ORIGINAL: mobyal
Got the retracts in and they're really a nice piece of work. BUT all that's in there is the main gear, no lines, tank, valve(s) etc, so you'll also need to order the Robart Air Pack VRX157. Tower didn't know what was supposed to be in there, so I called Robart and spoke w/ Gary. That's what he told me I needed. It's on the way. Sure will be glad when the kit gets here....
Have you looked at the plans for the full sized Staggerwing? The Retract setup is dirt simple. A winch servo and a couple spools and you would be in business. I am guessing it would be a lot more realistic wheels up and down also
I got the bug last year to build a steel frame Staggerwing and use a 1/6 scale P&W Wasp Jr to power it. My 1/6 scale plane was going to be to heavy with the 1/6th engine, but the Top Flite is a 72" span, and that would be around 1/5 scale so the Wasp Jr may work. Fully loaded with spark ignition and starter, it weighs about 8 lbs. I think I would go with Glow and no starter. That should bring the weight down to around four or five lbs. Man, I've got to start cutting metal.
Don