Has anyone here ever converted their mechanical retracts on their F-86 to air? If so How is the process and do you have any pics?


Johnny

I did several years ago. It was quite a bit of work but worth it. No pix but I built mounts for the cylinders and used them to work the retract arms. used a gear door sequencer for operating the doors with a separate valve. Made huge improvement into the reliability of the gear.

If you can find a set of the old Rhom Air jet retracts they are almost a direct replacement for the servo operated retract units. They are the same bolt pattern and only require a little mod to a rib to let the air cylinder clear.

I actually do have a set of these retracts but was saving it for my new Ultra Viper kit that I found here on RCU. I bought this F-86 here also. Now I am undecisive...Maybe gonna look for another set of these retracts. Do you know if Rohm Air still makes these retracts?

Johhny,
As I recall, Rohm Air is no longer in business.
The Rohm Air jet gear is what the new style unitary BVM retracts are based upon.
Call Patti at 407-327-6333 for nosegear P/N 5375 and mains P/N 5595. These will be a drop in fit.

Harley Condra
BVM REP
JetCat REP

The picture looks like they accept a wire leg ?? Why switch, bvm has gone back to mech gear on the sabre?? it must be better than air. []

V..

Vincent,
The gear pictured isn't BVM gear...it is an old set of Rhom Air Jet Gear. All of the gear from BVM is machined for Duro Struts (which can also use wire strut adapters like the older BobCats....small size only).
BVM hasn't gone back to mechanical gear on the turbine powered Sabre.

BVM has, however gone to mechanical gear on the Electra, to simplify the systems and lighten the aircraft ......there is no air system in the Electra, if built per the instructions. No brakes, no air lines, just two retract (180 degree) servos.
There is no reason you couldn't do the electric powered Sabre the same way.

Harley Condra
BVM REP
JetCat REP

Harley,

I must be having a dumb moment right now (at work anyway) I could not find the mains P/N 5595 on the website. Got any picture and pricing? Since While looking for the retracts, maybe a a suggestion for the BVM Website might be add a search function for when we have dumb moments?

Turbulence

Ralph,

I'll take the responsibility for the dumb moment....I took the P/N from the last catalog, but see that the website shows a new part number of 6745M.
The mains list for $251.50 per set.
The nose gear (90 degree rotating) is still P/N 5375, and goes for $219.00 each. If bought seperate, the price comes to $470.50.
Buy the set and save $20.00....price if bought as a 3 unit set (nose and mains) is $450.50

Howya doin' Ralph...long time no see. How are you and Az getting along?


Harley Condra
BVM REP
JetCat REP