Just got my Waco 60,looks real nice covering all good and survived two trips across country with UPS without a scratch!!Have seen many posts on this plane all seem favorable with the exception of a weak landing gear?Is hard to even see in there think will have to find my mechanics adjustable mirror maybe see what is in there.I know there have been mentions of how to fix in the different posts but would appreciatte ideas from some who have built them or should I say assembled as it is an ARF?Was thinking of possibly using 1/4"ply and filling between the firewall and the second former and between the second and the one in front of wing that shoulkd give more supposrt to the gear mount.Think I also heard someone talk to drilling from firewall thru to former in front of wing and running several dowels thru and glassing them in.been using Pro-Bond think it should work good for supporting something in here.Your ideas will be appreciatted as propbably easier to do it now than after gear is laying on ground.Thanks!!

moodier,

You're absolutely right, do it now before it rips out!
Your method (plywood) should be OK in place of the 4 dowels. Now, after you get your inspection mirror inside and see that the whole landing gear assembly is "floating" on the lite balsa stringers only, you will realize the need to tie the gear assembly vertically to the plywood "backbone" subframe that the cabane struts are mounted to. I used two 3/8" square hardwood pieces on each side epoxied to the gear mount on the bottom and to the ply "backbaone" at the top. This is what takes the shock from the weight of the entire airplane when the main gear touches down on landing.

It's better to take the time now to re-inforce the gear mount than to experience the disappointment when the gear folds up and rips the fuselage and lower wing. Other than this weakness, this is a great plane........hope you enjoy!

Gary

HI;Thanks for the reply:WIll follow your lead and put the uprites in from the gear mount.For the dowels did you just drill thru with long drill so they run across the top of the gear plate?Getting to like Pro-Bond think will then flood them with it seems totill and hold very well.Chickened out and didn't use it to join wing panels next time will use it there too as think it is lot easier to work with than epoxy.Sounds like they tend to need nose weight like most bipes.Have a Mag 91 but it is in another plane that is what they recommend but have a YS 91 which is heavier but maybe the weight isn't that important as might as well add in reinforceing and engine as in lead.Don't need the YS as am only a sport flyer but as they say can always throttle back.Again thanks for the help.Bob Moodie

Bob,

I have a Mag .91 on mine (way more than enough power). I installed the engine on the front of the motor mount, and am using a brass 2oz. "heavy hub" spinner nut. It balances and flys pretty good that way. This bird likes to go UP, so on your first flight go EASY on the elevator during take-off or you will find yourself in a hover.

Let us know how things work out, OK?
Happy flying!

Gary