Weighted tail wheels for balance
01-08-2019, 04:48 AM
#1
Weighted tail wheels for balance
Good morning,
I have a slightly nose heavy plane that I need to add tail weight to, and was wondering if anyone has found weighted tail wheels for a .40-.60 size model?
Self adhesive lead weights can always be used, but I was hoping for something a bit cleaner.
Many thanks.
I have a slightly nose heavy plane that I need to add tail weight to, and was wondering if anyone has found weighted tail wheels for a .40-.60 size model?
Self adhesive lead weights can always be used, but I was hoping for something a bit cleaner.
Many thanks.
01-08-2019, 08:24 AM
#2
While it doesn't happen often , I have used slightly over sized tail wheels before. Some of the older ones were made with a very heavy hub and rubber tire. You could also possibly move your transmitter pack back if you aren't electric with BEC. I had one plane that I had so over motored I made a access hatch under the stab and mounted my receiver pack there to balance.
01-08-2019, 09:28 AM
#3
Foodstick, Obviously you misspoke. At least I hope so. Explain how moving the"TRANSMITTER pack back" is going to shift the center of gravity rearward? I got a chuckle out of that. I do it myself as well; say one thing, and mean something else!
01-08-2019, 11:34 AM
#5
As another idea, I use lead diver B.B. weights. After you figure out what you need, drill a hole in the bottom of the rudder. Mix a slurry of the bb’s and epoxy. Roll hard paper for a funnel, or squeeze the epoxy mixing cup to get it into the hole. Make it big enough, otherwise it is an aggravation. This way it is hidden. As long as it isn’t ounces and ounces. It will make the monokote bulge. Works best with fiberglass rudders. Then fill the hole with a bolt. Or, tape the hole and let the epoxy harden to seal the hole.
01-08-2019, 03:47 PM
#6
Depending on how creative you are it should be possible to cast up a lead wheel hub. It would probably need a bit of brass tube in the enter to keep it from wallowing out around the axle. The main downside is that it may be too little weight to get the job done.
01-08-2019, 05:34 PM
#7
mgnostic, I love that answer, A freaking lead wheel ! simple mold,pour it ...and slap it on the plane.. Maybe you could just slice a huge fishing weight? hahahaha or did they outlaw those yet....
01-10-2019, 08:04 AM
#10
People sometimes build up the tail wheel wire to give the appearance of a scale tail wheel mount using wood or resin. With the creative use of clamp on weights and a little solder and flux you could probably do the same thing in lead.
