Plane ground anchor / tail support.

[Steven Butler]

Hi Could someone let me know the correct term for the screw in device for holding the tail of the plane when ground running (not your mate standing with legs akimbo over your model thanks). Also a link to where I could get one would be great. Thanks Steve

[Phil 9]

Model Restrainer

 

just one example

[i12fly]

Or search restrainer in ebay.... (aeroplanes section) £9.5 + post

[Gaz Elliott]

check the bmfa classifieds I know they are sold there also in new state not second hand.

I can vouch they are good. Will save the prop moving forward into your hand when the tail plane is correctly seated.

Link to the BMFA item

[Bob Moore]

I made something very similar by welding some stainless steel rod and slipping foam on the uprights.  (Before I'd ever seen such a commercial product!)  I have seen people push two spikes or screwdrivers in to the ground suitably spaced . (The spikes , not the poeple!)

 

I've also seen people use a line around the tail secured by a screwdriver spiked into the ground. NOT recommended. Big disadvantage to my mind is, it's not that easy to remove the model one handed when you want to fly.   I saw a nasty accident a couple of weeks ago where a club member put his hand into the edge of a rotating prop, largely I think because he was using this system.

[Martin Harris - Moderator]

Several clubmates use the line system (although I'm a restrainer user myself) which is pretty safe as long as you move behind the model to unhook it.  I always teach people to remove the glow from this position anyway so there's nothin additional to do. I hate seeing anyone reach over a running prop for any reason!

[Steven Butler]

Thanks guys Looks like the one on bay is the same guy who sells via the bmfa. Anyhow I have now placed an order Steve

[Snorbitz]

I bough a wooden broom handle for about a pound and a lenght of foam pipe lagging for about the same. Cut the handle into cricket stump lengths and sharpen'd the ends. Then just push/hammer in the summer them into the ground and put a bit of pipe lagging over each one to protect your plane. Good enough to restrain my 26cc Zero on full tilt. Sorted.

[Tony Smith 7]

What about the sort of screws sold as "pet anchors" ... for example Dog Anchor

[Tony Smith 7]

Deleted ... duplicate

Edited By Tony Smith 7 on 03/01/2011 09:01:35

[fly boy3]

Hi all,I am with Tony on this one,  plus a metre or two  of thick cord costing pence from B&Q. Many club members have used these for years, providing you have some grassed area you can use.  CheersFB3

[stu knowles]

To speak for an alternative view, I shudder when I see models restrained by the comparatively fragile tailplane while being started, or even worse, run up to full throttle.  Not for me anyway.

 

I prefer to use the leading edge of the wing , most often using my flight box in front of one wing and a padded stick driven into the ground in front of the other.  On particularly tall models, two padded sticks.

 

I accept that this is a minority view but IMHO neither the construction of the tailplane and rear fuselage or the close proximity of all of the elevator and rudder linkages, make tail restraints a good idea.

 

 

You pays your money......

 

 

stu k 

Edited By stu knowles on 03/01/2011 14:24:54

[r6dan]

 

I agree with the above,I wouldn`t put the full thrust of my engine  through the tail,IMOP tail restraints are fine to get the model started but for full throttle I would hold on to the fus or wing root.

Edited By r6dan on 03/01/2011 14:36:18

[Steven Butler]

well thanks for all the answers my tail restraint will be here this week and hopefully it will be fine

 

steve

[Martin Harris - Moderator]

I think I'd be asking myself questions if I thought my tailplane wasn't strong enough to retain the model...the average tailplane has about 5 inches of epoxy in shear attaching it against the thrust. I'd be surprised if there was much more than 10 lbs of static thrust from a 120 4 stroke or 90 2 stroke at full bore.