Happy New Year Paladin,
I've been busy myself...and now well into my mods.

I pulled all the covering off of my fuse, then using the TF "B" conversion plans, cut the "D" top aft fuse off, for the conversion. Next, using the TF plans that come with the "B" conversion, I cut into the bottom aft of the fuse. I did this to give access for the Robart tail wheel retract assy-Robart part #121 tail wheel retract unit, I want to install. It was a snug fit, but it went in...and this was my fist instilation for this unit too. But it went in, with access to some of the unit, but not all of it...once it is all together. Having the aft top off the fuse, for the "B" canopy conversion made this a real simple job. With out that top aft off, it would have been a real hastle.

I was planning on using a 1" air cyl. to do the retract work...but it has yet to make it to me...so I elected to have the tail wheel retacting done by a servo, with the mains, air operated. I will have the rudder servo under the wing, not in back. This was done for two reasons.

I need to control both the rudder, and tail wheel stearing, and with the Robart retract unit in the tail...I had to come up with a new way to control this combination. The tail wheel, in the retract position, moved into the place the rudder servo would need to be...there ain't a whole lot of room back there. I made a cover plate removable for the tail wheel unit, using supports and three screws.

I can use the elevator aft servo position with out any problem, and will place my elevator servo back there. But the rudder servo will be next to the throttle and tail wheel retract servo. The plus side of this is, I will have easy access to servo arm adjustments.

The tail wheel stearing will be a pull-pull system, using small braded wire (in a tube), and this will allow for the proper operation of the retract unit.

I coated the forward inside fuse with deluted 2 hour epoxy. I also place a doubler to where the wing hold down plate is, and will drill and tap for a 1/4-20 threaded plastic bolt-for main wing attachment. I tossed out the kits supplied metal screws.

Next will be to final the retract tail wheel assy, tail wheel stearing, rudder control rod and prep for the engine instilation.

I will build the "B" hood and deck last...it's easer to do it now with everything appart. By the way, the "B" canopy looks really cool.

There is more to come...and I'm kinda engineering this as I go. I'm keeping it simple, and if it looks about right...I will go with it. I am planning on installing wing flaps too, and what size Robart hinges did you use ? I'm not sure if I will use Robarts or CA hinges for my flaps.

Happy New Years,
Bobby of Maui