Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I check their site, I have signed up for emails for their product, but they always seem to be out of stock. Somebody tell me if trying to purchase lado retracts is equivilant to snipe hunting.

Thanks!

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I talked to the owner a few days ago on the phone, so I would say YES they do exist. I suggest you give them a call and ask about the stock status and future orders.

I have a set of lado's on one project and they are outstanding to say the least!

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I would also suggest calling Doug, and make a phone order you will probably get on the back order list, I just got my second set of gear, it took a couple of months, but I was in no hurry.

there orders have over reached there production capabilities, for both of my gear sets I had to wait a couple of months to get mine but there well worth the wait, there a small little company with a hot product, I tried the wait for the gear to show up on the website method,then I just called and made a order.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I have a set, so yes: they exist.
Took a couple of months to get them, but they are the best retracts for H-9 warbirds with rotating retracts.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I called Doug at Lado and talked to him about a set of his Lado gear for a CMP Corsair I am building. He is taking back orders and filling them as fast as he can. His product is in high demand so if you want a set call Doug at Lado and order the set you need. He will tell you it will be at least 3 to 4 weeks, but it really will more than likely be 6 to 8 weeks. I ordered a set of the 60-2T gear for my Corsair 2 weeks ago and I talked to Doug last Friday and he said it will be at least another 3 to 4 weeks[:'(] Not what I wanted to hear, but I really want this type of gear in my Corsair. Bob Hayes has a set in his Corsair and they work really good. Here is a video clip of his Lado 60-2T working. ;)

http://www.rcuvideos.com/video/Corsa...acts-completed

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

That was awesome!
Here's another up close !!:D and a pic of the final install.

http://www.rcuvideos.com/video/lado-Retracts-wmv

I waited almost four months for these.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

YES AS YOUR OTHER REPLYS STATE LADO ARE OUT THERE! DOUG HAS SUPPLYED A FEW SETS TO ME NOW AND SENT THEM OVER TO AUZZIE FOR ME . THIS GEAR IS THE REAL DEAL SO THEY ARE WELL WORTH THE WAIT. I DID HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS YOU HAVE (GETTING YOUR EMAILS REPLYED) THIS IS BECAUSE HE IS MAKING SUCH A GOOD PRODUCT AND THE SUPPLY IS OUT STRIPPING HIS PRODUCTION I SPOS, I HAVE JUST ABOUT FINISHED A P40 WITH A SET OF DOUGS RETRACT IN THE WING AND IT MAKES MOST OF THE OTHER STUFF LOOK LIKE TOYS WHEN YOU SEE THESE WORK SCALE LIKE.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I got a set in last week!

If you want a set, you should really call Doug and pre-order... you'll wait probably a month or so, he builds them in batches.. but if you order now, you'll have yours by flying weather (at least here in the north east!!!)

The quality of the retracts is superb, and when he says "drop in fit" its a DROP IN FIT, the screw holes line up perfectly and the things slipped right in under the stock wheel wells on my p-47, nu fuss, no muss... done!

I need to call him about getting a 90 degree set for my H9 spitfire.. he currently does 85 degrees for the h9 birds, but i prefer the look of a 90 degree.... dunno if he can alter the angle easily...

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Hats off to an american business man that is making it in these difficult times , congratulations and keep it going !!! ,

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Get on Lado's email list. When a new batch is completed, you'll get an email that day, then order as fast as you can.:D

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I'd like to buy a set of these things for a Mustang BARF I'm working on if they ever make them again... lol! Imagine how much more popular they'd be if they took out ads in R/C Airplane magazines and the AMA Magazine? Geez! If they decide to go public and sell stock I'd sure as heck want in!!! [>:]

- Michael

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Hay BigHog...
I have two sets of Lado retracts...and these are sweet. I've one set in a T.F. P-51D and one pair in a "B" conversion.
Awesome...
Soft Landings Always,
Bobby of Maui

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Hello All:
For thoes of you that have not found it yet, here is my review:

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7999431/tm.htm]LADO Review[/link]

If you read the review, you will understand that I am a big fan of this product.

