I just received my Mid*40 kit from Tower Hobbies. As is usual with Sig kits, it is really nice. I'm going to build it as a tail dragger, and use my Tower Hobbies 46 for power. I read in a review that when building this plane as a tail dragger, one should consider using an after-market tail wheel assembly in lieu of the standard attachment of the wheel wire to the rudder. I built a 4*40 using the standard installation, and even after 37 flights off of grass, and some pretty hard landings, it hasn't caused any problems. Any advice? I can't wait to get started!! Glen

Hi Glen

I recall using a Dubro .40 size tail wheel assembly. I installed it in the rudder also, with no problems. Last fall, I failed to pull my Midstar out of flat spin in time. It landed pretty hard, breaking the cheeks and separating the doublers from the firewall and and a former. Additionally, the metal wire for the tail wheel broke between the mount and the wheel. But there was no damage to the rudder. All in all, the repairs were very easy to make. I even got to fly her a few times last month on some luckily pleasant days here. What a tough bird. I better get another in case they discontinue it.

If you want a softer setup, I think Sullivan makes some nice tail wheel assemblies with a spring that connects to the rudder. Or you can make loop in the wire (instead of inserting it in the rudder) and connect a rubber band between it and a hook in the rudder. Just space the hook and loop far enough apart to provide some tension to the rubber band. (Maybe one of the more graphics proficient members here could provide picture.)

Thanks, Bruno:
I'm not sure how I'll do the tailwheel, yet. I'm looking forward to building and flying the plane. Sig does such a good job with their kits. This kit came with all the parts laser cut; they just fall out of the blanks. I've built a Kadet LT40, a 4*40, and several control line kits by Sig, and they've all been easy to build and good flyers. Glen

Hello; I built 3 Mid stars about 10 years ago, all tail draggers, it seems to me I used Sullivan tail wheels, I don't remember ever having any problems with them. They are a nice kit, a good build and a great flyer. I wish I still had one of them.

The Mid-Star 40 was my second plane. I loved it, I gave it to a young guy at our field and the last I heard it was still flying good. Great kit great flyer. I built mine with the wire on the rudder, no problems.
I can't believe I still have a pic
Enjoy it, it's a winner!

Glen

I'll admit, the tail wheel assy looks weak, but I have lots of flights on mine and it's still hanging in there. I might consider changing out the pushrods for sullivans. The Sig ones are really sensative to temp changes. This is probably the most enjoyable building experiance I've had to date. I've got a .52 mag fs for power, suits this plane perfectly.

Good point bud,
the nyrods are really bad in the summer heat. I swapped mine out for 2-56 wire. Pretty much a must

Hughes500E, Ditto's here on the 2-56 wire. I gave up on Sig's push rods on on my first LT40. I got tired of adjusting my trim so often.

Here's mine: (Sorry, scanned photo. It appears clearer in my gallery.)