Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > ARF or RTF
 tail wheel-caster or steerable >

tail wheel-caster or steerable

Community
Search
Notices
ARF or RTF Discuss ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) radio control airplanes here.

tail wheel-caster or steerable

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-10-2006 | 10:51 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Sterling, IL
Default tail wheel-caster or steerable

I converted a trike to taildragger.
I have not yet flown the plane. But in just taxiing, with the tail wheel as a caster, there is not much control. Would it be better fixed or should I try to rig it to the rudder for control?
Laurence
Old 09-10-2006 | 10:57 AM
  #2  
Jim C.'s Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: armagh, PA
Default RE: tail wheel-caster or steerable

your better off to make it steerable. the first time you try to land and the tail wheel castors, your in for some repairs. save yourself the trouble before you fly it.
Old 09-10-2006 | 11:32 AM
  #3  
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Default RE: tail wheel-caster or steerable

definately better to have it steerable as jim said above, just rig it to the rudder its easy as can be!!!
Old 09-10-2006 | 12:05 PM
  #4  
jsn
Senior Member
My Feedback: (8)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 821
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Las Vegas, NV
Default RE: tail wheel-caster or steerable

steerable is best... if it's to much trouble then go fixed. I've never seen a caster set up that worked... I have seen a few crashes because of them


John
Old 09-10-2006 | 12:58 PM
  #5  
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,816
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
From: Upplands Vasby, SWEDEN
Default RE: tail wheel-caster or steerable

Hi!
I have had and still have many airplanes with fully castering tailwheel and theyare all very easy to take off and landing.
There could be a problem though and that is taixing with the wind coming from the rear.
Take of or landing is a piece of cake though...very easy as with all models.

Regards!
Jan K
Old 09-10-2006 | 01:08 PM
  #6  
Stickbuilder's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,678
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
From: Leesburg, FL
Default RE: tail wheel-caster or steerable

Even if you make your tailwheel steerable, leave some caster in. Do not make the tailwheel without caster. If you do, you may be in for a nasty surprise when you rip the gears out of the servo. Caster is what keeps the wheel following the spindle, instead of trying to turn at will. This may sound overly simple, but you would be surprised at the number of people who do not know this principle.

Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1
Old 09-10-2006 | 02:45 PM
  #7  
The Toolman's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: The Ozarks, MO
Default RE: tail wheel-caster or steerable

I made a taildragger out of my Hobbico Superstar and glued the td wheel solid so it doesn't swivel. We have a grass runway and it works out just fine. With little blips on the throttle I can steer it anywhere I need to before takeoff and after landing. It just takes a little bit bigger area to turn it around.

Ronnie
Old 09-10-2006 | 04:50 PM
  #8  
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: , ID
Default RE: tail wheel-caster or steerable

I flew my cub for a day with a castoring tailwheel. Takeoff and landing was very easy, it's just during taxi that it get a bit tricky. It would track sraight during taxi it just that when doing a 180 on the ground you some times end up doing a 360.

Newkid

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.