Ta Ta for now.
Paul

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I have a question though... how do you decide which strut diameter size to order? Is it better to go with the larger diameter strut size (since I'll have to buy new struts as well, once the LADO's are back in stock again)?

Thanks!

- Michael

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Michael:
I usually use Robart 650 or 653 struts and use the 3/16 inch adaptor that is included to fit the LADO 3/16 inch opening. The 3/8 inch strut fits the LADO’s perfectly. The joining wire only has to be about 2 ½ inches long and is easy to replace if need be, although I have never had to replace a joiner yet.

Does this help?
Ta Ta for now.
Paul

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

if your going to use the rotators they come with the 5/32 holes for the stock struts to fit,for these I made my own connectors and they seem fine for strength, would have prefered the 3/16 but they are not making the units now with that hole size so I ordered the ones they had at the time.

for the units that I have in my Mustang I went for the larger wire connectors, since I am using the larger Robart 662 struts and they don't use the smaller wires anyway, the smaller Robart struts come with a adaptor for each wire size.

when I made my connectors out of regular piano wire stock, I heat treated the metal after cutting for length, surprising how hard the metal gets when red hot and quenched in water or oil, it increases the brittle nature of the steel but it won't bend without alot of effort.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Michael,
I would always go with the 3/16" wire if I could.
I'm using Lado's 60-2T on a 15lb Corsair. With this weight I needed a Robart 660 Robo to handle it. They're rated at 18lbs. The 2T's are only available for a 5/32" wire. The 660 strut is a 3/16" wire. I thought I could drill out the retracts but there isn't enough stock at the retract trunnion. I made my own wires with a 5/32" wire and soldering a 3/16" x.014 wall brass tube over it.

Another benefit of the larger strut was the fact that the I.D. of the 660 would fit snuggly over the brass fitting on top of the lado, making for a very clean looking install.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Thanks all for the feedback. I really want a pair for my TF .60 Corsair. I will hang in there. ;)

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

thankyou for the retro fitting info for

the robo strut as i ordered a pair from doug last week for a hanger 9 corsair.i was going to go air but thought for this size bird this is going to save a few steps building and at the feild.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Lado REALLY needs to come out with a set of rotating retracts that accept the 3/16" diameter strut wires. The 5/32" just aren't robust enough for 10 lb aircraft (or heavier).

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

i here you corsair jack. im putting a os 120 4 stroke in mine/ because thats the engine i have. its 32 ounces were as some put in the zenoha 20 on ei at 42 ounces i hope the 4 stroke works well. it os mounted on a down ward 45 and its not pumped. os surpass with out pump.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

from my conversations with Doug at LADO they will be doing gear in the rotators to accept the larger wires, but its going to take some work to accomodate the larger trunion and as many have noted there having trouble just keeping up with there present orders.

I think you might be surprised how strong the 5/32 wire is after tempering it, before the heating process I can bend the wire with a pair of pliars after its done, I need to put it in a vise and use a hammer to get it to bend in the slightest for a 10lb plane it would be plenty strong enough.

if you were going to use the worthless 5/32 struts H-9 offers,to connect to struts, the wire would bend every time, even after doing a heat treating mine were stiffer but are way to flexable, the wire I got from the LHS must have a high carbon content in it because there is a major difference in strength.

here is a good tutorial by Roy Viallancourt on heat treating music wire for various pourposes http://www.vaillyaviation.com/images...re%20_web_.pdf has alot of good information

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Good info ya'll! Many thanks!!! [8D]

I'm looking at the Lado's for a H9 Mustang BARF, 60 sized (with an RCV 90SP engine).

- Michael

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

just finished fitting my LADO's to my Hangar-9 Mustang, I did go with the larger struts so I could use the 3 1/2"Robart tires there better looking than the stock ones so I went for those.
after removing the old mech. gear and the plastic wheel wells I was surprised how much area there was in the wing, after I dropped the LADO's in literally they fit perfectly in the space in the wing, I fit and cut the struts to size, since I was using the larger struts, I had to cut the springs down to move the spring stop down enough to allow the connector to fit in the shorter tube.

