Ron,
Yes, Tony Wakefield used sealed needle roller bearings on the torque tube of
G-OEZY, kit No 42, because the supplied bronze bearings with this early kit
appeared heavy and stiff. He thought the stiffness might contribute to the
hunting in pitch that was observed with Ivan Shaw's prototype, although the
fitting of Flettner strips on the tabs subsequently cured this
characteristic. He can't quote a part number for the bearings, but they
were standard items from a supplier such as Bearing Services Ltd in UK.
Tony's comment was that he could see no advantage in weight or cost by using
plain bearings. To be fair to Europa I don't think their design has proved
unsatisfactory in service, but in anyone has had trouble no doubt they will
speak up on the forum.
Regards
Mike Gregory
Europa Club Safety Officer
<rparigor@suffolk.lib.ny.us>
In the past week, 2 people, 1 of which was our DAR after looking at the now
bonded in torque tube bushings asked why we are using bushings instead of
ball
bearings?
Has anyone installed ball bearings on the torque tube?
Has anyone ever had the bushings wear and need replacement?
Thx.
Ron Parigoris
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