Carlson Struts question

[Maxray]

Hi Guys,
Just curious if anyone has used the larger 3" streamlined extrusions fro Carlson
on their Eagles. I thought Scott Johnson did but he may have used the Uflyit plastic slip overs.
Thank you!

[Kiwi55]

I'm using two sizes of the Carlson struts on my Cabin Eagle. I believe the larger is 3" and the smaller probably 2.5"

[rfeenstra]

ditto on my double eagle.

[Maxray]

Thanks guys!

[Maxray]

Sounds good.
I may order the smaller ones for the rear and sell the extra 3" ones with the fittings kit.
I believe they are 10' long.

[Tom H]

Maxray, you may have made up your mind by now, but be aware that the extruded alum Carlson struts are about 3 to 4 times heavier than the round alum tubes called for in the plans.  We added the extruded struts to the rebuild of Treehugger, which was one of many weight adders.

If you are concerned about weight (especially on a LE or LEXL) but want the airfoil shape, the round tubes faired with foam, balsa, alum sheet or the purchased airfoil covers will weigh less than the extruded alum struts.

[Maxray]

Hi Tom,
Thank you for the info. yes, I realized the huge weight of the struts. It does have me concerned.
I may just sell them and use the round tubes and add the ABS extruded airfoil shapes.
I appreciate the info Tom!

[Maxray]

I wish I knew what Scott Johnson uses on his Eagle now. The airfoil ones...

[Dan_]

I wish I knew what Scott Johnson uses on his Eagle now. The airfoil ones...

These maybe...  http://www.uflyit.com/streamline_fairings.htm

Or make some.

[Maxray]

Hi Dan,
Yes, I've considered the Aerolite streamline fairings. Very nice but expensive for extruded plastic. In the end, the combination of those fairings, the aluminum tubing and shipping costs are approaching me justifying buying the small Carlson struts. They are really well designed and do weigh far less for sure.

Joe Spencer made his fairings from aluminum flashing I believe, and they look fantastic on his Putt Putt close an personal video.
It would be great if he made a video or gave an explanation on how he did the fabrication. It would give us yet another good choice.
I can think of a couple ways but why re-invent the wheel. Joe nailed it.

I may experiment with the foam cutting method.  I can laser cut the end templates and I have a lot of NiChrome wire laying around.
Thanks for the link Dan!

http://www.uflyit.com/streamline_fairings.htm

Joe's aluminum fairings are right around 3:47 in his video
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=joe+spencer+putt+putt