Pretty soon, I'm going to get back to work on my Cobra, and I don't want to deal with wheelpants, because the Cobra's pants are EXTREMELY chunky.  If i put wheelskirts on the airplane instead of wheelpants, is the plane still classic legal?

Pretty soon, I'm going to get back to work on my Cobra, and I don't want to deal with wheelpants, because the Cobra's pants are EXTREMELY chunky.  If i put wheelskirts on the airplane instead of wheelpants, is the plane still classic legal?

Basically, there's no rule in the Classic rules, that allows a disqualification for any modifications to the model.

And I don't know what "wheelskirts" are. The usual option is fake LG doors (which I like), but don't think I could do that to a Cobra. I'd say that if you think the Cobra wheelpants are "chunky", then you should thin them out and shape them as you like (within reason) and not suffer any points penalty.     Steve

I don't think that the Cobra wheel pants are "chunky". Matt you have to use more sand paper. The Cobra wheel pants are part of the look.

The lad is wondering whether he prefers skirts or pants. (Maybe the boy got into the nitrobenzene.)  Look, Matt, however it turns out, it's OK with us.

The original Cobra had very slim wheelpants that were sort of pointed at the apex of perimeter. The ones I put on mine were incorrect and as Matt describes them, chunky. If I had it to do again, I would use much thinner wheels and cut them down. But Tom is right, it's part of the look. It just wouldn't be right without them.

Part of my reasoning to use "wheelskirts" is because 99% of the time, we fly on grass, and after learning what happens to a plane with wheelpants, and having EXTREMELY long grass, I always now want ground clearance with plenty of insurance to be able to get off the ground easily.  Also I am using 2 1/2 inch, and wide brodak wheels to help getting off the ground which probably is why the one wheelpant I did came out chunky (I could still take some more material off).

Hey with a set of Al Rabe's spring gear, and a set of Robart air cylindars, yeah, now your cooking, oh man, now where did I put those Cobra plans,, hmmm

The Cobra is one of the sleekest stunters ever designed and the wheel pants are part of the beautiful look. It might even look wierd without wheel pants. That may have a subliminal negative effect as far as scores are concerned. I built two Argus models back in the 60s with wheel pants and never had a problem flying off grass. The models just sort of smoothly walked off the grass during take off, and I was amazed at how whell the flexible L.G. worked. I used K&B slim rat race wheels, which are no longer availble. However, there are cottage suppliers that make similar wheels. I recently ordered some 2" slim wheels for my Umland Cobra kit.

Oh you little rascal you!---LOUIE 

There is a set of 2 and I think 2 1/2 Inch foam light wheels that are pretty narrow, maybe Dave Brown? I will look since I have a set or two in my wheel drawer, but for now, I am going to sleep,, Matt remind me tomorrow,,,

I did decide to go with the wheel"pants" for the cobra instead of "skirts" in order to keep the look, just use big wheels and make sure there is plenty of ground clearance.

And believe me, I love skirts!!!! 

   Matt...look back at some of the early Seversky planes...some were fitted with 'spats', but SOME had 'Wheel Trousers'! I prefer skirts, too...

Simplify the problem.  Hopefully you have removable landing gear.  Make two sets, one for grass and one for pavement.   

When I started the thread, we didn't have the wing close to finished yet.  We do have the removable landing gear blocks in the plane, and they should work.  I won't know until I finish working on the TP, as that is a more important project to be working on.