Is anyone else considering adding an idler plate above the existing tailwheel
arm instead of replacing the whole mechanism?
I have sketched an alternative using this approach and it seems simple and
workable. A fair number of small parts - eyebolts, spacers, washers,
springs, and nuts - would be needed. Three studs would have to be welded into
the plates, two in the arm and one in the idler. Might have to machine a
combination nut/spacer to retain the idler plate on the top of the tailwheel
shaft.
This approach would allow adjustment of spring force and maximum angle
allowed by the springs between rudder and tailwheel; some experimentation
would be needed to get this tuned properly, of course. Given short cables to
turnbuckles located near the tailwheel, the new mechanism could be
substituted for the existing arm in a relatively short time, allowing testing
and refinement without disabling the aircraft for long periods.
This approach only addresses the tailwheel steering vs rudder concerns. The
other benefits of the new tailwheel - reduced deck angle and longer wheelbase
- are not handled.
So, any opinions on the whether this is worth pursuing?
Regards, John A044 Newtown, CT
|