Replace Retracts with Fixes
 

Hi, I bought a place with retracts and I would rather just run simple fixed gear. Can I buy fixed gear somewhere that will just bolt in the same place in the wing without modification? thanks

RE: Replace Retracts with Fixes
 

Not really, nothing that I have seen before but I haven't seen it all yet. If they are mechanical you can use wheel collars and just lock them down. I have one pattern plane with them and where I fly is too rough to be using them so I just locked them in the down position, when I go to a smoother field I can remove the collars and set them back up to the servo if I want.

RE: Replace Retracts with Fixes
 

Gene, where are you putting the wheel collars?

RE: Replace Retracts with Fixes
 

what plane? what gear?
if there air gear, you can pump them up to extend, and jamb the actuator rod into position either with a screw or with epoxy, if its exposed.
if its the enclosed type then open the cases and remove the air piston and just pour epoxy into the case permanently extended gear, but useless for retracts again.

for mechanicals, there is a rod that exits the gear that the pushrod connects to,unscrew the plastic connector on this rod, pull this rod so the gear is fully locked in position, slide the coupler over the rod and tighten.

when asking a question like this it always helps to provide a photo for clarity,BTW I like retracts they streamline a plane if its meant to have them, less drag.

RE: Replace Retracts with Fixes
 

Gary here is a way to do what you requested but you will have to bend up the new gear yourself and make the blocks.

John

RE: Replace Retracts with Fixes
 

Sorry Gene, I had a do nothing day and forgot to go out and take a photo for you. I just added a wheel collar to bind the push/pull rod at the LG to hold it down for lake bed flying. When I want to go to a real field I just remove them and set up the servo and linkage. Nothing in the deep thinking department but it works.
Gene