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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Tom Strom on June 08, 2011, 10:52:27 PM
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Ok, it has been a while since I sat down and actually butchered some balsa. So, I thought I would build the Brodak Pathfinder KIT. It is going very well so far. Wing is done, stab is done, fuse is being worked on. Came time to mount the front landing gear and found it was about 3/8" shorter than the plan shows it should be. Has anyone else had this problem? If I move it down to the right height, it is no longer securly mounted in the engine bearer. It is now in the balsa and ply. I do not have the resources to bend one the proper height, so that is out. Has anyone made this aircraft a taildragger? ANY help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Tom
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Tom,
Send a note to John Brodak, I am sure he will send you one of correct length.
Roger v.
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Thanks Roger. I just fired off an e-mail to Brodaks.
Tom
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Tom, it is possible to set the Pathfinder up as a Tail Dragger, but you lose the advantages the trike gear gives you during take offs and landings. For most, this can mean at least 10 to 30 points in the pattern. Of course if you don't fly in competition, that may not matter to you.
The changeover is pretty easy. Just swap sides on the gear, and add a tail wheel. You may need to bend the gear slightly further forward, depending on the surfaces you fly from. You also may find the plane tail heavy as it is designed for the weight of the nose wheel and gear, so watch for it. H^^
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Thanks John. Some things to consider. I plan on flying it in competition, but I am not in the advanced or expert range. We fly profile as sportsman and expert here. I just want to fly!! We will see what Brodak says, then make a decision. Thanks again.
Tom
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Tom,
It would also help to shorten the tail moment 1inch. I found out it tracks better in the rounds. Plus it won`t be tail heavy. Tom I think if you had a good set of pliers you could bend the gear yourself. It`s made of 3/32 wire. If you have any more questions feel free to e-mail me at gordandelaney@yahoo.com Hope this helps.
Gordy
Designer of the Pathfinder
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Hmmmm, a dissapearing post. I was pointing out that Gordan knows what it takes to get the most out of his design, hence the phrase "Gordan knows". I also pointed out that unless I'm going daft, I believe his e-mail is gordandelaney@yahoo.com.
Personally, I think Pathfinders look funny when set up as tail draggers, something just doesn't look right. Gordan's comment about the 3/32" dia nose gear wire being easy to tweak with a couple of pairs of pliers is spot on. Just tweak it forward a the bend, until the plane sits level on the wheels.
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Tom, if you need me to bend you a new LG, I'll do that for you. Let me know how I can help. 425-255-1887 (Tom's right shoulder has been recently operated on, due to injury...a Seattle Fireman, FYI)
Please don't make your P'finder a tail dragger. That will also shift the CG aft, a bad thing. Rod Claus built his as a taildragger, and the CG has been a serious problem. Cutting the fuselage shorter is a good plan...or moving the wing back, if it's not too late. H^^ Steve
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Thanks Gordan and Steve. Appreciate the reply and offers of help Steve. I sent a note to Brodak, and they are sending me a replacement gear. While I am waiting, I will have my son bend the gear leg I have, and see if we can get enough clearance. Gordan, I replaced the plywood doublers from the kit with 1/8" ply., to help with making the nose stiff. Can I still shorten the fuse 1" ? I was just getting ready to put the carbon veil on the fuse, so now would be a good time to shorten it if still OK. And I promise John and Steve, I will not make it a taildragger!! Again, thanks for all the help.
Tom
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Tom,
I still would shorten the fuse 1 in. 1/8 ply is an over kill. We used that in the good ole days but I find it is not necessary with smoother running engines. Plus more weight. Not good. Let me know how it flies when you get to flying it.
Gordy