Retracts
 

I just pulled the Model Tech Calypso kit out of the attic and am ready to start building. I’ve made all the major decisions about the engine, radio, servos and such but am unsure whether to put retracts on the plane. I fly from a grass field that is not fairway smooth and I’m concerned about retracts being able to handle the stresses without ripping out of the wing or the retracts themselves breaking.

I’m currently looking at the B & D #0005 retracts and the Robart #609 retracts. There is only a $4.00 difference in cost between the two so my main consideration is which set are the most robust.

If there are other options I would like to hear your suggestions also.

After doing a search I didn't find the information I was looking for so I've given this topic a very simple but consice name so that it might be a good source of information for future builders needing retracts. With that in mind, any retract information you can give will be usefull.

Bob Cox
SPA 374

RE: Retracts
 

i can say unequivocally that you would not break a Spring Air retract www.retracts.com unless you put it through horrendous pancake landing. and as far as tearing them out of the wing, retracts can be supported as well or better than fixed gear. there are so many posts praising the quality of Spring Air, i would recommend considering them also.

david

RE: Retracts
 

David, the Spring Air web site doesn't give any info about their retracts. I can not determine which series would be right for a .60 size, 5-10 lb., pattern plane. I'm guessing the 200 or 300 series but they don't even tell you what size wire they use for the strut.

The one thing I do have against spring air is the need to use an air tank which can be tough to accomodate in a narrow pattern plane. There is also the extra weight.

Bob

RE: Retracts
 

Bob,

Pardon the dumb question, but is your Calypso a tail dragger or trike gear. If its a tail dragger, take a look www.lado-tech.com. They make electric retracts for the main gear for 60 size and larger planes. I have a set I am putting in my Ultrasport 60 kit and the quality of the retracts is outstanding especially for the price.

Happy New Year!!:D

RE: Retracts
 

The Calypso is a taildragger so I only need the mains. I've actually considered the Lado retracts. I think they are probably the best thing out there. I'm just not sure I want to spend $150 for them when this plane is for fun since it's not SPA legal. I figure I can set up the B & D's for half the cost. I'm just unsure how well the B & D's will hold up.

Thanks for you input David

Bob Cox

RE: Retracts
 

Having used Springair retracts for both pattern a/c and jets, they should be fine. A set of 300's with 5/32 wire should be fine as the 300 series are low profile being less than an inch in height. Come with all the goodies needed to set them up. A small mini servo is all that is needed to actuate the retract valve.

Hal Peters

RE: Retracts
 

My old MT Calypso has a fixed mono main with piano wire outrigger tip skids. Does fine off grass and pavement. The spare kit will probably get built with the stock fixed gear.

RE: Retracts
 

b&d's are some of the best I have ever run, straight forward no bending of the linkage. the struts are the jewl in the set up you really have to pound a landing to bend them...


gary