Hey Guys,

I was cleaning the retracts on my Dr. Jeckyll Ph.D and was wondering what brand of Retracts they are in case I needed to replace or get parts for them?
Also, What are some of the things to look out for so I can hopefully slim the chance of failure? What do I need to inspect for wear? How do I know when they might need to be replaced?

Here's a pic...
In the second pic... Is this for retracts and how is it used? Are they still available?

Thanks,
Phil

Those are MK mechanical retracts. They are pretty tough and don't need much attention, just make sure they are free of dirt at the movable parts.

The CRC super strut tool is the best tool for these retracts, you use it to straighten the struts in case you have a bad landing. I usually use two at the same time, one to act as a anchor, and the other to bend the struts. They were made by my good friend Frank Capone of CRC Products a number of years ago, he has since sold the business to Mark Burne (sorry for the mis-spelling) in Canada.

Adrian

Supra's

The older style was metal frame like this. The newer style was a green molded composite material. It had the same bolt pattern but was a slightly smaller foot print. basically models built for the old style, the new version would drop right in.

Then Great Planes started to make a purple/blue colored plastic version that was a copy, Heck it could have been from the same molds...it looked like it. But they were not quite as good as the Supra gear. Like i said a slightly smaller footprint but same bolt pattern and functionality. They are the 60 size mechanical retracts from Great planes are the ones

I never used the GP versions but worked on a couple models for and with people that had them. The good news was they were cheap like $25 compared to the $60 set of Supra gear. So I guess in the scheme of things buy a pair of them and when one goes belly up just chuck it and replace with a new one.

The strut bender is for when the struts bend back and you need to starighten them out. The groove in the tool is used to hold the strut at the base, while you bend the strut back with your hand. This way you are not putting the load on the landing gear plates in the wings. There should be 2 grooves. One is for 3/16" wire and the other for 5/32" wire

These were sold by Central Hobbies. I had one somewhere but can't find where it is at the moment. I guess the last time I had a plane with Retracts was in 2000 so it likely got loaned out and forgotten at a contest.

Troy

Sooo...How's you Jekyll doin' ??

Ya see that little pressed in brass stop...then the corresponding set screw...That is from my experience that part that will "wear out"...You can see how it's scored a little in your photo...If you could replace that set screw with something more blunt that wouldn't dig in...I doubt you'll have to worry about the rest...

I've let them go and they get too much slop and start wearing the other parts...My UltraSport 40 is on it's second set of Dubro treaded tires which are bald...I'm now to the point I need to replace the retracts...So I have no idea how many flights that has been...But allot...

I really think if I had kept the slop to a minimum I would still be in good shape...But it's been some pretty good service so I'm not complaining!!

Some guys have been mentioning B&D Retracts...I think I'm going to look at those...

Just my .02

Have Fun with Her!!

Chuck

Thanks Guys!!!!