Any body able to use the split rods for the elevator on this plane? I made the pushrod as per the instructions (8 1/2 inches long from the end of the wooden dowel) and there is no way i can get them to work. The wires spread way to much and then bind up as you push back. It seems to me that the wires need to be longer. How much i dont know. Maybe somebody who has done it before me knows. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I used nyrods on the elevators, installing the rods on the two outer servos. The servos are connected using a reversable "Y" harness since I am using a six channel radio. I connected the rudder pull-pull to the middle servo. The throttle servo is located on the firewall.
Another club member used nyrods as well but soldered them in a "Y" fashion to a 4-40 control rod that he connected to the one servo using the same arrangement as shown in the manual.
I agree that the arrangement suggested in the manual is very poor and with this size airplane you really want a better control arrangement with no slop.

Todd, I didn't install the throttle servo on the firewall, I was thinking of another plane I have set up that way.
On the Taylorcraft, I installed the throttle servo just ahead of the other servos on the same tray. I used a JR537 servo mounted in the slot in the tray and used a couple of pieces of quarter inch pieces as a mount. I need to replace my digital camera, otherwise I could send you a pic. It's really a simple setup.

Hey Tman, thanx for the info. With dual servos for the elevator do they both need to be high torque (Futaba 9202) or can you get away with standard size servos? I guess to be safe I should just go with the high torque servos. How many places did you reinforce that NyRod? Was it a pain to install them? What would be your thoughts on using a 4-40 rod that ran from the servo all the way back to its individual elevator half.

Todd, I used Hitec HS625-MG servos. Metal gear, plenty of torque and $39.95 each from Tower. Tower had a $15.00 off, Internet deal when I bought them. They always have some sort of discount. I have a universal connector that can be used with JR and Airtronics setups. You'll need to order your servos with Futaba connectors if using Futaba equipment.
For the most part I was able to pre-drill wood tabs that I glued to the formers leading down the fuselage on both sides. My buddy used a couple of brackets pre-drilled and glued them across the fuselage formers to attach his nyrod setup. I thought, as you did, that it would be a real challenge but it wasn't.
I am sure you could use 4-4o rods but it's a long way to the elevator and I think you would need some sort of bracing. If you really think this is the way you want to go you might want to consider welding rod. They are very cheap and stronger than 4-40 rods. You probably won't need any bracing. Check the yellow pages for a welding shop in your area.
Some radio purists might have a problem with all that metal going between the receiver and the back of the plane, especially since the tail has metal braces. I know this came up when I decided to change to nyrods.
Hope this helps.

Hey Todd, talked to you awhile back. How's the isnstallation of the 180 going. As far as the elevator set up goes I would recomend you change something now before you regret it, like the dual servo set up with nyrods or sulivans. I used their set up only instead of cutting the 4-40 to 8 1/2 in I left them full length, and cut the single servo rod to the desired length I needed. Seems to work just fine with a hite625. Hope you are ready to handle the 180, I flew mine two days ago , and the plane seems to have about twice as much power as it needs. Takes off at 1/4 throttle. Almost S@#$ my pants when she went up. Another suggestin is if you have premixes in your radio, you will need to mix a little rudder with ailerons. This is a very large bird and she tends to slide through turns without rudder. You probaly already anticipated this, but just thought I'd add my 2 cents.

Jason

Hey Schubox. The 180 is in. I still have a bit more work to go on my bird. As you can see im tackling the elevator. Are saying you would not reccomend the dual servo set up? I also assume that your single rod split at the end works OK once you get the right length. Im glad to hear your TCraft is a good flyer with plenty of power. I plan on using a 16-8 wood Zinger prop. Is that what you have? Did you stay with he stock tank? If so how long was your flying time? And I just have to know, Does it hover?

Tod don't know about the hover just took it for a trial spin, and it was fairly windy. The prop I chose is an apc 16-10 and seems to work great, will probably move to 18-6 eventually. I did stay with the fuel tank they sent, but wouldn't hurt to move up to a little bigger one as I would estimate flight time to be about 12 min. The elevator setup seems to be working just fine, but leaves me a little leary, for all that strain on one little servo.

Jason