ptgarcia

My Feedback: (36)

I'm putting together a Model Tech P-47 ARF and want to replace the stock mechanicals with pneumatic retracts and RoboStruts. I wanted to use 7/16" struts but they are going to be about 1" too long (based on the dimensions given on Robart's site). The 3/8" struct fits my model best but I'm a little concerned about their strength. I anticipate an all up weight around 11-12 lbs maximum.

Now the million dollar question: Do you guys think the 3/8" struts will hold up? I fly of a dirt field. It's very smooth but we get the occasional bump.

Thanks for the help guys.

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

It is very easy to cut down the 7/16" RoboStruts to proper length with a hack saw or cutting wheel. Those struts are not made for any specific plane. 3/8" struts can handle up to around 12 pounds. I have 3/8" RoboStruts on my TF P-40E, and the oleos almost bottom out while the plane is sitting. I might need to put in stiffer springs.

ptgarcia

My Feedback: (36)

Richard,

Robart says the max I can cut from the 9" long 7/16" strut is 3". Do you think it is safe to take another 1/2"-3/4" off of that? I guess I could insert a sleeve into the strut leg to stiffen it up a bit if needed. Thanks!

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

It might be OK to take another 1/2" off. There is a solid nylon insert around that area to keep the spring in place, so you might be cutting a little bit into the nylon insert. I cut quite a bit off mine to get the struts to fit the TF .60 Mustang.

ptgarcia

My Feedback: (36)

Sorry for all the question, I have never used, or even seen up close, the Robarts. Let me tell you what I need and maybe you can tell me if the 7/16" struts will work or not.

With the gear lowered, the length of the strut from the top surface of the retract mount flange to the centerline of the axle cannot exceed 6-1/4". I know I can get the strut down to 6" from axle to end of strut, but I don't know how far from the top surface of the mounting flange that strut housing places the end of the strut. Do you follow?

Thanks a bunch!

parkerspop

My Feedback: (1)

I just put Robarts into mu TF P47. I had to cut quite a bit off the struts to fit. I ended cutting into the nylon stopper inside the struts. Then I just pulled it out and cut some of the spring, replaced the stopper( which has to be moved deeper into the strut to make room for the adapter). They seem to be ok but I haven't put full weight of plane on them yet.

grbaker

My Feedback: (29)

When you cut a Robart strut short enough to get into the nylon stop, just remove the stop and let the adapter become the stop. No need to cut the spings. I've done this many times with no ill effects.

parkerspop

My Feedback: (1)

now you tell me []

ptgarcia

My Feedback: (36)

Thanks guys, it sounds like the 7/16" struts will work, and those are what I was hoping to use. So a set of Robart 551RS retracts, a pair of #662 7/16" offset robostruts, and 3-1/4" Robart scales wheels will be my setup. Thanks again!

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

Too bad Tower carries neither the Robart 551RS retracts nor the Robart 662 7/16" offset RoboStruts. Those have to be ordered directly from Robart at slightly higher prices.

ptgarcia

My Feedback: (36)

I know, it kinda' sucks. I asked in another thread where everyone gets their Robarts, and most say they get them direct. I ordered a bag of hinge points once (will never do that again) direct for $20 and had to pay $9 shipping! Ripoff!

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

We can all petition Tower to carry these since these are popular items.

ptgarcia

My Feedback: (36)

I'll put my name on that petition. I plan on building a few more in this size.

gbzflyer

My Feedback: (2)

ptgarcia,
What size P47 do you have? I'm going to build the TF .60 P47 and I'm starting to research retracts. I've heard some say that you need the 85 degree retracts to compensate for the dihedral in the wing, and others say that there's not enough dihedral to worry about. Was this a concern in your choice of the 85 degree Robart 551RS retracts?
Mike

ptgarcia

My Feedback: (36)

My wife bought me a Model Tech P-47 ARF for Christmas. It has a 67" wing, roughly the same size as the Top Flite.

The Model Tech comes with mechanical retracts (which work very well, but the wire is too thin/soft and bends real easy). I put a protractor up to the retracts and, sure enough, they are 85 degree retracts. Keep in mind the ARF wing may have more dihedral than the Top Flite kit.

I'm going to put a lot of extra work into this ARF because I want to start getting into scale warbirds and this is going to be my stepping stone, if you will.

I'm hoping Robart brings a bunch of their stuff to the AMA Convention this weekend to sell at a discounted price.

rifraff

My Feedback: (1)

hello i have the modeltech p 47 and one thing i have to is that this plane is one of the best flying planes i have ever owned its very sturdy and flies very nice i has an os 61 and i have recently added robostruts to original mechanical wire landing gear that it comes with,i decided to leave out the wheel covers that it comes with the kit becouse i like to see the wheels touch the ground .........enjoy the pics