I am about to start construction (more like assembly) of a Skymaster F-5 that I recently aquired. I purchased the jet with no landing gear and after reading everything I could on here about flight characteristics and control settings etc., I was made aware of the need for a more positive stance for the takeoff.
Now there just happens to be a gentlman who manufactures an inflatable oleo strut which I want to purchase, however not having the gear in hand I can't give him any measurments. I was hoping that someone out there has knowledge of the Skymaster gear and could take a quick measure for me.....I need to know the diameter of the strut where it plugs into the retract mechanism. I think the trunion is of the split lock variety and the stud on the top of the strut is the dimension I need. If anyone could share this info I would be very grateful.

Sterling[8D]

It depends on retract units that are used, most likely 1/2 inch diameter.(for original skymaster strut)

If I remember the gear sets in with cylinder toward the wing tip. With such a thin wing this is the only way to get the gear in flat
Also make sure you have room for the gear door mechanism to work.

Ill check mesurments when I get home later.

Thanks for the quick replies fellas, I should have mentioned that the strut diameter I am looking for is the nose gear.

Also the gear I ordered is Skmaster's, apologies for not mentioning that as well...

I just maddened a SM T-38 with no issues. CG at 108mm and you will be just fine. Positive angle never hurts but an accurate CG is best. I'm also planning on starting my build on my SM F-5 and will post thread. I plan on posting my 38 pics soon. One issue with both jets is the MLG not retracting far enough into the fuselage forcing the main gear doors to be cracked open just a bit with gear up.