Heli-NuBee

I am working on a Phoenix F4U Corsair, .55 nitro size with a 58" wing. I am installing a OS .91 FS for power and replacing the mechanical retracts with Robart 810 electrics. Installing the engine was quite a challenge and I am sure when I receive the retracts they will also present some challenges. More information and pictures as I make progress in the near future.

Best wishes and good safe flying.

Heli-NuBee (AKA Roger the radial rabbit0

Heli-NuBee

I replaced the stock mechanical retracts with Robart 810 rotating electric retracts. This required modifying the retract mounting pads. Here are pictures of the stock retract mounting pads:

Here is a picture of the modified retract mounting pad raised to accept the new electric retracts:

Here are pictures of the electric retracts setting in the raised retract mounting pads - note that I also used the stock landing gear struts so they would fit the existing wheel openings in the wing.

I then applied flat black paint to the wheel wells:

And here are pictures of the completed electric retract installation:

PetJumper

Hi Heli-NuBee,

I am also currently building this bird - I guess 58'' means it is the 2100 mm wingspan version. My plan is to put a Saito FG60/3 in there. Just have started to take all the measurements etc. The engine is ready for break-in.

What made you switch to the robarts? Any mishaps or bad experience with the mechanical retratcs? I will try to go with the pneumatics out fo the box.

Best,
PetJumper

PetJumper

Just figured from your pictures, it's a smaller version since it doesn't have flaps, correct?

tailskid

My Feedback: (34)

I'm still flying mine: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2458252 and yes the supplied retracts have to be replace....Heli-NuBee NICE JOB!

Heli-NuBee

I could not get the retract servos called for with the mechanical retracts. Tower Hobby was out of stock for some time and I wanted to complete the plane. So, I gave up on waiting for the out of stock retract servos and changed to Robart Electrics. I installed an OS 91 FS engine that also make for some interesting challenges. It was difficult to shoe horn that FS into the engine mount and part of the cowl ring had to be removed. The needle valve was also a problem that was solved by using a flexable cable. See pictures:

Heli-NuBee

Here are some pictures of my maiden flight. The corsair flies quite well with the OS 91 FS,

Best wishes and good safe flying. (Heli-NuBee AKA Roger the radial rabbit)

PetJumper

Great bird, Heli-NuBee. Mine is still sitting on the bench ... next is engine break-in ...

Huang

My Feedback: (27)

PetJumper, is that a Saito FA-120R3 I see in the cowl?

How did it fit and how did it balance? Did it interfere with the cowl ring and does it get enough cooling in there? I have a 90R3 that I'm thinking to use as well.

Let us know how it works out! Would love to see a video of it flying...

PetJumper

Hi Huang,

no - this is a Saito FG60 R3. It fits easily inside the cowl and the ring. Air intake is plenty - I am just a little worried about air outlet. I will test if it gets sufficient cooling, using a heat sensor a the hottest cylinder. If not I will have to install a baffle. Balance - I don't know at all. Haven't even broken in the engine due to lack of spare time ...

Huang

My Feedback: (27)

PetJumper, you must have the Phoenix 60cc Corsair (PH129 with the two piece fuse). I missed that earlier in the thread. Let us know how it goes!

calum burgess

Hi, have you had any issues with the wing integrity after removing so much wood around the spar to fit the retracts?

PetJumper

Hi Calum,

I didn't have to remove any wood. The Phoenix kit is designed with these retracts.

calum burgess

Hi Heli-NuBee, About removing the wood to fit your robart retracts has it affected the structural integrity of the wings at all.