I received several responses to my post a few days ago concerning the binding
problem
I am having with my torque tube (i.e., inability to fit into TP6 bushing).
Phil advised that early versions of TP4 and the bushes were ground to match
each other, rather that to standard drawing dimensions. I tried the other
TP4 I have (the one installed on the plane) and it fit better, actually allowing
me to get the starboard tailplane all the way on TP4 on the shop bench and
seated into the TP13 bushes.
Unfortunately, I cannot get the tailplane on when TP4 is mounted on the
fuselage,
it is so tight. When I checked the port tailplane (and opened up the surface
to reveal the TP6 bushing) it was clear on visual inspection that the TP6 was
out of alignment by at least a millimeter. (These tailplanes were purchased
---From a charity which obtained them from an estate, so I do not know the
provenance
of the construction).
I will definitely have to remove/reseat the TP6 bushing on the port tailplane,
and probably the starboard as well.
A thought occurred to me: why not have a tube machined that is one piece, the
length from TP5 inboard to TP6 outboard and replacing both those bushings,
instead
of 2 bushes with space between them? Having the 2 bushes a distance apart
seems to make it likely the 2 could be installed out of alignment, whereas a
single tube/bushing could not possibly be.
Any thoughts on this suggestion? If I have to remove or reset both bushings in
both tailplanes, it seems efficient to just replace both with a single tube,
and guarantee the integrity of the tailplane retention (at least with respect
to the possible unbonding of TP6).
Also, any suggestions on the proper technique to remove the bonded-in TP6 and
TP5
bushes without damaging the surrounding material would be appreciated.
Thanks,
George Powell
Visit - www.EuropaOwners.org
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