bob_nj

My Feedback: (62)

I am looking locally at the hardware and small engine shops for those real soft and flimsy springs you might see on a tailwheel setup. Can't find exactly what I'm looking for though. I have a plane with a couple of springs about two inches long, and maybe 3/8" in diameter that are real springy and soft. They almost remind me of a mower governer or carb spring, if you know what I mean?

What are you guys using, and where are you getting them?
Pictures would be a bonus, as there are a zillion different little springie things out there [X(]

Thanks_bob

Geistware

My Feedback: (16)

Try soldering s stiff wire to the wheel assembly going straight back to the rudder then use an eyelet mounted to the rudder for the wire to go through. Works great and very stiff but flexable.

bob_nj

My Feedback: (62)

That's an interesting concept. Any diagrams or pictures anywhere?

Thanks_bob

xoon

My Feedback: (3)

you mean something like a sulivan tailwheel? here is the link http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFV48&P=K ... if you're talking about this stuff then it's great. once you use them you can't leave them, they absorb A LOT of shock when you land, that way it will prevent the back part of the fuse being ripped off

bob_nj

My Feedback: (62)

To be more specific, the setup is on a giant scale with a Haig style wheel assembly.
I do have one of the Sullivan units in the picture.
Maybe I can get a picture of the spring and setup when I get home.

rmh

Whip on down to Harbor Freight - for a few bucks -they have a perfect spring assortment for tailwheels - I like the tightly wound 3/16" dia 2" long ones
I fasten them using big paper clip wire -rebent as needed
nice to bend and plenty strong
I am a cheap *******.

rmh

****?
Illigitimus?

John Murdoch

My Feedback: (11)

My True Value has a full drawer(s) of springs. Anything you can imagine is in one of those drawers. Some True Values' carry things that others don't. If you've got one around you, you might just want to check them out. Although, I know they're a lot more expensive than Dick's Harbor Freight idea.

RNick

I got some at true value that work. I am not sure of the price but it was maybe .50 each. Cheap enough.

Randy

bob_nj

My Feedback: (62)

I'll have to look for a True Value around here.

Is there ever an interference issue with the paper clip rolling around on the spring?

I'll figure out something sooner or later.
Hooking to the rudder has proven to be an adventrue also.

Thanks_bob

jsm77777

My Feedback: (4)

On my Ohio Haigh style tailwheels, I've used pull-pull cables for the tailwheel steering. Once set-up properly it's way more effective than springs. Scott

RobT

My Feedback: (17)

I use the pull pull cable and a spring. I get the springs at a local hardware store. I was always told not to connect the tail wheel to the rudder without a spring as it will put load directly on the servo. With a 3 servo setup I wonder if that is still an issue or a hold out from days of old.

By the way Where in NJ do you fly Giant Scale?

Rob

JoeAirPort

My Feedback: (41)

The rudder servos are not designed for those shock loads felt by the tail wheel on landing. I say always use springs regardless.

cbk07

My Feedback: (64)

Mark Hale sells the nicest ones I have seen. My friend Bob picked these up for me a year ago at Joe Nall. A little more expensive, but worth it in my opinion. Spring works under compression so do not stretch. Mark's email should be legible in the pics. They work great. Craig

RTK

My Feedback: (1)

Good one Dick

bob_nj

My Feedback: (62)

I also picked up a set from Mark at the Nall because the concept is excellent. Their are a couple of things working against me on this particular plane though. The major one is that builder didn't put any hard points or attachment devices in the rudder, and the springs in the picture won't install properly.

Another observation I had on the Hale springs is that they just seem like the servo will work very hard, and the attachment points may be strained due to the stiff spring. Just my opinion. I know they are a good product.

On two of my planes I have a similar setup as in the pictures. The springs are light and not working the servo, or straining the attachment points as much, that's all.

What I wound up doing was installing the new Haigh setup and just keeping the wheel straight with two springs that aren't attached to the rudder at all. Tried it last night, and it works great.

Thanks for the replies_bob

Mike3579

My Feedback: (56)

On my bigger planes I just let the tail wheel castor no springs at all and it works great

bob_nj

My Feedback: (62)

I thought about doing it that way Mike. Does your wheel assembly shake, rattle and roll with vibration?
I was also wondering about metal to metal contact as the Haigh is metal.

Thanks and take care_bob

Big_Bird

My Feedback: (1)

Here is a pic of a carbon fiber tail wheel assembly that friend made for me. It is light weight and very durable.

Ken

bob_nj

My Feedback: (62)

bigbird -> Is there any sort of shock absorbing mechanism on that set up?
As RobT pointed out, on the giant scale especially, we need springie things_bob

Big_Bird

My Feedback: (1)

Bob, it's about as springy as a CB Associates heavy duty leaf spring assembly with all of the leaves in place. In other words, fairly stiff. Of course, the tail wheel wire and tire give a little. The tiller wire back to the rudder has some spring to it.

Ken

rmh

I also make my own tailwheel assemblies - this one is a semi scale YAK type ---for my YAK-oddly enough

bob_nj

My Feedback: (62)

The pictures are a big help.

Thanks_bob

Geistware

My Feedback: (16)

THis is the setup I saw with 1/2 hinge instead of an eyeloop

bob_nj

My Feedback: (62)

Which page has the picture?