GP Cap232 40 retract conversion
 

Hi
I am contemplating building my GP Cap 40 with retract tricycle gear. Any ideas as to gear placement etc..
andy

RE: GP Cap232 40 retract conversion
 

Can't really directly help with your question, but I think you are just asking for headaches! The CAP is a lightweight design, easy building, and a joy to fly. Tricycle retracts would probably add at least 8-16 ounces and needlessly complicate the set-up, maintenance, and flying. Just my opinion, oh well.

RE: GP Cap232 40 retract conversion
 

And Caps don't have retracts....

No, seriously, you might want to think about leaving it as a tail dragger, as the nose gear is a bit of a pain to set up, and will require space to retract. Not to mention, that the linkages can get a little fineky.

You will have to beef up a rib, and possibly add another to mount the retract block. You'll then have to ensure that the wheels will fold away, and fit inside teh wing. This means teh lower main spar might be in teh way... Depending on teh type of retract set up, you'll either have to place a retract servo, and plan for the rods, or place the valve, and have to place (and hook up to) the tank in the fuse.

If you have the gear, lay it out on the plans, and see how it looks. that will indicate whether it'll all fit..

And, as Gary said, you will be adding weight, which will increase your wing loading, which will increase the speeds needed. You might want to concider putting the retracts into a 60 sized or larger plane, and one that welcomes a set of retracts. Look at the Sig King Cobra... or one of the GP jets... Or just about any 1/6th scale war bird...

RE: GP Cap232 40 retract conversion
 

I thought a clean airframe would offset the additional weight. I luvv clean airframes, no dangley bits.

andy