Pat Johnston type wire landing gear???

[Paul Taylor]

I think I remember seeing a Ring Master or some type of profile plane with wire landing gear that was bent to go in the bottom of the fuse, freeing up the space behind the engine for a better fit for the fuel tank.
Anyone have some photos of this gear, I would like to steal another idea.

Thanks
Paul

[John Cralley]

I can't find any photos but I can describe how it is done.

A piece (or two pieces if you are trying to save weight) of hardwood about 2"-2 1/2" long (motor mount for instance) is sandwiched horizontally between the doublers at the lower margin of the fuselage where the gear is to be installed. The landing gear is made up of two separate wires (1/8" in the case of the Ringmaster). The fuselage ends are bent forward to fit horizontally under the hardwood (about 1 1/4" or more in length - again for a RM) and the forward most end is also bent at a right angle to extend up into holes drilled in the hardwood. Some recess the hardwood about the depth of the diameter of the gear wire so that there is little disruption in the lines of the lower front fuselage. The recess is flooded with epoxy and the gear is also secured with two nylon or aluminum crosswise plates using wood screws or screws/ blind nuts (previously installed and drilled) in the hardwood block (s).

A couple of photos would make it clear how this works - sorry I don't have any handy.

John

[Kim Mortimore]

Good description.  The Brodak Shark 402 uses this setup.  As we know, tank space is often limited on a profile, especially if you want to add height-adjustment tabs fore and aft, and this l/g installation helps.  Looks good and clean too. 

[Louis Rankin]

Paul,

I have this gear in one of my Ringmasters.  You are welcome to come over and take a look.  Sometimes the answer you are looking for is in your own back yard.