---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sun 06/12/11: 14 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 05:49 AM - Re: Re: Bi-Fold Aircraft Doors (Charlie England) 2. 06:37 AM - Re: Four wingtips are NOT better than two () 3. 07:46 AM - home from rock house (B Young) 4. 12:21 PM - Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? (Thom Riddle) 5. 01:46 PM - Re: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? (b young) 6. 01:48 PM - Re: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? (ces308) 7. 01:53 PM - Re: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? () 8. 03:25 PM - Re: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? (Thom Riddle) 9. 03:36 PM - Re: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? (zeprep251@aol.com) 10. 05:11 PM - Re: Bi-Fold Aircraft Doors (Dennis Thate) 11. 06:19 PM - Re: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? (William Long) 12. 06:27 PM - Re: Bi-Fold Aircraft Doors (Dennis Thate) 13. 06:43 PM - Re: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? (Dana Hague) 14. 10:28 PM - Re: Bi-Fold Aircraft Doors (Dennis Thate) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 05:49:34 AM PST US From: Charlie England Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Bi-Fold Aircraft Doors On 6/11/2011 10:17 PM, Dennis Thate wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dennis Thate" > > *********The three and half minute bifold door **************** > > It's been a momentous task, over budget, behind schedule, several redo's. But the end result was well worth all the extra effort. I no longer have to fold the wings on my Kolb Firestar II. > > But the frosting on the cake was the real bonding experience with my son Ross. Without his talent, skill and determination I would have never attempted such a daunting task ! > > > Enjoy ! Congrats, Dennis; that's a fine looking piece of hardware. Now, I might be even more interested in the building itself. The previous shots of the exterior make it look like it might be a pre-fab'd metal building, but the interior shot seems to show a beautiful wood truss & decking structure. Was it a kit, or were the curved trusses built up by someone on-site? Thanks, Charlie ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 06:37:48 AM PST US From: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Four wingtips are NOT better than two > I flew my Ultrastar without the center gap seal... once. Never again! Poor pitch control, poor climb, not fun. I didn't try any stalls, just once around the pattern, kept the speed up on final, just get out down. > > -Dana Ditto! Experienced same thing with my US. john h mkIII Burns Junction, Oregon ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 07:46:05 AM PST US From: "B Young" Subject: Kolb-List: home from rock house I got home from the rock house last night,,, another wonderful trip,,,, I had the privilege to meet some new friends, and I think I can speak for everyone, we all had a wonderful time, Thanks go to Larry and Karen for their hospitality, It seems they go to a lot of extra work and expense to host the gathering. Boyd young Do not archive ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 12:21:10 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? From: "Thom Riddle" When on the ground, my Slingshot seems to lag a bit from rudder pedal application to steering response. There is a pre-tension on the springs but I suspect the response could be improved by increasing the pre-tension, which begs the question why springs at all? What is the purpose of the steering springs? I've flown a Sonex with no steering springs at all and it seemed to handle fine on the ground and its tail weight is very very light compared to my Slingshot. I don't plan to eliminate the steering springs on my Slingshot but am considering increasing the pre-tension in hopes of improving the steering response. Any thoughts, preferably based on experience, will be much appreciated. -------- Thom Riddle Buffalo, NY (9G0) Kolb Slingshot SS-021 Jabiru 2200A #1574 Tennessee Prop 64x32 Truth is what stands the test of experience. - Albert Einstein Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=342796#342796 ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 01:46:26 PM PST US From: "b young" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? When on the ground, my Slingshot seems to lag a bit from rudder pedal application to steering response. There is a pre-tension on the springs but I suspect the response could be improved by increasing the pre-tension, which begs the question why springs at all? What is the purpose of the steering springs? I've flown a Sonex with no steering springs at all and it seemed to handle fine on the ground and its tail weight is very very light compared to my Slingshot. I don't plan to eliminate the steering springs on my Slingshot but am considering increasing the pre-tension in hopes of improving the steering response. Any thoughts, preferably based on experience, will be much appreciated. -------- Thom Riddle Thom have you ever been in a tail dragger when the tail wheel fluttered on landing? without some type of dynamic dampening something would break / bend. you should be able to make for a more positive control with stiffer springs... but make sure they are not so stiff that the tail wheel wont break free when needed, maybe more or different grease,,, or less sand and dirt in the bearings, would make it turn more easily. boyd young ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 01:48:54 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? From: "ces308" Hi Thom, I was having a problem turning my M3X and I took the edge off the detent on the tail wheel.I took just enough off so it would stay straight,but would turn at the least amount of pressure applied.Turns great now . Just a thought...oh yeah...I assumed the springs were to take some of the stress off the rudder.....???? chris ambrose M3X/Jabiru A-2200 N327CS Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=342801#342801 ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 01:53:35 PM PST US From: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? Springs included in Kolb kits are very light. In other than ideal conditions they are not stiff enough to transmit rudder input to the tailwheel horn. I use Maule compression springs on my MKIII. You could use stiffer springs and probably work much better. I believe the tailwheel springs prevent damage to the rudder when taxiing, especially rough conditions. I can see direct/hard linkage between tailwheel horn and rudder horn causing damage. john h mkIII Burns Junction, Oregon john h mkIII Burns Junction, Oregon ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 03:25:16 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? From: "Thom Riddle" Thanks for your responses. All useful information. If it looks like I have enough unused portion on my compression springs, I will reduce the chains by one link and see how it does. If not enough unused space i'll buy longer springs of similar rate and pre-tension them a bit more. -------- Thom Riddle Buffalo, NY (9G0) Kolb Slingshot SS-021 Jabiru 2200A #1574 Tennessee Prop 64x32 Truth is what stands the test of experience. - Albert Einstein Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=342810#342810 ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 03:36:21 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? From: zeprep251@aol.com Thom, Stiffened up the tail springs on a MK3. Helped ground handling in cross win ds. May go a little stiffer yet.A no spring connection may possibly get you into trouble control wise if the tail wheel should lock up or freeze G.Aman -----Original Message----- From: Thom Riddle Sent: Sun, Jun 12, 2011 3:21 pm Subject: Kolb-List: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? When on the ground, my Slingshot seems to lag a bit from rudder pedal application to steering response. There is a pre-tension on the springs but I suspect the response could be improved by increasing the pre-tension, which begs the question why springs at all? What is the purpose of the steering spring s? I've flown a Sonex with no steering springs at all and it seemed to handle fine on the ground and its tail weight is very very light compared to my Slingsh ot. I don't plan to eliminate the steering springs on my Slingshot but am conside ring increasing the pre-tension in hopes of improving the steering response. Any thoughts, preferably based on experience, will be much appreciated. -------- Thom Riddle Buffalo, NY (9G0) Kolb Slingshot SS-021 Jabiru 2200A #1574 Tennessee Prop 64x32 Truth is what stands the test of experience. - Albert Einstein Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=342796#342796 ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 05:11:38 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Bi-Fold Aircraft Doors From: "Dennis Thate" ceengland(at)bellsouth.ne wrote: > On 6/11/2011 10:17 PM, Dennis Thate wrote: > > > > > > > *********The three and half minute bifold door **************** > > > > It's been a momentous task, over budget, behind schedule, several redo's. But the end result was well worth all the extra effort. I no longer have to fold the wings on my Kolb Firestar II. > > > > But the frosting on the cake was the real bonding experience with my son Ross. Without his talent, skill and determination I would have never attempted such a daunting task ! > > > > > > Enjoy ! > > Congrats, Dennis; that's a fine looking piece of hardware. > > > > > Now, I might be even more interested in the building itself. The > previous shots of the exterior make it look like it might be a pre-fab'd > metal building, but the interior shot seems to show a beautiful wood > truss & decking structure. Was it a kit, or were the curved trusses > built up by someone on-site? > > Thanks, > > Charlie PreFab rafters assembled on Site in 1961. Covered over in metal 5 years ago. Quonset roofs seemed to be the rage back then, but as the walls commonly pushed out and the roofs sagged from years of heavy spring rainfall, the quonset soon fell out of vogue in this region of the country. -------- Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute. ~Gil Stern Faith is believing what you know ain't so - Mark Twain Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=342824#342824 ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 06:19:43 PM PST US From: William Long Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? With my Firefly I found that heavier springs helped but sometimes you just have to add power half way into your landing to get her back on track. Bill Long Holt MI (MI38) ________________________________ From: Thom Riddle Sent: Sun, June 12, 2011 3:18:42 PM Subject: Kolb-List: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? When on the ground, my Slingshot seems to lag a bit from rudder pedal application to steering response. There is a pre-tension on the springs but I suspect the response could be improved by increasing the pre-tension, which begs the question why springs at all? What is the purpose of the steering springs? I've flown a Sonex with no steering springs at all and it seemed to handle fine on the ground and its tail weight is very very light compared to my Slingshot. I don't plan to eliminate the steering springs on my Slingshot but am considering increasing the pre-tension in hopes of improving the steering response. Any thoughts, preferably based on experience, will be much appreciated. -------- Thom Riddle Buffalo, NY (9G0) Kolb Slingshot SS-021 Jabiru 2200A #1574 Tennessee Prop 64x32 Truth is what stands the test of experience. - Albert Einstein Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=342796#342796 ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 06:27:22 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Bi-Fold Aircraft Doors From: "Dennis Thate" Photos of some of the details. Happy to share any of my many photos. I will post a final shot with the Kolb inside after all the finished work is done and grass is up. Happy Flying ! -------- Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute. ~Gil Stern Faith is believing what you know ain't so - Mark Twain Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=342834#342834 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/three_444.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/two_178.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/one_113.jpg ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 06:43:34 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Tail wheel steering SPRINGS or NOT? From: Dana Hague Hit a rock or something, the shock on the tail could be pretty severe if you don't have springs. It's a taildragger; there's gonna be some lag. -Dana b young wrote: When on the ground, my Slingshot seems to lag a bit from rudder pedal application to steering response. There is a pre-tension on the springs but I suspect the response could be improved by increasing the pre-tension, which begs the question why springs at all? What is the purpose of the steering springs? I've flown a Sonex with no steering springs at all and it seemed to handle fine on the ground and its tail weight is very very light compared to my Slingshot. I don't plan to eliminate the steering springs on my Slingshot but am considering increasing the pre-tension in hopes of improving the steering response. Any thoughts, preferably based on experience, will be much appreciated. -------- Thom Riddle Thom have you ever been in a tail dragger when the tail wheel fluttered on landing? without some type of dynamic dampening something would break / bend. you should be able to make for a more positive control with stiffer springs... but make sure they are not so stiff that the tail wheel wont break free when needed, maybe more or different grease,,, or less sand and dirt in the bearings, would make it turn more easily. boyd young _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 10:28:54 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Bi-Fold Aircraft Doors From: "Dennis Thate" Above all .....Keep it Simple ! -------- Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute. ~Gil Stern Faith is believing what you know ain't so - Mark Twain Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=342845#342845 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/608_107.jpg ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message kolb-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Kolb-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/kolb-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/kolb-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.