Grumman Wildcat F4F-3 1/5 scale
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ding
landing right into the wind, pretty easy to keep the plane on both wheels. Landing cross wind, after the rudder starts to lose authority, the plane weathervanes- thats when you drag the tips-
Flying off grass, not a problem. Flying off of tarmack- probably grind off a little wingtip.
All in all, however, the wildcats reputation for bad ground handling is greatly overstated.
In truth, the full scale plane's spongey oleo's set up an uncomfortable rolling motion that pilots complained about. The yaw tracking was actually not that bad.
Flying off grass, not a problem. Flying off of tarmack- probably grind off a little wingtip.
All in all, however, the wildcats reputation for bad ground handling is greatly overstated.
In truth, the full scale plane's spongey oleo's set up an uncomfortable rolling motion that pilots complained about. The yaw tracking was actually not that bad.
#27
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Wildcat landing gear
I have a set of Doug's gear that I purchased from his friend Leo a couple of year's ago. They're very robust, built for the 92" span plans, electrically operated off a 4.8 v receiver battery.
I don't know when I might finally build one of these planes. If Robart is coming out with the gear sometime in the future, I would be willing to let mine go to someone in need of the gear right now.
If you're interested, send me a PM or e-mail. I can forward pictures.
Tom
I don't know when I might finally build one of these planes. If Robart is coming out with the gear sometime in the future, I would be willing to let mine go to someone in need of the gear right now.
If you're interested, send me a PM or e-mail. I can forward pictures.
Tom
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Re: wildcat
Originally posted by BobH
Carl, I have seen bob karlson's wildcat fly many times.. first time was some years back at one of the scale contests at bealton va.. Saw it later again at warbirds over delawars.. was a few years ago. he built a bigger one but never made the plans for that one..For his documentation he had access to Dupont's wildcat.. if im remembering correctly... his flies and lands very good.. BobH.
Carl, I have seen bob karlson's wildcat fly many times.. first time was some years back at one of the scale contests at bealton va.. Saw it later again at warbirds over delawars.. was a few years ago. he built a bigger one but never made the plans for that one..For his documentation he had access to Dupont's wildcat.. if im remembering correctly... his flies and lands very good.. BobH.
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Grumman Wildcat F4F-3 1/5 scale
Hey Doug, any chance you could send me a pm re the landing gear. I bought a set of your plans, cowl and canopy a few years ago and now am ready to think about starting it :-) but have a couple of questions re the l/g.
Or you can email me directly at [email protected]
Thanks
Bart
Or you can email me directly at [email protected]
Thanks
Bart
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Grumman Wildcat F4F-3 1/5 scale
1/5 Wildcat Gear - Another Question
Hi All,
I have read the thread here on the 1/5 scale Wildcat gear and plans. I have a question of anyone reading this thread about the originating plans of the gear. I saw both the RObart and Century Jet Wildcat gear at Toledo this year ( Century jet had a fully pneumatic set on display). Both Robart and Century Jet said they were workingoff of a set of plans originally in RCM if I remember correclty. I have been trying to locate a spot to buy the plans/article so I can get mechanical dimensions. I am in the process of designing the precursor of the wildcat, the F3F. This Biplane used gear very similar to the wildcat and because of the design, I have to start with designing in either the Robart or Century jet gear into the ship, so I am somewhat stuck - Robart says they will have a mechanicaldrawing on the web site sometime this year, but If I can get a set of the RCM plans (or wherever they originated from), I could get the info I need
Anyone got any ideas?
thanks
Joe Finkelstine
Hi All,
I have read the thread here on the 1/5 scale Wildcat gear and plans. I have a question of anyone reading this thread about the originating plans of the gear. I saw both the RObart and Century Jet Wildcat gear at Toledo this year ( Century jet had a fully pneumatic set on display). Both Robart and Century Jet said they were workingoff of a set of plans originally in RCM if I remember correclty. I have been trying to locate a spot to buy the plans/article so I can get mechanical dimensions. I am in the process of designing the precursor of the wildcat, the F3F. This Biplane used gear very similar to the wildcat and because of the design, I have to start with designing in either the Robart or Century jet gear into the ship, so I am somewhat stuck - Robart says they will have a mechanicaldrawing on the web site sometime this year, but If I can get a set of the RCM plans (or wherever they originated from), I could get the info I need
Anyone got any ideas?
