Kolb-List Digest Archive

Mon 12/04/17


Total Messages Posted: 15



Today's Message Index:
----------------------
 
     1. 05:43 AM - Folding wing question (Robert Lobdell)
     2. 07:14 AM - Re: Folding wing question (Ralph B)
     3. 07:39 AM - Re: engine choice for Kolbra (Ralph B)
     4. 01:23 PM - Re: Re: Folding wing question (Robert Lobdell)
     5. 01:41 PM - Re: Re: Folding wing question (Gary Aman)
     6. 01:43 PM - Re: Re: Folding wing question (Bill Berle)
     7. 01:59 PM - Re: Folding wing question (George Alexander)
     8. 02:02 PM - Re: Re: Folding wing question (John Fitt)
     9. 02:31 PM - Re: Re: Folding wing question (John Hauck)
    10. 03:18 PM - Re: Folding wing question (Ralph B)
    11. 03:56 PM - Re: Trailering a Kolb,  (David Kulp)
    12. 04:38 PM - Re: Re: Folding wing question (George Helton)
    13. 06:01 PM - Re: Re: Folding wing question (Larry Cottrell)
    14. 07:23 PM - Re: Re: Folding wing question (Stuart Harner)
    15. 07:33 PM - Re: Re: Folding wing question (Charlie England)
 
 
 


Message 1


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    Time: 05:43:34 AM PST US
    From: Robert Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com>
    Subject: Folding wing question
    Hello everyone this is my first time to send a question. I recently discovered Kolb flyers. . . Mainly because I was searching for a plane with folding wings. Several planes have folding wings but all of Kolb aircraft have them. So, I wondered if folding them say two or three times a week for many months would wear them out. If so, how much trouble is it to replace worn parts. Or do the wings have to be completely redone after so many folds. I have seen several videos of them folding and unfolding. I think Kolb flyers have perfected the process and I have seen several people do it all alone. Which is another reason I like Kolb. There may be times I would need to do this alone. How easy is it for one person who is folding or unfolding a wing to twist it and damage it. While watching the process It seems like a very delicate stage folding and unfolding. Wind could be a factor? Are the wings (fittings that are moved during folding) different on the Firefly, Firestar, or Mark III, or are these areas of the wing exactly the same? Some might think the wing of the Mark III is better, or heavy duty, or different in some way. I am totally unfamiliar with the Kolb except seeing it in Photos and videos. So, far I havent found anything about it I didnt like. Thanks for the invite and all the help. Robert Waskom, Texas Flying An Aeronca Chief The Spirit of Haughton out of Shreveport Downtown Airport (KDTN). PS. Never seen a Kolb except in photos. Would like to see one up close. Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man. Landing is the first!


    Message 2


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    Time: 07:14:44 AM PST US
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    From: "Ralph B" <rstar447@gmail.com>
    I have owned two Kolb aircraft, a Firestar and a Kolbra. I flew the Firestar for 30 years and would still be flying it had I not sold it. I stored it in my garage during this time and trailered it to a local private field. I folded and unfolded the wings and tail everytime I flew. The folding u-joints are steel and will not wear. The amount of wear is negligible, however, I kept the joints greased. The u-joint bolt can be replaced and I replaced it once and didn't really have to. I think it had about 350 wing folds over that time. One thing to be careful of is the wings are extremely vulnerable near the ground when trailering because the leading edge is close to the ground. I always set up the Firestar alone without any help. Once the wings were unhitched, I would get under and lift the wing on my back to pin the lift strut in. It can be done as I did it all those years. It takes about 20 minutes to set up, but many times I would get interrupted by someone asking questions, so it would take onger. The Kolbra wings can fold, but I store it in a hangar and never fold them. I have taken the wings off when I replaced the engine. It's a little bit of work setting up the Firestar, but that is the price I paid for free hangar rent at home. One advantage of having your plane at home is that I could work on it easier with all the tools there. I also liked having it close by because it was my baby and nobody is going to steal it or anything off of it from my garage. :) -------- Ralph B Kolb Kolbra 912uls N20386 550 hours Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476087#476087


