jjscott

I can't quite figure out how Robostruts fit into the various Robart retract bodies, and don't find much information on the Robart site. I need some help.

I want to use 7/16 straight Robostruts (Robart 660) with 90 degree retracts, like Robart 510 RS. The problem is that the 510 specs say for 3/8 Robostruts. Will the 7/16 Robostrut adapt in some way? Or, do I use the 510W1 (3/16 wire ready) and adapt the Robostruts to those. The 7/16 Robostruts seem to come with an 3/16 wire adapator. I am guessing this is a stub wire that somehow fits inside the Robostrut and plugs into the gear body. Is this right, and is this as strong as the Robostrut alone?

Or, do I use the 550RS robostrut ready gear? Those specs say they will take 7/16 Robostruts. The 550s don't come with the air stuff, so they end up being a lot more expensive. The application is a Top Flite Gold Series P-47, probably 120 four stroke powered. These seem to end up at about 10 pounds minimum up to as much as 13 pounds.

Thanks, Jim

warks62

My Feedback: (140)

I believe that Robart makes an adapter that goes into the end of the strut to adapt from 7/16" to 3/8" just give them a call. But personally I would use the 530 series they are more robust than the 510 series. Also I think that you need to look at using a 85 degree on the P-47.

jmodguy

My Feedback: (4)

Jim,
I went with the 550 RS 90 deg units. Readily accepts the 7/16" strut. I also bought a set of 85 deg side rails but it didn't work out. Here are a couple pics. I made some mods to get the wheel to lay in the wing at the scale location so adapt for what you need. The engine is an RCV 120 swinging an APC 15.5x12 four bladed prop. Lots o' power on the stand!
Jeff

jjscott

Thanks Randy and Jeff.

Jeff, I had gone through all the P-47 builds on the various forums and had bookmarked your wing mods and gear details. I also saved quite a few photos in the event the threads ever disappeared. There is a bit of conflicting opinion of what to use and how to mount. I decided to pull the trigger and get the 550s and 660 struts, which are designed to go together. I probably won't regret getting the heavier duty components, though with my flying, I question how long the plane can last.

Jim

jmodguy

My Feedback: (4)

Hey Jim,
Well if the plane doesn't last you can always reuse the gear! Don't know if you noticed but I cut the lower strut yoke and had it re-welded to closer resemble a scale strut. It fits in the wing really nice! Don't know if you can tell inthe pic but theres about 1/4" between the surface and the strut. Every now and then you get lucky...
Jeff

jjscott

Jeff, no I did not notice, but I do now. Thats neat.

Did you start with the straight struts? Without going through your thread I do not recall if you had purchased both the straight and bent struts. Wouldn't the strut go all the way in the wing without doing so; does it have to do something to do with the 90 degree swing? Or did you just do it because it looked better?

Jim