thanks
Joe Finkelstine
#32
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Grumman Wildcat F4F-3 1/5 scale
Originally posted by slipkid
1/5 Wildcat Gear - Another Question
Hi All,
I have read the thread here on the 1/5 scale Wildcat gear and plans. I have a question of anyone reading this thread about the originating plans of the gear. I saw both the RObart and Century Jet Wildcat gear at Toledo this year ( Century jet had a fully pneumatic set on display). Both Robart and Century Jet said they were workingoff of a set of plans originally in RCM if I remember correclty. I have been trying to locate a spot to buy the plans/article so I can get mechanical dimensions. I am in the process of designing the precursor of the wildcat, the F3F. This Biplane used gear very similar to the wildcat and because of the design, I have to start with designing in either the Robart or Century jet gear into the ship, so I am somewhat stuck - Robart says they will have a mechanicaldrawing on the web site sometime this year, but If I can get a set of the RCM plans (or wherever they originated from), I could get the info I need
Anyone got any ideas?
thanks
Joe Finkelstine
1/5 Wildcat Gear - Another Question
Hi All,
I have read the thread here on the 1/5 scale Wildcat gear and plans. I have a question of anyone reading this thread about the originating plans of the gear. I saw both the RObart and Century Jet Wildcat gear at Toledo this year ( Century jet had a fully pneumatic set on display). Both Robart and Century Jet said they were workingoff of a set of plans originally in RCM if I remember correclty. I have been trying to locate a spot to buy the plans/article so I can get mechanical dimensions. I am in the process of designing the precursor of the wildcat, the F3F. This Biplane used gear very similar to the wildcat and because of the design, I have to start with designing in either the Robart or Century jet gear into the ship, so I am somewhat stuck - Robart says they will have a mechanicaldrawing on the web site sometime this year, but If I can get a set of the RCM plans (or wherever they originated from), I could get the info I need
Anyone got any ideas?
thanks
Joe Finkelstine
Joe,
The Bob Karlsson plans for the 1/6 Wildcat and retract gear are available from MAN.
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Grumman Wildcat F4F-3 1/5 scale
I'm sorry to say that the Bob Karlsson plans are no longer available from MAN. I tried to buy them last year. I did find a set and I have them hidden away for later.
Hans
Hans
#34
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wildcat
I spoke with Bob Karlson just this past weekend at WOD. He told me that the amplifier(?) he uses needs to be replaced pretty often due to the mechanical strain on it. His plane was designed quite a few years ago.. 1980 I think. Anyway if you build his gear you may want to consider a newer electronic part to operate it.... Regards BobH.
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1/5 Wildcat Gear - retry on my question
Hi All,
First off, many of you have replied with answers and I want to say thank you. I find though, that i did a bad job explaining why I want the plans, because several of the repsonses deal with making the gear from these plans. I have no intention of making a set of WIldcat gear, rather I want to buy either the Robarts or the Century Jet gear, both of which I saw in Toledo. I am designing an F3F Biplane, and both companies said they designed them from an existing 1/5 scale Wildcat gear published in what I remember was MAN or RCM some time ago. I am looking for the plans to get mounting dimensions, swing arc, etc. The gear mounting dimensions will dictate the former, which ill essentially dictate the size of the ship.
Also,I was under the impression though, that the Robart and Century Jet gear are both 1/5 scale, whereas the set of plans many are referring to are 1/6 scale
Once again, thank you all for your help and I will get this design going soon I am sure!
Joe Finkelstine
First off, many of you have replied with answers and I want to say thank you. I find though, that i did a bad job explaining why I want the plans, because several of the repsonses deal with making the gear from these plans. I have no intention of making a set of WIldcat gear, rather I want to buy either the Robarts or the Century Jet gear, both of which I saw in Toledo. I am designing an F3F Biplane, and both companies said they designed them from an existing 1/5 scale Wildcat gear published in what I remember was MAN or RCM some time ago. I am looking for the plans to get mounting dimensions, swing arc, etc. The gear mounting dimensions will dictate the former, which ill essentially dictate the size of the ship.
Also,I was under the impression though, that the Robart and Century Jet gear are both 1/5 scale, whereas the set of plans many are referring to are 1/6 scale
Once again, thank you all for your help and I will get this design going soon I am sure!
Joe Finkelstine
#36
1/5th Wildcat Gear
Jerry Bates 1/5 Grumman Wildcat
Robart's 1/5th Wildcat gear is chain driven by a centered two sided cogged bar pushed down by a single large air cylinder. The cogged bar runs through a dual geared receiver turning two sprockets to pull two chains through the retract cycle to an over center positive lock to relieve tension on the system when the gear is down. Mounting to Jerry's former is accomplished by the builder simply laying a template down on the former and drilling a series of holes to mount the components.
The Century Jets 1/5 Wildcat gear is an enlarged set of the 1/6th set he has sold several sets of for the Karlson design that used to be available in MAN...
The Century Jets gear is driven by a pair of air cylinders which drive the strut mechanism past center where a second pair of smaller struts push over center to lock down solidly. The air can be completely removed from the system and the strut remains in the down and locked position. Mounting to Jerry's former is easily accomplished because Century Jets provides the gear mounted on a cross bar of strong marine ply which is positioned between the formers either side of the retract wells. The system mounts to the aft firewall by way of a template and holes drilled in former.