    Message 3


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    Time: 07:39:03 AM PST US
    Subject: Re: engine choice for Kolbra
    From: "Ralph B" <rstar447@gmail.com>
    I have owned both the 912 80hp and the 912 100hp on my Kolbra. The 80hp was stolen along with my full panel and everything else. Everyone here knows that story and I won't talk about it. The 80 hp 912 worked fine with a passenger, but once the 100 hp was installed, I found that is the engine for the Kolbra! It climbs better, takes off much quicker, and cruises faster (90-100mph). I found my 912 100hp on Barnstormers for $10,000. I know it's a lot to pay for an engine, but I actually came out of retirement and went back to work for 6 months just to buy an engine. Was it worth it? YES! You can see the performance in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCSI_ruRmac&t=9s -------- Ralph B Kolb Kolbra 912uls N20386 550 hours Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476088#476088


    Message 4


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    Time: 01:23:43 PM PST US
    From: Robert Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com>
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    WOW,,, THAT IS GREAT... I would ask is the Kolbra an older model? Didnt see anything about it on the current site for Kolb. Thanks for the input. So, Firestar is like the mid level plane? Did you make a custom trailer or just use a regular car hauler type thing? Robert Lobdell Waskom, Texas Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man. Landing is the first! > On Dec 4, 2017, at 9:14 AM, Ralph B <rstar447@gmail.com> wrote: > > > I have owned two Kolb aircraft, a Firestar and a Kolbra. I flew the Firestar for 30 years and would still be flying it had I not sold it. I stored it in my garage during this time and trailered it to a local private field. I folded and unfolded the wings and tail everytime I flew. The folding u-joints are steel and will not wear. The amount of wear is negligible, however, I kept the joints greased. The u-joint bolt can be replaced and I replaced it once and didn't really have to. I think it had about 350 wing folds over that time. One thing to be careful of is the wings are extremely vulnerable near the ground when trailering because the leading edge is close to the ground. I always set up the Firestar alone without any help. Once the wings were unhitched, I would get under and lift the wing on my back to pin the lift strut in. It can be done as I did it all those years. It takes about 20 minutes to set up, but many times I would get interrupted by someone asking questions, ! > so it would take onger. The Kolbra wings can fold, but I store it in a hangar and never fold them. I have taken the wings off when I replaced the engine. > > It's a little bit of work setting up the Firestar, but that is the price I paid for free hangar rent at home. One advantage of having your plane at home is that I could work on it easier with all the tools there. I also liked having it close by because it was my baby and nobody is going to steal it or anything off of it from my garage. :) > > -------- > Ralph B > > Kolb Kolbra 912uls > N20386 > 550 hours > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476087#476087 > > > > > > > > >


    Message 5


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    Time: 01:41:12 PM PST US
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    From: Gary Aman <zeprep251@aol.com>
    a great site to answer your folding and trailering questions is( oh2fly) web pages > On Dec 4, 2017, at 10:14 AM, Ralph B <rstar447@gmail.com> wrote: > > > I have owned two Kolb aircraft, a Firestar and a Kolbra. I flew the Firestar for 30 years and would still be flying it had I not sold it. I stored it in my garage during this time and trailered it to a local private field. I folded and unfolded the wings and tail everytime I flew. The folding u-joints are steel and will not wear. The amount of wear is negligible, however, I kept the joints greased. The u-joint bolt can be replaced and I replaced it once and didn't really have to. I think it had about 350 wing folds over that time. One thing to be careful of is the wings are extremely vulnerable near the ground when trailering because the leading edge is close to the ground. I always set up the Firestar alone without any help. Once the wings were unhitched, I would get under and lift the wing on my back to pin the lift strut in. It can be done as I did it all those years. It takes about 20 minutes to set up, but many times I would get interrupted by someone asking questions, ! > so it would take onger. The Kolbra wings can fold, but I store it in a hangar and never fold them. I have taken the wings off when I replaced the engine. > > It's a little bit of work setting up the Firestar, but that is the price I paid for free hangar rent at home. One advantage of having your plane at home is that I could work on it easier with all the tools there. I also liked having it close by because it was my baby and nobody is going to steal it or anything off of it from my garage. :) > > -------- > Ralph B > > Kolb Kolbra 912uls > N20386 > 550 hours > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476087#476087 > > > > > > > > >