I just used JB Weld to secure the adaptor in the tube and after a overnight dry reassembled the struts they don't move the full distance but the spring tension is enough so it doesnt matter, if I need more bounce I will cut the piston down for more travel, and trim another coil or 2 off the springs, but for now there fine the way they are.

I havent made the new tubs, and channels, for the wheels yet but here they are installed in the wing,they fit pretty good, and the looks are a huge improvement over the wires, the only problem is that the wheels sit just a little high in the stock configuration.

I am not planning to alter the gear mounts right now but I may in the future to get the wheels to sit lower in the wells its going to require the gear to be lowered by at least 1/8" which there is room for in the wing mount area but will require me to remove the existing rails and do some cutting, if I need to do this I will use some hardwood to replace them they dont stick out that much so I will just fly it for now.

I have a Top Flight B/C Malcom hood conversion kit to build, so these gear might make it into that project depending on how long the H-9 lasts:Dits a great flyer and has been a trouble free plane, if the weather holds I will take it out next weekend

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I have no doubt that these are great products if you can get them. I contacted them back in September 2008 and asked about a set for my TopFlite Staggerwing. I was advised to sign up on the website for email notification when the ones I needed were in stock. I did all that and on October 1st received an email that they were available. I placed my order immediately. Since then I've been waiting... and waiting... and waiting. In December Doug himself told me that he'd shipped them and even gave me a tracking number. The USPS site said that the tracking number existed but no package was ever picked up. Doug blamed his "postal lady". Since then, I've continued to wait. When I contact him, he promises to communicate and give me updates on what to expect and never does. Pathetic customer service and a disgusting lack of integrity. I too may become a fan of this product, but I'd like to actually get my hands on it at some point in order to do so. I'd have been delighted to receive my order in a couple of months. Currently at four months, 10 days and counting. A more accurate company name would be LATE-O-Tech. :eek:

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I just got my set in yesterday... and WOW! These things are works of art!!! I didn't realize the motion of them would be so slow and scale like. Also watching my LED Voltmeter as they are actuating I see that they have very VERY little draw on the battery power... the LED's don't change at all even though the battery isn't at full charge. Wiggling just 1 servo causes more power draw... sweet!

Next problem though, the blasted RoboStruts are impossible to find I'm seeing! Tower Hobby doesn't even have a date on when they'll have them again. Anybody know a current source for the Robart 653L and R Robostruts? Now that I have superior retract units I'm ready to start work on my Mustang! [:-]

Thanks!

- Michael

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Great to hear you happy with your retracts. I called Dough yesterday and spoke to him about the availability of the 60-5 retracts (90 Degree). He said that he was trying his best to get orders caught up and out the door and that I should call him back in a month to see where he was at on the 60-5. I respect the fact that he was up front and made no promises. I've been down that road with other vendors, who tell you one thing and then never deliver.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Glad to hear you are happy with your Lado's. I ordered my 60-2T lado's 12 weeks and I am still waiting. I talked to Doau a week ago and he said it should be another 2 or 3 weeks. He is trying real hard to catch up with his back orders. I hope to have mine soon. My Corsair is finished except for the Lados.;)

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

just finished installing my lados with the 662 struts in my H-9 Mustang.

couple of things I did was I needed to mod the struts a bit to allow them to fit in the H-9 wells.
I had to shorten the springs so the strut would work after being cut to fit by about 3 coils,after cutting the springs the struts worked well but are still a little stiff, I may need to cut the piston section if the struts are still too stiff after a few flights.

I follwed phatbob02's mod he did for his corsair struts, and it worked like a charm the mod is detailed in the LADO H-9 P-40 thread only difference is my actuators are drilled for 3/16 wires.

you still need to install the connector before you reassemble the strut after trimming the spring, there is a plastic retainer the spring buts up against that fits into the tube but when you cut it short enough to fit the H-9 there is little room to install the connector if its assembled first, I used JB Weld and left it overnight to harden, then reassembled the struts.

the struts don't have full travel if there not cut down by about a 1/4" or so, but there seems to be enough spring in them without trimming them we shall see.

