BobHaley

Hi folks, I want to convert my old Midwest Tri-Squire to a tail dragger. (I guess that makes it an Esquire). Can someone please give me some measurement as to where I should locate the main wheels? Also, I'm curious - Is there a formula for this that would apply to all tail draggers?

Thanks!
Bob

GREG DOE

A good place to start is to have the axle parallel, or in line with the leading edge of the wing, when in a level flight position. Prop up the tail to set the airplane in level flight, and sight straight down to super impose the axle on the leading edge. That should be a conservative forward location. If sits too heavy on the tail wheel, or won't rotate on takeoff, move the gear rearward in 1/4" increments.

BobHaley

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Russmall

That's what I did with my Sky Squire, the Tri-Squire's big brother and it worked out very well.

BobHaley

Looks great!

Truckracer

My Feedback: (19)

That Sky Squire if a fine looking airplane. Makes me want to get back to the building board.

tedbmoss

The plans for the lil' Esguire show the wheel center on the leading edge, but mine is 3/8" back. Probably the same on the big one.

Truckracer

My Feedback: (19)

If you fly from hard surfaces, the rearward location will give better handling and smoother landings. If from grass, a more forward location would be preferred. Under the leading edge is always a good starting location. Over the years I've had a few planes that had bolt locations drilled for two different positions.

BobHaley

Update - I mounted the gear, as suggested, in line with the leading edge and the results have been very good. I get reliable take-offs and landings on grass. I'm very happy with the results.

FYI, this plane was built in the 60's by my father who also built the single channel transmitter and receiver. It used a Bonner Vari-Comp to provide rudder-only control. We built and flew some of the first RC plans in Tidewater, Virginia area. I've updated the electronics but have kept this plane as original as possible, complete with the silk covering still on the wings. A wonderful reminder of the good old days.

GREG DOE

Bob, That Bonner Vair-Comp escapement was considered the Cadillac of escapements, and would give "kick up" elevator with the rudder centered. Kick up with the Babcock escapement included a little left rudder. The Vari-Comp's could also be "cascaded" (2 escapements wired together) to give rudder, and elevator control. Then, if that wasn't enough you could get "quick blip" throttle control, with either the Bonner, or the Babcock. I flew single channel escapements first in 1959. Good to hear that that landing gear location worked for you.