its been mentioned several times here about RETRACTS! and from what i have been able to put up with i have not seen any replies to this dilema! So let me say this has anyone done retracts on this bird? i just picked up an arf very cheap. and now i could be wrong in doing this but i think i will try to put retracts on it. i could be wrong because i have never messed with modifying a plane or built anything other than an arf, but hell why not? this thing would look good with the wheels up. oh not to mention im going to do my first covering job on this thing too(white and blue just isnt for me)

in my opinion the nose gear would be simple to do a retract, not sure how to describe this, but perhaps build a small box could term it up, rear almost the same thing, anyone that has ever modified a plane with retracts could help me with explaining this, but i think it could be done, and if i do it and it looks like ass or doesnt function well, hell at least i tried and it looks dam good hanging on my wall.


WHERES ALL THE OPINIONS OR NAY SAYERS. COME ON LETS HERE IT.

Want a lot of info on retracts?
Pick a forum, such as "kit building" or "scratch building".You will get
loads of info by entering "retracts" on search this forum.
fredsedno

your response doesnt really help me out, i dont need to know how to do it just want opinions, about it.

but thanks for trying.[sm=thumbup.gif]

mshay,
You will probably find that there also
fredsedno

ok thanks

I don't have the H9 F-22, but I have seen them fly. I have added retracts to many planes over the years. Mostly war birds, but some others like the Balsa USA Enforcer (not an ARF). Some things to consider before starting.

- space available for equipment (air type requires more space for the tank and control valve)
- location of the main spar in relation to the CG (the main gear must be slightly behind)
- thickness of the wing for the strut and wheel
- nose gear will need to retract back. Will it clear the tank with enough space for the tire and steering cables to be clear?
- this will add weight to your wing load and landing will be more challenging
- you will probably want to go with a larger engine to maintain performance
- this mod will require major structural work and engineering
- do your homework and research retract installs in general. They must be able to handle the occasional bad landing, or what is the point.

Here are some pictures of my latest install retrofitted to an ARF, like yours, that was not designed for retracts, a P-38. The addition of gear doors makes this an even more complex project, but they are optional of course. Your wing-mounted gear would be fairly streamlined anyway. The hole for the nose gear would cause some drag though.

Here is a video of this plane and one of those bad landings that any gear will have to take from time to time. This install has been mostly up to the task so far. I have had to repair the nose gear mount twice, both times adding more support structure. It is rock solid now.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK4tcf7vBvU

thanks for the info, and the pictures do alot for me, they give me some type of how to. and ideas on how to go about doing this.

however the mains wont be retracting into the wings they will be going into the fuselage, just about where the factory wire gear is installed.

thanks for the tip and knowledge

Ok, I'll throw u a bone. I picked up this plane cheap, got the Magnum 91 on sale too. I am going to fly it stock for a while to see if I really want to make mods (currently a yes after 10 flights).

Here is the only thing you will find on retracts in the F=22: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_52...8/key_/tm.htm#
This guy did a really good job, but not enough information.

These threads show retract installations and engine discussion in similar sized propjets, you may be able to pick up some ideas from them:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6938168/tm.htm
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2186098/tm.htm start looking around p.49 for the retract installation
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8095663/tm.htm probably has the best description (and pics) of retract installation.

Also, this has more to do with setup, but its an important mod:http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_52...22/key_/tm.htm
It talks about shimming up the motor mount (good idea), and some people talk about using the 91fx with a Jett muffler. It is the biggest thread about this plane.

Now, go read until your eyeballs pop

I see what you mean about retracting into the fuselage. I also looked at the thread found by wildnloose, nice find. A full blown ARF bash for sure, gear doors and all. IMO, not a project for a nubee to retract installs, but with enough good info (not enough in the thread as noted), I guess it could be done by a good builder with mechanical skills. It sure would look good in the air though.

thanks you for that info. a big help indeed!

i got the retracts done on my f-22, however by the time my wife gets back from ohio with the camera the plane will be completely redone and finished.

as far as the covering goes, im 90% sure im going to do a blue angels scheme.

the installation of the retracts didnt have me that nervous, however for an inexperienced builder, covering the thing is whats intimidating to me. but i thought the same thing of coming up with a way to get retracts on it.

building them wasnt to hard, but trying to figure out how to just start doing it was the challenge, then i came up with a plan and stuck to it and got it done.

blue angel scheme anyone- its relatively easy to copy and besides its cool.

opinions on covering scheme please.

here are some poor quality pics..