vertical stab and built a completely new rudder. I also built a new set of split elevators so as to accomodate the tailwheel linkage to the rudder. I'll be mounting the rudder and elevator servos all near the tail. All this might be moot for your setup since it does require major surgery.

OTOH, my Super Stunt 40 taildragger conversion is more of a "retrofit" like yours would be, so it will probably give you a better idea of what you could do. On that one I simply drilled a hole through the horizontal stab directly behind the fuse and pass the tailwheel wire through it. Since this does interfere with the elevator pushwire, I had to relocate the elevator servo also to near to the tail. This way, the elevator control horn can be offset to one side to clear the tailwheel assembly. All this does add significant weight to the tail, but since I did all this at the same time I swapped in a .75 2stroke, the balance worked out just fine.

Up front, I've reinforced the fuselage direct below the wing LE. I'm using the stock aluminum landing gear from my H9 1/4 CAP232 (I'll be getting a composite one for use on the CAP) and mounting it so that the axles are about even with the LE.

I'll take some digital pictures tonight and either post them here or send them to you via email.

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

Here's an overview of what I've done so far.

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

Here's a view of the main gear canabalized from H9 1/4 CAP. The original location of the wire main gear is apparent on the fuse.

Volfy

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Closeup of the reinforcement done for receiving the new mains. Doing this makes me wish they would include the cut-out pieces from the fuselage liteply. Fiberglass completes the treatment.

Volfy

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Here a look at the Super Stunt 40 taildragger conversion.

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

Close view of same. Notice the offset elevator pushrod & control horn. If you look real carefully, you can even spot the original mounting holes inline with the fuse centerline.

Tailwheel assembly is also donated by the same selfless H9 1/4 CAP. Works real well. Needless to say, said 1/4 CAP will eventually receive much lighter replacement.

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

Here's another taildragger conversion - much more thought out and thoroughly done. This is, or should I say was, a Hobbico Hobbistar 60.

Two elevator servos drive separate elevator halves, which open up to allow for a more conventional tailwheel/rudder setup.

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

Another view of the same highly modified Hobbistar 60 tail group.

My Super Stunt 60 conversion, when completed, will probably look very similar to this.

Blackie

Hi Volfy,

Thanks for the response, I decided to run a push rod from the servo back to the tail wheel. As far as the rudder I had already constructed a rudder during its first days of flying after the original rudder came off of the plane along with the vertical stab, OH and yes it came down into the top of a ceder tree, no damage. On the main gear I am not placing it quite as far forward as you did, I placed mine just behind the area where you placed yours at in the cross bracing.

Thanks
Randy

travellerw

Hey there... Instead of using a pushrod, why don't you use a pull-pull system. My little Kadet LT 25 uses this system and it works wonderfull.. Just some food for thought...

Blackie

I had already purchased a simple tail wheel bracket with only a single arm. I think I'll be happy with the rod, I elected to go with nyrod 2/25 instead of the piano wire.

All thats left to install now is the main gear, cover the belly back up and I'm good to go.

Thanks
Randy

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

Randy, nyrod should work just fine. Trim changes due to temp variation is not at all noticeable or critical on a tail wheel vs., say, the elevator.

On an earlier taildragger conversion I've done, I had mounted the main gear just behind the LE fuselage former. Later on I found out that the ground handling is better when the main gear is on or slight ahead of the LE. Much less tendency to noseover. All it took was s slightly adjustment to bend the wire gear forward a little.

Are you using aluminum or wire main gear?

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

If you want an easy way out, just install a tail skid made from music wire. While you will lose some ground handling capabilities, you will still be able to turn by using rudder alone.

Blackie

Volfy, I am using fiberglass main gear.


I mentioned on the Bomber field thread that I would like to hook up with you at the fly in this Saturday.

Randy

waagbuck

My Feedback: (1)

What about using a castering tail wheel. I had one of those on an older plane and it seemed to work fine.