If you would like to see both designs click underlined text below to be taken to Jerry's web site. When you click on underlined blue text "Retracts" you will be taken to graphics for both systems.
http://www.scaleaero.com/jbpgrummanf4f.htm
#39
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Grumman Wildcat F4F-3 1/5 scale
hi what do you all recommend for material for the landing gear (for the Karlson plan) aluminum , steel ? etc.. How did the build process go, ?is there any easy step by step on how to set it up for mechanical ?
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
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Grumman Wildcat F4F-3 1/5 scale
If I did another set I would make a jig for all attachment points. I had lots of problems with alignment and still it did not come out to my satisfaction. Karlsson used steel tube, I am trying brass from the LHS. Steel is probably easier to silver braze.
Carl
Carl
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It would be real handy to have a lathe if you use steel. I bought some alum stock on line for the axle carrier and used a mill to shape it. It did take me a long time and I probably will get the robart gear when I make the 1/5 Wildcat. That will be quicker and better.
Carl
Carl
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Wildcat retracts
ED Clayman:
Have seen the robart and CJM units here....CJM is using 4 air cylinders, higher priced.and Robarts is using one air cylinder and is chained drive...Which one do you perfer????
Have seen the robart and CJM units here....CJM is using 4 air cylinders, higher priced.and Robarts is using one air cylinder and is chained drive...Which one do you perfer????
#45
No gear preference....
Considering we market both :^) there is no preference. Its a matter of whether you want it engineered like Karlson's original design with multiple cylinders or a single cylinder and the cogged chain drive.
If you are asking if there is a better than... I don't have a clue considering no one is using either in a finished airframe. Stay tuned to this thread or its step child to find if there are differences in functionality.
CJM's system comes mounted on the center crutch, Bob's is said to come disassembled. Both are said to contain templates for the necessary holes to mount.
That's all Jerry and I know at this point considering neither of us has received a gear to "play with".
If you are asking if there is a better than... I don't have a clue considering no one is using either in a finished airframe. Stay tuned to this thread or its step child to find if there are differences in functionality.
CJM's system comes mounted on the center crutch, Bob's is said to come disassembled. Both are said to contain templates for the necessary holes to mount.
That's all Jerry and I know at this point considering neither of us has received a gear to "play with".
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Grumman Wildcat F4F-3 1/5 scale
Do make a jig that is perfect. I like the looks of the robart gear for scale appearance. Would love to see some pics when the time comes.
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Hows about the Buffalo!
Hey Carl:
What size and how are the plans for the Buffalo? I have been wanting a set of plans for a buffalo and have looked at the Bates(?) plans catalog an awful lot. I just can't quite bring myself to order them. Ithink he has a 90 size that has built up cowl and canopy. I really want some info on them before I buy.
i love the old Buffalo and it would be so different to model! Any info you could give would be a big help!
Mark Shuman
What size and how are the plans for the Buffalo? I have been wanting a set of plans for a buffalo and have looked at the Bates(?) plans catalog an awful lot. I just can't quite bring myself to order them. Ithink he has a 90 size that has built up cowl and canopy. I really want some info on them before I buy.
i love the old Buffalo and it would be so different to model! Any info you could give would be a big help!
Mark Shuman
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Grumman Wildcat F4F-3 1/5 scale
Mark,
I have the Bates 1/5 Buffalo. I have not studied these plans but the Wildcat I'm working on from Bates is great. I got a canopy from Jerry and have on order retracts from Sierra Precision (two left). Plan to construct next winter. Notice the nose is very short, I think I will build a -3 which at 1/5 adds 2" between the wing LE and firewall. Hopefully that will keep balance lead down. I have talked to Leo Spychalla (?) about fiberglass. Pre made parts are available for the 1/5 and I like that size. I plan to use a Saito 450 in mine. My goal is to have a Wildcat, Buffalo and Zero.
Friday I received the Robart Wildcat LG. Very Nice!!
Carl
I have the Bates 1/5 Buffalo. I have not studied these plans but the Wildcat I'm working on from Bates is great. I got a canopy from Jerry and have on order retracts from Sierra Precision (two left). Plan to construct next winter. Notice the nose is very short, I think I will build a -3 which at 1/5 adds 2" between the wing LE and firewall. Hopefully that will keep balance lead down. I have talked to Leo Spychalla (?) about fiberglass. Pre made parts are available for the 1/5 and I like that size. I plan to use a Saito 450 in mine. My goal is to have a Wildcat, Buffalo and Zero.
Friday I received the Robart Wildcat LG. Very Nice!!
Carl