ORIGINAL: bignasdy
I read here before where someone using the thundertiger retracts couldnt get the tank in............so what did any of yall do with the standard retracts? Im not buyin no robarts.
Im using dowl pin meathod for installing the whole canopy hatch, with two springloaded latches at the rear, similar to bomb drops in design.
same with under carriage. I cant stand all those screws.
Im also mounting the cowl with a hidden mount that will remove easily with a ball driver. Anyhow...any comments?
Thanx
d
bignasdy,
I didn't use the stock TT Retracts, I had a set of Spring Air 85 degree -3/16" wire that I used in place of the stock mechanical junk. The 5/32 wire in the TT retracts isn't stiff enough to provide decent stability during ground operation. If I was to use mechanical retracts, I'd go with the new units Spring Air or Robart offer as direct bolt in replacements for the cheap plastic Hobbico and TT stuff. If one could acquire a REAL set of MK Model Products Supra mechanical retracts, they would do the job as well.
I used a slightly different method to attach the canopy. I used BVM Canopy Hooks and a BVM Canopy Latch. The hooks engage into notches I cut into the upper fuselage lip in the canopy/cockpit opening. I have the canopy latch in the top center of the fuselage right behind the canopy opening. The pin of the latch engages a small maple block held to the back of the cockpit with two BVM Polyscrews. The only problem is the removable canopy section has some outward bow and doesn't grip the fuselage as tight as I want. I'll probably pull the hooks and go with alignment pins and two dowels in the front.
I used 6 BVM Polyscrcews, 3 on each side to attach the rear tailcone panel. You don't remove this panel often so screws are the best way to attach it. I completely modified the retract mounts and wheelwells. Basically I only used the wheelwell liners and cut off the narrow portion that extends towards the retracts. I trimmed them to fit under the wing skins and they are glued in place with RC56. I also cut out the openings in the Oil Cooler openings. This is simply for aesthetics, but in my case it resulted in a cool whistling sound at certain airspeeds. I haven't mounted the Strut Covers, I'm wanting until I have all the bugs worked out before investing the time on these. If the plane survives, I might install sequncing wheel well doors. I have some scrap fiberglass pieces from one of my Ducted Fan kits. These scraps match the curve of the lower fuse perfectly and I could easily build wheelwell doors from them. Sequencing doors and a retractable tailwheel would look Sierra Hotel in flight. I might even consider installing the correct military canopy and repainting the RB in a colorful military scheme.
Rich