    Message 6


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    Time: 01:43:34 PM PST US
    From: Bill Berle <victorbravo@sbcglobal.net>
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    Kolns are like gliders, in the fact that they are very lightweight but very long and narrow (when folded). So you can use a single axle, light weight trailer... but the trailer has to be something like 22 or 24 feet long. And it has to be strong (stiff) enough to not flex much. Ultralight and LSA style airplanes are also NOT built for wind and vibration loads. You might get away with towing the Kolb on its own wheels for a mile or two at slow speed, from your house to a very nearby airport... but longer road trips will beat the heck out of a lot of prts that were designed for flight loads in the air, not washboard woads and potholes. And those abused parts are what you are betting your life on when you fly. It's not a "small concern". So in my opinion trailering is just fine, and it will save a boat load of money, but you MUST put in a significant amount of thought, care, and concern for the parts of the airplane. Bill Berle www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 12/4/17, Robert Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com> wrote: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Folding wing question To: kolb-list@matronics.com Date: Monday, December 4, 2017, 1:23 PM Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com> WOW,,, THAT IS GREAT... I would ask is the Kolbra an older model? Didnt see anything about it on the current site for Kolb. Thanks for the input. So, Firestar is like the mid level plane? Did you make a custom trailer or just use a regular car hauler type thing? Robert Lobdell Waskom, Texas Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man. Landing is the first! > On Dec 4, 2017, at 9:14 AM, Ralph B <rstar447@gmail.com> wrote: > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Ralph B" <rstar447@gmail.com> > > I have owned two Kolb aircraft, a Firestar and a Kolbra. I flew the Firestar for 30 years and would still be flying it had I not sold it. I stored it in my garage during this time and trailered it to a local private field. I folded and unfolded the wings and tail everytime I flew. The folding u-joints are steel and will not wear. The amount of wear is negligible, however, I kept the joints greased. The u-joint bolt can be replaced and I replaced it once and didn't really have to. I think it had about 350 wing folds over that time. One thing to be careful of is the wings are extremely vulnerable near the ground when trailering because the leading edge is close to the ground. I always set up the Firestar alone without any help. Once the wings were unhitched, I would get under and lift the wing on my back to pin the lift strut in. It can be done as I did it all those years. It takes about 20 minutes to set up, but many times I would get interrupted by someone asking questions! , ! > so it would take onger. The Kolbra wings can fold, but I store it in a hangar and never fold them. I have taken the wings off when I replaced the engine. > > It's a little bit of work setting up the Firestar, but that is the price I paid for free hangar rent at home. One advantage of having your plane at home is that I could work on it easier with all the tools there. I also liked having it close by because it was my baby and nobody is going to steal it or anything off of it from my garage. :) > > -------- > Ralph B > > Kolb Kolbra 912uls > N20386 > 550 hours > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476087#476087 > > > > > > > > > The Kolb-List Email Forum - Navigator to browse List Un/Subscription, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - via the Web Forums! - NEW MATRONICS LIST WIKI - Email List Wiki! - List Contribution Web Site - support! -Matt Dralle, List Admin.


    Message 7


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    Time: 01:59:24 PM PST US
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    From: "George Alexander" <gtalexander@att.net>
    robpen5557(at)gmail.com wrote: > Hello everyone this is my first time to send a question. I recently discovered Kolb flyers. . . Mainly because I was searching for a plane with folding wings. > > * * SNIP * * > Robert, if you haven't seen it, a section of my web site deals with "Trailering a Kolb". You can view it at: http://oh2fly.net/Main_trailer_kolb.htm Or if you want more "stuff", mostly about Kolb aircraft, come in through the main page at: http://oh2fly.net -------- George Alexander FS II R503 N709FS http://www.oh2fly.net Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476094#476094


