kram51

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Hi all

In order to maintain some separation from the Sierra retracts thread that has run now for over a year, I'm starting a new thread for Lee to post his progress on the development of the rotating gear so many of us are longing for. Look for Lee to add his pictures, progress updates, etc. here. I'm sure it hasn't escaped very many that Lee has been able to get the prototype together in such a short amount of time. Makes one wonder .. .

Good on ya Lee!!!

Mark.

kram51

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Here are some preliminary shots of the prototype that were posted on the old thread.

Robinaire

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Hi Mark; Thabnks for clueing me in on how to find thid! Here are a few pics, and I will also send them to you for possible editing. Also you can include my long-winded commentary, which I'll never remember what I said!! Sound familiar, anyone?? Lee

kram51

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Okay guys, Lee sent some eye candy to get cleaned up thru Photoshop. I think you'll like what you see!
Direct your questions to Lee, I'm just helping out with the posting of the pictures. . .

Mark

Richard L.

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Looking good so far.

Robinaire

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Hi All; I think I have finally found all the little glitches, including a couple of tolerances that ganged up on me. I have also found a further simplification for the rotation mechanism. Sometimes you trip--and fall in just the right direction! (Gee-- I should have claimed great genius!!) Can't do much this week except update drawings, until I get these "big bird" gear sets out of the way. But by later this week I expect to put together an "almost" final version! I will be making the new parts to the new drawings, and see how many places I goofed!! Me goof??? -- Naaah! Lee

voyager_663rd

I'll thank you again here Lee. Thanks for taking on this project. [sm=thumbup.gif]

Robinaire

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Hi people; (I trust you are people---not little green Martians in disquise!) Just a brief update. I'm cutting new parts for a complete set, hopefully to go into some plane for tests. I am looking for someone locally, but haven't found a Corsair yet. Or a P-40! May have to drive a couple hours north to Satellite Bch and Dionysius! Let him risk HIS bird!! Come to think of it, I'd be risking my gear! Dion--- you CAN fly, can't you??? I may be able to post a few additional pics this weekend. Lee

kram51

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I wish I was closer to you Lee. My TF is almost finished and it would a perfect guinea pig but, alas, I am not. I hope one of the guys can help out.

Mark

Edwin

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Wouldnt hurt to have a novice test it also to see how much abuse it can take. I know a lot of people waiting for this. Thanks for the updates Lee.
Edwin

Griffin_NC

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Those retracts are looking really good. Glad to see someone took up the challenge to make a decent product finally.

Richard L.

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I can test out those retracts on my TF P-40 if they are shipped my way.

voyager_663rd

Now wouldn't that be a hoot.

Robinaire

My Feedback: (23)

Thanks for the offer, Richard, but the first test will be in my presence!! (Selfish, aren't I?) !! I wish I could find time to build one myself, but as I just told Jeff Stultz, I haven't flown my IKON T-craft (the one in the website pic) in 5 or 6 years. About 3 or 4 years ago, someone got into my other shop and stole 2 radios, including a brand new one! I couldn't replace them at the time. But a long time friend of mine heard about it and gave me an older unit that was Gold-stickered, and is just waiting for me to find time to install it! My thanks to all for keeping track of me and saying nice things. (Lies! all lies!!) Lee

kram51

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Maybe a trip to FLA is in order. . . . hmmmmmm . . ..

Mark

dionysusbacchus

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I try to stay out of this and people just keep dragging me back in! No, I have never flown before... now is everyone happy?

Robin-in-the-air, those gear are looking good, I was skeptical at first! Look at how the bend in when retracted, I'm impressed! I was looking at a Hangar 9 Corsair to test those things for ya! Well I almost wanted to buy one! No I am not doing any conversion work on my Royal Corsair, I would mount them in my F2G I'm building now. I have a set of old Rhoms for that, but I hate the way the twisting link hangs out when they are retracted!

Dion

Robinaire

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Hi gang; Just posted a couple of new pics in gallery. Lee

Robinaire

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Gee Dion; I don't have a twisting link to hang out! Am I cheating someone??? And I bet you can fly---to the shop, the dinner table, the bathroom---- Lee

voyager_663rd

Pardon me while I drool a bit. I hope they are as functional as they are great to look at. How are you ever going to supply our demand Lee?

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

So far they look more stout than the other rotating retracts. Will they be able to handle a 12 lbs Top Flite warbird? I guess only time will tell.

Maiden Voyage

Lee,

I must say when you say you will "give it a shot" your word is as good as gold! Thank you for your expertise and commitment to this much needed project. Just a few questions. Do you have any idea of the end cost (ball park is fine) and any idea of when you will be able to do a production run? I know you have some testing as well as other projects to complete, so please don't feel like I'm pressuring you, just curious.

Thank you again!

Kerry

PS Oh, almost forgot, the gear looks great!

Robinaire

My Feedback: (23)

Hi Richard, and all; They should be able to handle 12 lbs plus. Side rails are the same material I use for 1/5 scale, the main leg tube is 7/16 dia. chrome-moly aircraft tubing. The bottom end with axle is aluminum. Lee

Robinaire

My Feedback: (23)

Hi gang; Forgot one thing, many are asking about price. I can't figure that until I get some quotes from some cnc shops. If the demand is what you are all indicating, I could never keep up with my manual equipment! Now if one of you wanted to donate a $100,000. machining center-------!!! Lee

voyager_663rd

Gimme the winning lottery numbers and I'll give you the 100 g's.

voyager_663rd

I mention this ONLY because it has happened: Darrel has posted on the original thread with pics.


Keep up the good work Lee.