Skippers Walker Posted July 5, 2022 Share Posted July 5, 2022 I'm currently constructing this classic model for electric power. My temptation is to fit a castoring tail wheel as opposed to following the plan fixed unit. The model is to be flown exclusively from a grass strip. Any pros and cons from modellers that have built this machine please? Cheers SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul De Tourtoulon Posted July 5, 2022 Share Posted July 5, 2022 If you can taxi it properly to and from the runway, take off and land I will offer you a glass of Champagne,,,? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan W Posted July 5, 2022 Share Posted July 5, 2022 I have a Radio Queen (similar vintage large floaty thing) with a fixed tail wheel. It behaves itself quite well on the ground, though with rather a large turning circle by rudder effect only. I do suspect that a tail wheel which was free to castor would lead to very wobbly progress. Either fixed or steerable would likely be the best bet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skippers Walker Posted July 5, 2022 Author Share Posted July 5, 2022 Thanks for the comments, I'll stick to a fixed 1 1/2" unit. Stay cool SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Dunne Posted July 5, 2022 Share Posted July 5, 2022 Hi Skippers, I built my Falcon last year, with a fixed tailwheel as per plan. It tends to roll left on takeoff, but not enough to cause worry. Touch'n'goes are great if the touch is gentle, but very interesting (!) if the touch is really a wallop... Ground steering is minimal, but you quickly get used to it - it is not a problem. I recommend that you stick to the plan design - it does work ok. An interesting and challenging model - I think you will enjoy it! Steve. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skippers Walker Posted July 5, 2022 Author Share Posted July 5, 2022 Definitely a fixed unit. Believe the designer, I know that it was originally for F/F but other modeller's experience counts for a lot. Cheers Chris (SW) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted July 5, 2022 Share Posted July 5, 2022 3 hours ago, Paul De Tourtoulon said: If you can taxi it properly to and from the runway, take off and land I will offer you a glass of Champagne,,,? Make it a bottle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Billinge Posted July 5, 2022 Share Posted July 5, 2022 I built my new Swizzle Stick with a castoring tail wheel but the take off run is only measured in inches so it doesn't really matter. KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul De Tourtoulon Posted July 6, 2022 Share Posted July 6, 2022 6 hours ago, Keith Billinge said: I built my new Swizzle Stick with a castoring tail wheel but the take off run is only measured in inches so it doesn't really matter. KB There always has to be one out there who doesn't taxi,,,? I can go better Keith, I throw my planes in the air so no tail wheel is needed,,,? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarlyBird Posted July 6, 2022 Share Posted July 6, 2022 44 minutes ago, Paul De Tourtoulon said: There always has to be one out there who doesn't taxi,,,? I can go better Keith, I throw my planes in the air so no tail wheel is needed,,,? The Swizzle Stick will taxi, and I am sure Keith does as I do. However, wind will cause the model to weather cock completely defeating my attempts to taxi but that is not the end of my world as I can walk the short distance to place the model for take-off and hopefully the short distance for retrieval, then there are many helpful club mates that will retrieve for me if my landings are not close. The Falcon will probably be the same in that it will weather cock, but I guess that it's not a model for strong winds. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Gray Posted July 6, 2022 Share Posted July 6, 2022 On my LA7 I have a semi castoring tailwheel, it can swivel but only through a 45 degree arc (or thereabouts), it is quite effective and more controllable than a fully castoring one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.