I also built wheel wells and channels in the wing the plastic wells weren't large enough to accomadate the struts, and lowered the mounting rails, by trimming the top of the existing rails down a bit, if I were to go lower than that I would replace the mounting rails with some hardwood, I did add some extra glue to the area though.

I also have a set of rotators for my H-9 corsair they will get here eventually, I have plenty of planes to fly and less time to do it.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Had the same problem. Ordered the 60-2 rotating retracts 2-8-09. Web site said they were in stock. No Lados yet. Finally ordered and installed century jet retract. Maybe they are not a good as the Lados but they work and they are here.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I waited exactly five months and five days for mine. I posted photos of the install and a short video of the gear operating on the TopFlite Staggerwing thread: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_38...gerwing/tm.htm

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I have been waiting for 12 months now!!! Lot's of promises, many unanswered emails and phone messages that are not responded to. My last voice message to LADO was clear, if I haven't had a response within a week I will be forced to seek a refund through my credit card dispute center. What I can't tolerate is that pretty much everybody with these retracts in their models ordered their set AFTER I ordered and paid for mine a year ago. It's fortunate that I have copies of all my email transcripts and credit card statements to document my case. I just wish I had a better experience with this product, it looks really good.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Nice job BIGTIM!:) Let us know how they work.

V1,
I have four sets that I purchased over the last two years. I had to wait three to five months for each set. A year is insane![:@]
I've posted a lot of anger in the past. I told Doug it wouldn't be so bad if he didn't charge our credit cards until he shipped. He also shouldn't charge us for Priority mail! Our patients should be rewarded with free Priority shipping![:-]

Bob

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

GaGeeBees,


Here's a short cut,
http://rcuvideos.com/video/Ladotech-Retracts-wmv

Here's my latest lado's on my Corsair,
http://www.rcuvideos.com/video/lado-Retracts-wmv

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Michael,
Why does everyone love Tower. I think they suck!!
Try Graves RC http://www.gravesrc.com/ROB653R_ROBA..._p/rob653r.htm

They're one of my favorites and they have what you're looking for in stock!!

Bob

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Bob,

Great looking retracts on the Staggerwing & Corasir. Each time I look at them that makes me think I made the right choice in ordering these Lado's. I only hope I can continue to wait for them without getting to upset[:@]

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I ordered a set of the Rotating for my Top Flight Corsair project last November. I'm at a standstill on it now, waiting on these retracts. I've got a P-40 ready to start, and a Hurricane on the work bench. So when I got an email that they were in stock again, with a price increase, (But a discount if you order now) I ordered another set of rotating, and a set of standards. That was a month ago. Still no retracts. Called Doug today, and he said he would send the standards out to me today, and the rotating retracts next week or so. We will see.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

I FEEL REALLY SORRY FOR DOUG, HE HAS A TOP PRODUCT THAT EVERYBODY WANT STRAIGHT AWAY BUT BECAUSE THE DEMANED OUT STRIPS HIS SUPPLY TIMES HE IS COPPING SO MUCH BAGGING - GIVE HIM SOME SLACK GUYS OR BUY THE OTHER BRANDS AND DONT WINGE . I HAVE A FEW SETS NOW AND AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE PRODUCT AND WOULD MUCH RATHER HAVE THESE IN A 60 SIZE MODEL THAN AIR NOW. I WILL BE TRYING THE ACTUATORS FOR THE RETRO FIT ON LARGER SIZE AIR RETRACTS FRAMES NEXT.

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Bob, because Tower is one of the largest distributors and it's pretty easy to find stuff on their website... I Googled for these Robostruts and found lots of smaller places that were also out of them, but never came across GravesRC in the search results. I have however ordered heli parts from GravesRc before and like dealing with them (though their website is not as user friendly as Tower's is). I had no idea GravesRC had these struts! Thanks for pointing them out to me... I appreciate it!

- Michael

RE: Lado retracts, do the really exist?
 

Hey GT,

Read my post again, and think how you would feel about whether or not I am 'being fair'. It's probable that I placed and paid for my retracts before you even ordered yours, the only difference is that you have them and I'm still waiting!!! I'm now 12 months down the track with nothing.

I would be surprised if you were so understanding if you were my position.