    Message 8


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    Time: 02:02:06 PM PST US
    From: John Fitt <jpfitt@sbcglobal.net>
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    I'm Also am planning to trailer a fire star in an enclosed trailer. So, if traveling long distances will beat the plane up, how would you recommend supporting the plane if not on it's own wheels? Cushioned pads under the wheels...? Sent from my iPhone > On Dec 4, 2017, at 1:43 PM, Bill Berle <victorbravo@sbcglobal.net> wrote: > > > Kolns are like gliders, in the fact that they are very lightweight but very long and narrow (when folded). So you can use a single axle, light weight trailer... but the trailer has to be something like 22 or 24 feet long. And it has to be strong (stiff) enough to not flex much. > > Ultralight and LSA style airplanes are also NOT built for wind and vibration loads. You might get away with towing the Kolb on its own wheels for a mile or two at slow speed, from your house to a very nearby airport... but longer road trips will beat the heck out of a lot of prts that were designed for flight loads in the air, not washboard woads and potholes. And those abused parts are what you are betting your life on when you fly. It's not a "small concern". > > So in my opinion trailering is just fine, and it will save a boat load of money, but you MUST put in a significant amount of thought, care, and concern for the parts of the airplane. > > Bill Berle > www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities > > -------------------------------------------- > On Mon, 12/4/17, Robert Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com> wrote: > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Folding wing question > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Date: Monday, December 4, 2017, 1:23 PM > > Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com> > > WOW,,, THAT IS GREAT... I would > ask is the Kolbra an older model? Didnt see > anything about it on the current site for Kolb. > Thanks for the input. So, Firestar is like the mid > level plane? Did you make a custom trailer or just > use a regular car hauler type thing? > > Robert Lobdell > Waskom, Texas > > Flying is the second greatest thrill > known to man. Landing is the first! > >> On Dec 4, 2017, at 9:14 AM, Ralph > B <rstar447@gmail.com> > wrote: >> >> --> Kolb-List message posted > by: "Ralph B" <rstar447@gmail.com> >> >> I have owned two Kolb aircraft, a > Firestar and a Kolbra. I flew the Firestar for 30 years and > would still be flying it had I not sold it. I stored it in > my garage during this time and trailered it to a local > private field. I folded and unfolded the wings and tail > everytime I flew. The folding u-joints are steel and will > not wear. The amount of wear is negligible, however, I kept > the joints greased. The u-joint bolt can be replaced and I > replaced it once and didn't really have to. I think it had > about 350 wing folds over that time. One thing to be careful > of is the wings are extremely vulnerable near the ground > when trailering because the leading edge is close to the > ground. I always set up the Firestar alone without any help. > Once the wings were unhitched, I would get under and lift > the wing on my back to pin the lift strut in. It can be done > as I did it all those years. It takes about 20 minutes to > set up, but many times I would get interrupted by someone > asking questions! > , ! >> so it would take onger. The Kolbra > wings can fold, but I store it in a hangar and never fold > them. I have taken the wings off when I replaced the > engine. >> >> It's a little bit of work setting > up the Firestar, but that is the price I paid for free > hangar rent at home. One advantage of having your plane at > home is that I could work on it easier with all the tools > there. I also liked having it close by because it was my > baby and nobody is going to steal it or anything off of it > from my garage. :) >> >> -------- >> Ralph B >> >> Kolb Kolbra 912uls >> N20386 >> 550 hours >> >> >> >> >> Read this topic online here: >> >> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476087#476087 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > The Kolb-List Email Forum - > Navigator to browse > List Un/Subscription, > 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, > - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - > via the Web Forums! > - NEW MATRONICS LIST WIKI - > Email List Wiki! > - List Contribution Web Site - > support! > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > > > > > >


