GP Big Stick 40 as taildragger
 

Hello.

I've just baught myself Big Stick 40 from Great Planes.
I usually build my planes myself, but wanted a cheap ARF for winterflying.

I've read some treads about this plane in this forum. And have considered to built the plane as a taildragger.
Anyone want to explain with words and picture how to do this? How do you solve the wheelbrackett at the rudder?


I have an SC 52 2-stroke engine, is this to big for this airplane?
I also have an OS 46 LA engine which is much smaller.

Hope to get som answers.

Hope you all understand my english:)

Thanks.

RE: GP Big Stick 40 as taildragger
 

I would check with Great Planes, Hobby Lobby, Tower Hobbies, Sig manufacturing, Sullivan etc. I've seen some very simple but nice steerable tail wheel assemblies but I can't remember where. The main landing gear may have to be moved forward a-bit though.

Bill

RE: GP Big Stick 40 as taildragger
 

Norway,


I mounted a seperate servo on the belly, in
the rear for my tail wheel. I used a Dubro
gear mount for the mains. Reinforced the
inside bottom with lite Ply. I put a piece
infront and behind the former with epoxy,
then used blind nuts and nylon bolts.

Your English is very good! I was in your Country
back in 77 or 78, when I was in the Military.
What a Beautiful place to live. Just a bit cold
though lol.

I'll try and get pics of the tail wheel later


Bob

RE: GP Big Stick 40 as taildragger
 

Norway,


Here is some tail wheel pics,


Bob

RE: GP Big Stick 40 as taildragger
 

Thanks m8:)
It's very cold yes. Right now about 7-8 degrees celsius.

I read somewhere that you could just turn the main landing gear 180 degrees around and it would be okay? Or do i have to move ut forward?

I liked the way you guys fixed the servo for the belly.. Do you have a link to where i can purchase such a tailweel?:)


You didn't answer my question about my engines:) hehe;) Any reconmadations?:)

RE: GP Big Stick 40 as taildragger
 

I would use the .52 two stroke.
You do have to move the main gear forward, turning it around will not move it far enough. The drawing is how I did my Big Stik 60

I used a tail wheel assembly similar to http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBN38&P=0 and ran a pushrod from the rudder servo to the steering arm on the tail wheel assembly. Adding a rear servo probably would have been easier. After you cut the hole in the bottom of the fuselage, glue small plywood doublers inside the fuselage to give the servo screws something to grab.

RE: GP Big Stick 40 as taildragger
 

How is the covering on this modell?

Do i have to go over the modell with my iron?

Any other things on the modell that need to me strenghtened or anything?:)
GOod to know before i finish the building:)

Thanks for all the answers...

RE: GP Big Stick 40 as taildragger
 

I too used the same tail wheel as Carrell, I
have my main gear farther forward. My axels
are plum with the LE of the wing. (wing level)
I agree, use the 52 size. My covering needs a going over
with an iron, it's just part of the fun.


Bob

Carrell ,

Thanks for all your past and future advice ! ;)

RE: GP Big Stick 40 as taildragger
 

Like Bob, my plane needed a good ironing. It has a couple of permanent wrinkles on one aileron. It's annoying to look at up close but invisible from 20 feet away.