BlueMax3

My Feedback: (1)

I am assembling a Sig 4*60 ARF and purchased two 30" 4-40 rods (threaded at one end) to replace the plastic pushrods that come with the ARF kit for rudder and elevator. As it turns out, the 30" rods are too short to reach from the servo control arms to the control arms on the control surfaces. I cannot seem to locate longer rods.

Does anyone have a source for longer control rods and if not, how have others handled this situation? Is there a way to splice on a shorter rod to obtain the desired length?

Thanks,

Travis

Norm Nestie

If you're not using the plastic tubes to run the control arms through, how about 1/4 inch dowl for the main length with shortened push rod wire at the ends. FWIW

dz06

Try using Dave Brown Fiberglass Pushrod System.

Tech description from Tower Hobbies site:

This Fiberglass Pushrod System is Designed for Easy Installation in Any Application.

FEATURES: Tubes Made of Fiberglass for Very High Strength.
Lightweight System

INCLUDES: Two 33" Fiberglass Tubes
Five End Fittings

REQUIRES: Wires to connect the pushrods to the servo or control horn.

vinnie

My Feedback: (1)

Travis,
I believe Great Planes makes 36 and 48 inch 4-40 pushrod kits.

LXK059 Great Planes Solid Wire Pushrod 36" (2)
Add to Wish List
3.99 In Stock

LXK060 Great Planes Solid Wire Pushrod 48" (2)
Add to Wish List
5.99 In Stock

TOWER HOBBIES

MSP1957

My Feedback: (1)

Hi Travis

I am putting together the same ARF, what did you end up doing for your push rod problem? Thanks.

Michael

p.s. what engine did you go with?

RobStagis

The DB rods are good stuff. Lighter than 4-40, too. I replaced the gold-n-rods on my Balsa USA Stik with 'em. Looked pretty cool when I painted spirals on 'em so you could see 'em move

FlyBoyDavid

Another idea is to find some carbon rods locally(Kite shop) then epoxy in a threaded rod in each end.

DBCherry

My Feedback: (4)

Or do the same thing with wood dowels.

(This one shows a split elevator push rod.)
Dennis-

MSP1957

My Feedback: (1)

If you use a metal control rod, does it have to be placed inside a nylon tube or can it function ok without the tube as a guide on the 4*60?

Michael

RobStagis

If it's stiff enough, it'll do without a tube. The tube is used as a guide for the (basically limp) plastic pushrods. The tube can be secured.

If the pushrod is stiff enough, no guide is necessary. Be aware that flight (wind) loads on control surfaces WILL bow a pushrod. DBCherry's idea is right out of a lot of kits. The Goldberg Cub uses wood pushrods as it comes out of the box. They're stiff (either hard balsa or spruce) and don't seem like they would flex. Whilst flying my Cub, however, one day, I noticed that I had less elevator and was having trouble flaring for my landing. The way the Cub is set up, 'up' elevator requires a push on the pushrod, which then flexed. No problem when the plane was new (I never noticed it) but after some use, it wore a groove into the pushrod (the frames were harder than the pushrod) and built a 'stop' into the rod.

DBCherry - that tip is old-tech!!! It doesn't cost enough to be effective!!!

Actually, when I think of it, a metal pushrod, besides being heavy where you least want it (the aft end of the plane) would be long enough to maybe/possibly/it could interfere with the radio reception....... Go wood!

cruzomatic

My Feedback: (17)

I have the 4*60 ARF as well. I used the Sullivan 36" 4-40 control rods. The supplied nylon tube that comes with them fit perfectly in the installed stock pushrod tubes that are already in the plane. Simply install the rod in the nylon tube and slide it into the tube that's in the plane. It's that easy. You might want to consider those. I'm really happy with them and their price isn't too bad, about $5.00 for one.

CMFLY40

Cruzomatic, I am working on a 4*60 ARF. Do you have a part #
for the Sullivan control rods you used? I have tried a couple
of Sullivan, and also Carbon rods, but they seem a little loose
in the stock tubes that are installed in the plane.

Maybe I bought the wrong ones. Again, a part number and any
other information will be appreciated.

cruzomatic

My Feedback: (17)

Sure,

they're the

Sullivan Steel Pushrod 4-40 & Golden Clevis 36"

Stock number S519.

send me your email address: I'll send you the link.

cruzomatic

My Feedback: (17)

here's what they should look like,

cruzomatic

My Feedback: (17)

another

cruzomatic

My Feedback: (17)

oops,,,sorry.

CMFLY40

Cruzomatic, thanks for the information on the control rods.

The photos and the part number were very beneficial. I have
the link for Sullivan, so I will check them out. Thanks again.

cruzomatic

My Feedback: (17)

No problem. Here to help.