Im working on my second pt40 and was thinking about converting it to a taildragger. how far forward do i move the maingear? Must you have the back wheel steerable? or can it just pivot? For your info its a pt40, 46fx, sport wing.

The absolute rule is that the wheels have to be in front of the CG (duh). Typically, though, with almost EVERY taildragger I have seen, the wheel hubs are pretty much in line with the LE of the wing.

As for the steerable wheel, the PT-40 does not have a very authorative rdder. Make the wheel steerable! Even if it is "loosly" coupled, like with springs or something.

FWIW, I am thinking of converting my PT40 to taildragger at some point soon (I may just make it convertable between the two....).

gus

Bingo!! I put the mlg at the leading edge of the wing on mine. I used a sullivan .40 sived tail wheel and added .5" to the rudder. It flew better than the stock set up. It make a great tail dragger trainer.

Bearmech, did you just move your servo tray back to make room for your mlg block?

Hi GN. My plan for a taildragger conversion for my PT40 is much simpler (althoug a little more expensive). Buy aluminium MLG structure that bolts on to the bottom of the fuse. Epoxy in a ply doubler into the fuse for the screws to attach to. Only reason to move servo tray is for CG balance, but I am hoping I will be able to do that with a battery move only (don't want to fiddle around re-sizing a bunch of control rods).

Consider a landing gear like:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCFR8&P=0

The link I had broke, so link removed.

gus

I did it. It looks cooler, flies better, lands better, and actually steers better on the ground. I did the plywood doubler epoxied into the bottom of the radio comartment type of mod, and moved the battery until the CG balanced where it should. Do it- you won't regret it!

Lachlan

I used a Sullivan MLG and added a block under the aft end of the tank compartment, removed the nose gear, installed a larger rudder. the CG did not change. It flew great.