I have 4/40 metal pushrods in a 1/2A model for rudder and elevator. I believe I cut significant weight by using something else.

What type pushrod do you recommend that 's light but still strong?

Gtalbot,

I use the Sullivan 503. They are a twisted .032 steel cable inside of a plastic sheath. I'll attach a couple of pictures of an aileron installation to show how they might be used. They are very light and bullet proof if used properly. Good Luck.... Jeff

And,

Here's a picture of the aileron horn end.

GT, you are right, you can save some weight by changing those pushrods. I have successfully used the cable mentioned by Jeff many times.

You could also drop to 2-56 size pushrods and clevises and save some weight.

I concur with Jeff -- the .032 Sullivan cable works very nicely. Since the cable is flexible, you need to be careful about long unsupported lengths extending beyond the outer tubing -- I will usually saturate the cable with solder in this area to stiffen it up. The cable also is execellent to use as throttle cable in larger models. I am amazed at the heavyweight linkage most builders use for throttles -- unless it binds, there is hardly any load and the lighter cable is sufficient.

I buy the .032 in a bulk pack (Sullivan S522), 30' plus 8 thru hole threaded couplers in 2-56. The couplers can be purchased separately (Sullivan S512). I prefer these to the standard couplers. These couplers are a heavy wall tubing that has been threaded - with the hole passing all the way thru, I will usually cut the unthreaded portion off and use only the threaded section. Sometimes, I will shorten the threaded section, especially when it is used at the throttle end.

Regards,

Andrew

Andrew,

The sullivan bulk package you mention. Does that include both the inner cable and the outer sheath in 30' lengths? If so, I got to get my LHS to order it. Thanks..... Jeff

Jeff --

The pack includes 30' of inner cable and outer tubing, and eight 2-56 thru hole couplers. I ordered thru Tower.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...22&FVPROFIL=++

If this link doesn't work, do a search on Tower's homepage for S522. A search for S512 will get the couplers.

Regards,

Andrew

Andrew,

I zipped by the LHS this AM told the man what I wanted and he pulled the 30' coil right off the shelf. Way cool... Now I can cut off just what I need for the project at hand... Thanks Andrew!

Rgds, Jeff