Converting to Tail Dragger
03-07-2002 | 11:10 PM
#1
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From: Duncanville, TX
Converting to Tail Dragger
I often see where folks have converted a plane to a tail dragger. Can someone explain to me why anyone would prefer a tail dragger to tricycle gear? I've only had one TD (a GP Cub) and it's twice as difficult to taxi and take off as a tricycle gear plane.
Just curious. Thanks. Jack
Just curious. Thanks. Jack
03-08-2002 | 01:07 AM
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From: Merrimack,
NH
why taildrag
One good reason is to shed the weight and drag of nosegear. Another is I like to mount my engines (two-strokes anyway) with the cylinder about 7-8 o'clock, so as to put the muffler right at BDC for better static & aerodynamic balancing. Third is, with noise becoming more an issue, pitts style mufflers are not as effective at sound reduction as stock mufflers, or the PSP tuned mufflers which I like. I say pitts because the last way I would mount a two-stroke is upright, because of fuel tank placement issues. So if I had a tri-gear model and wanted to keep it that way, a pitts is the only way I can get the cylinder inverted and keep the muffler off the side (for aerodynamic balancing) and not have the muffler occupy the same space as the nosegear. Finally, as you get into the more advanced models, they are mostly taildraggers and you have to learn how to handle them sooner or later if you want to progress beyond the simple stuff.
03-08-2002 | 11:33 AM
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Converting to Tail Dragger
(quote from majortom)..."Finally, as you get into the more advanced models, they are mostly taildraggers and you have to learn how to handle them sooner or later if you want to progress beyond the simple stuff".(end quote) This is the main reason I converted my Hobbico SuperStar 40 to a tail dragger. I was stepping up to a 1/4 scale Spacewalker. I have no flying experience with a Cub....but from all I have read, they are not easy to control on the ground compared to other tail draggers
By the way...MY take offs with my trike was always good for a chuckle at our club. 
Maybe it was just something that worked for me, but there was a minimum of problems with ground handling after the conversion. (Even with my LG axles at least an inch forward of the LE of wing.) I did rig a steerable tail wheel too.
Happy landings..... lownslo
Bob
By the way...MY take offs with my trike was always good for a chuckle at our club. Maybe it was just something that worked for me, but there was a minimum of problems with ground handling after the conversion. (Even with my LG axles at least an inch forward of the LE of wing.) I did rig a steerable tail wheel too.Happy landings..... lownslo
Bob
