looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

im cleaning up an older kit....and would like use electric retracts, any idea would really help.

I CANT DECIDE HELP !!!

RE: looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

What's it gonna weigh, do you think?

Horizon Hobby (eflite) has 100 and 90 degree electric rotating retracts but the A/C weight limit is 9 pounds.

Kinda pricey but my experience with eflite electric gear has been very good.

There is also an outfit in NZ that sells mechanical rotating retracts for 60 size models. That means a retract servo and a bell crank for each side, but it's doable, and for my money always, always better than air retracts.

http://www.wattsup.co.nz/catalog/pro...eeb28956948a00

RE: looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

Im thinkin 9 1/2 - 10 lbs Ive keep it light reading all the stories....I think thanks for the help

RE: looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

Have a look at wingspanretracts.com.

Saw them at the big swap meet in Perry GA and they are nice.

Ordered a set for 81 inch Bronco

RE: looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

Robart has some electric retracts now, not sure if they rotate, but probably worth checking out.

If you choose to use air instead of electric, I'm all for Sierra Giant Scale.

Jason

RE: looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

After having even Spring Air fail, going to electric for OV-10. To many connections for possible air leaks, plus a lot more scale like in operation.

RE: looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

Are the Robart Air Retracts that bad? Seems like a lot people use them?

RE: looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

I used them in my TF P-40 Nergall, and am currently using them in a similar size Hellcat. I've had zero problems with them but I will admit that I only fly off of paved surfaces. If you fly off of grass, dirt, or other unimproved type surfaces it might be a different story. The Robarts do have to be installed carefully so as not to twist them when they are bolted to the mounting rails as that will cause binding. I would also caution against using them in an airplane much over 10 pounds (even though my Hellcat is 11.75!) which is all that they are rated for. If you get sideways with a heavier airplane you will most likely bend the locking arms. While I have had good luck thus far with the Robarts I do have to tell you that Sierra Precision make a 100 degree rotating retract which is light years better. They are more expensive but worth every penny. Keep in mind when comparing the Robart and Sierra retracts that the latter come with the functional oleo struts while the former do not. By the time you purchase a pair of struts to go with the Robarts the price difference is not really as much as it would initially appear. I have had great success with air retracts and am not yet sold on the electrics as they seem to be having lots of teething problems. If I were building a TF P-40 at this moment there is no contest in my opinion, I would be installing the Sierra gear. (And, in fact, I am putting them in my second Hellcat which is under construction.)

RE: looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

Well, I fell into some Robarts, and I guess the Oleo struts now as well for a price I couldn't pass up, so that's what I've got for my Top Flite P40.

Thanks for the tips!

RE: looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

I have as well got robarts retract almost free... but its like a rock sandwich....i want qualiity.....u are right though its seems like everyone has air retracts I just want some different opinions...thanks guys for your imput :)

RE: looking for the right retracts for TF p40E kit
 

Well put. I have this kit and several members of my club and I are going to build a fleet of them over the next year or two. I originally bought Robarts but after thinking about the couple hundred hours building and roughly $800 it will cost decided to spend the extra $100 on Sierra Retracts so I don't have to deal with the headaches of the Robarts not working correctly or the heartache of them collapsing.