p3arljam

My Feedback: (5)

I am converting a Hangar 9 Alpha 40 plane i have to a taildragger and had a question in this thread on post #8 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1768759 he removed a piece of the fuselage on the bottom and replaced it with a more solid piece of wood. If i just reinforced the fuselage from inside the plane on the floor and then mounted the new gear to the bottom of the plane wouldnt that be sufficient?

jester_s1

It woudn't. Think about how stress is going to be transferred- wheels push on the gear legs, which push on the wood they are mounted to. A layer of balsa between the gear legs and the hardwood block gives it a soft surface to squeeze which will get loose quickly. So you'll need the hardwood block mounted firmly to the fuselage sides with some hardwood tri stock or glass reinforcing it at the sides.

flyinwalenda

My Feedback: (5)

It would work but it wouldn't be a long-term solution. A few less than stellar landings will loosen it up or rip it out. As mentioned above, take the time and do it right.

Jetdesign

My Feedback: (8)

Ideally you want some way to transfer the load to the plywood formers. A hardwood block across the bottom of the plane, best if it was wide enough to span between two formers.

Or, you could make your own plywood formers - two 'U' shapes that go across the bottom and up the sides. Look here starting in post 109. Just use plywood instead http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-p...l#post11285418