I set up lines this morning for Walters Kingfisher.(3 hours)  I already had a brodak 3-line handle I purchased approx 10 years ago.  Decided to purchase a separate handle from Brodaks just for the Kingfisher.  Before putting the lines away, decided to check the lines and linkage all hooked up.  Way off!!!!!   I certainly make mistakes, but this was a biggie.  It took two extra line clips to get the throttle to work at all.  Took everything back inside and hooked leadouts directly to the handle. (thought I did that when I installed leadouts).  Measurements showed that the throttle leadout was short by 1 5/16 - 1 3/8 inch. Anyway, I fussed and fussed and was just getting ready to replace the center leadout when I thought I would check the old Brodak handle against the new Brodak handle I got about a week ago and I am sure you guessed it.  The difference was very close the shortage I had on the new handle.  Maybe most carrier guys knew this, but I had no idea that two brodak handles are not interchangeable.  Any one else experience this same issue  or is this old news?  I was working on an assumption that they would be the same.

Darrel

Yep! What you are experiencing is pretty normal. Sure doesn't incourage new folks to fly three line does it? I would recomend setting up everything for one handle. You could have a handle for every airplane but that gets expensive and lord help you if you get the handles mixed up.  Mike

You could also put a new throttle lead on the new handle to match the old handle. That would be an easy enough solution. I have 4 handles of various vintages that are all interchangeable, but even my newest one is probably 10 years old. Perhaps this is a recent problem.

It's just cable and crimp sleeves.

Another problem that some might have is that you can not use mix the Robers 3-line system with the Brodak 3-line system.  In other words, the Brodak handle does not work with the Roberts bellcranks.  Neither does the Roberts handle work with the Brodak belcranks.  Yes they work, but the two separate systems are not matched as to their movements and less than satisfactory ruesult will be experienced.

Keith

Whether it's a J.Roberts or a Brodak handle, step #1 is to replace the gas pedal leadout with a new EQUAL LENGTH (at high speed) leadout.  Then airplane, lines, and handle are ALL to zero-zero-zero specs.  Everything is interchangeable.

This isn't Stunt. You can separate the leadouts enough to clear each other.  I think the standard thinking is to put the UP line aft, so you get some extra yaw when you hang on the UP & throttle lines and let the down line so slack.

Just set up the planes for one handle and one handle only.  Of course if you are well off,  you can have a set of lines and handle for each plane.