ORIGINAL: bolar
ORIGINAL: Gremlin Castle
How long does it take for the deterioration to affect the air holding capabilities of the tires?
I have been inflating the same set since 1996 and am yet to see the problems in using lung power.
I use the ends of Robart hinge points as plugs rather than twisting the inflation tubes as they suggest. The tires do get punctured by sand burrs but a touch of thin ca on the puncture seems to do the trick. If you fly from wet grass or get the wooden hubs wet they will expand and clamp down on the axles until they dry out.
They are fun to use and have a unique appearence but they are one step ahead of the wagon wheel as far as technology goes.
I have a few Bee's and use the Trexlers. The Robart hinges work well for the mains, but for the tail wheel I have to fill it a few times a day to keep it inflated. My wheels are old and starting to crack, I guess I should have put some Armor-All on them at some time
. As far as durability, I have flown off grass, and pavement and they are still rolling, no problems.
I like the look of the Trexlers but I would rather have a foam wheel with the same look. I have been thinking of getting some foam wheels and gluing them together then sanding them down to look like Trexlers. I might do this when my Trexlers finally give in.
You might try cutting a Trexler open from the inside and stuffing a foam insert into it and then lace it up and stick it back on the hub with a little goo type glue to keep it from rolling off the hub.
Don't know if it would work or even be worth the trouble but you might get credit for creating the first run flat Trexlers.
As for me I will just keep blowing mine up by mouth until they really do fail from all that moisture.