SPRING OR NO SPRING LANDING GEAR

[Rich Snyder]

Lets hear some opinions having to do with building the landing gear with springs or without, (just tubing).

[Tom H]

From my experience with LEU Treehugger, using the BMX wheels, springs are recommended.  The BMX wheels/tires just don't have much give on impact (i.e., a harder landing), and the gear legs, wheels, axles or other parts may be damaged.

I have not tried it, but if you use the Black Max or other similar softer, low pressure wheel/tires, the springs in the gear may not be needed.  A couple on this group have gone that route with apparent success.

Tom H

[Dan_]

Lets hear some opinions having to do with building the landing gear with springs or without, (just tubing).

Corvair Guru William Wynne has an opinion on die springs...  and other things.


http://flycorvair.net/2012/10/27/new-die-spring-landing-gear-on-a-pietenpol-10-a-m-4-p-m/

[Leonard]

Hi Guys,
 I would not recomend no springs on the gear leg unless you are a very experienced pilot it is not for low time pilots. Leonard

[Rich Snyder]

Hi Guys, I would not recomend no springs on the gear leg unless you are a very experienced pilot it is not for low time pilots. Leonard 


Thanks for the response Boss. Sure am enjoying building the XL. I'm not a low time pilot; I'm a No Time pilot. I'll need all the help I can get for all the greaser landings in the future. Rich.

[leshoman]

If you are running the Black Max wheels and tires keep the air pressure low and the tires flex and do there job.

[Rich Snyder]

If you are running the Black Max wheels and tires keep the air pressure low and the tires flex and do there job.

Sounds good Les- I may be using some less than glass smooth runways in the future, so as much as I relish the idea of KISS with just the soft tire pressure, the jury is still out. I hope everyone is taking the poll regarding the landing gear. Thanks for the input!  Rich.

[leshoman]

I would not put the springs in. Did not have them the LEU or the LEXL

[scottiniowa]

There are several methods for contained springs as the Wynne web thread showed one simple way.  And that can even be streamlined once you know all is correct with it. Actually if you streamlined just this area of the spring, you could get less aero drag than just the round tubing. (of course you can do the same with tubing) 

Scott

[Steve]

There are several methods for contained springs as the Wynne web thread showed one simple way.  And that can even be streamlined once you know all is correct with it. Actually if you streamlined just this area of the spring, you could get less aero drag than just the round tubing. (of course you can do the same with tubing)

Scott

The Forum Download tab has a version of the upscale strut: http://www.eaglersnest.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=6

[Rich Snyder]

On page 24 of the XL plans the shock strut is in exploded view. I am in the middle of building the gear this way after weighing in on all the responses. Please respond to tell me if I am assembling this correctly. The 5/8"x .049 tube goes up through the spring and the 2 spools and inside of the 3/4 x .035 tube.The 3/16" hole in the end of this tube takes the 3/16" bolt. That bolt goes through the upper spool, the 1" slot in the 3/4" tube and the hole in the 5/8" tube. When I assemble the pieces this way, the 3/4" tube does not reach the lower spool. It is still up inside the spring by about 1/4". Does the spring need to be compressed or does my 3/4" tube need to be longer in order to tack weld it as per instructions? What is the proper spring adjustment? Do you just tack weld the lower spool or weld all the way around after the spring is "adjusted". Thanks for any help, Rich

[Rich Snyder]

Hi Guys- Hope this is not a repeat but the"new" button did not show up in the XL area after my post and I wanted some response. Thanks, Rich.

[Rich Snyder]

OK -Here's one more test to see if the "new " button will show up. Rich

[Dan_]

OK -Here's one more test to see if the "new " button will show up. Rich

Rich,
When you read this, look up the page and click "XL".  That will put you into the overview of that category and sub-category...
Now look down the page for "new topic".

When you "click in" to a topic (thread) the option of starting a new one is not there.  You only see it when you click in to the category.

[Rich Snyder]

Oh OK- So if I don't click the new thread button, I can't continue on a subject already under way? Rich