    Message 9


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    Time: 02:31:21 PM PST US
    From: "John Hauck" <jhauck@elmore.rr.com>
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    Kolbs do just fine trailering on main gear. It is recommended to fabricate a pedestal to carry the tail boom and take the load off the tail wheel and tail wheel strut. Long distance trailering I removed the wings and secured in cradles on each wall of the trailer. An enclosed trailer is best for long distances and highway speeds. Open trailer for local traveling to and from airstrip. It is hard on the aircraft to tow at highway speeds on an open trailer. I've towed my Ultrastar, Firestar, and MKIII on the main gear with the tail wheel assembly attached to my tractor. It is 3 miles from my home to my grass strip. I did this with wings removed. Wouldn't want to do that every time I flew. Always scared to death some idiot was going to run over my airplane on the highway. Always a nail biter. Homer Kolb designed folding wings on the Ultrastar and each model thereafter. It was always a big selling point. I don't fold unless I have to bring the airplane home to work on it. Haven't had to do that in many years. Instead of clevis pins I use AN bolts and nuts to attach wings and flying surfaces. All fittings have welded bushings. No slop in attachments. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of John Fitt Sent: Monday, December 04, 2017 4:02 PM Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Folding wing question I'm Also am planning to trailer a fire star in an enclosed trailer. So, if traveling long distances will beat the plane up, how would you recommend supporting the plane if not on it's own wheels? Cushioned pads under the wheels...? Sent from my iPhone > On Dec 4, 2017, at 1:43 PM, Bill Berle <victorbravo@sbcglobal.net> wrote: > > --> <victorbravo@sbcglobal.net> > > Kolns are like gliders, in the fact that they are very lightweight but very long and narrow (when folded). So you can use a single axle, light weight trailer... but the trailer has to be something like 22 or 24 feet long. And it has to be strong (stiff) enough to not flex much. > > Ultralight and LSA style airplanes are also NOT built for wind and vibration loads. You might get away with towing the Kolb on its own wheels for a mile or two at slow speed, from your house to a very nearby airport... but longer road trips will beat the heck out of a lot of prts that were designed for flight loads in the air, not washboard woads and potholes. And those abused parts are what you are betting your life on when you fly. It's not a "small concern". > > So in my opinion trailering is just fine, and it will save a boat load of money, but you MUST put in a significant amount of thought, care, and concern for the parts of the airplane. > > Bill Berle > www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities > > -------------------------------------------- > On Mon, 12/4/17, Robert Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com> wrote: > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Folding wing question > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Date: Monday, December 4, 2017, 1:23 PM > > Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com> > > WOW,,, THAT IS GREAT... I would > ask is the Kolbra an older model? Didnt see anything about it on the > current site for Kolb. > Thanks for the input. So, Firestar is like the mid > level plane? Did you make a custom trailer or just > use a regular car hauler type thing? > > Robert Lobdell > Waskom, Texas > > Flying is the second greatest thrill > known to man. Landing is the first! > >> On Dec 4, 2017, at 9:14 AM, Ralph > B <rstar447@gmail.com> > wrote: >> >> --> Kolb-List message posted > by: "Ralph B" <rstar447@gmail.com> >> >> I have owned two Kolb aircraft, a > Firestar and a Kolbra. I flew the Firestar for 30 years and would > still be flying it had I not sold it. I stored it in my garage during > this time and trailered it to a local private field. I folded and > unfolded the wings and tail everytime I flew. The folding u-joints are > steel and will not wear. The amount of wear is negligible, however, I > kept the joints greased. The u-joint bolt can be replaced and I > replaced it once and didn't really have to. I think it had about 350 > wing folds over that time. One thing to be careful of is the wings are > extremely vulnerable near the ground when trailering because the > leading edge is close to the ground. I always set up the Firestar > alone without any help. > Once the wings were unhitched, I would get under and lift the wing on > my back to pin the lift strut in. It can be done as I did it all those > years. It takes about 20 minutes to set up, but many times I would get > interrupted by someone asking questions! > , ! >> so it would take onger. The Kolbra > wings can fold, but I store it in a hangar and never fold them. I have > taken the wings off when I replaced the engine. >> >> It's a little bit of work setting > up the Firestar, but that is the price I paid for free hangar rent at > home. One advantage of having your plane at home is that I could work > on it easier with all the tools there. I also liked having it close by > because it was my baby and nobody is going to steal it or anything off > of it from my garage. :) >> >> -------- >> Ralph B >> >> Kolb Kolbra 912uls >> N20386 >> 550 hours >> >> >> >> >> Read this topic online here: >> >> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476087#476087 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > The Kolb-List Email Forum - > Navigator to browse > List Un/Subscription, > 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, > - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - > via the Web Forums! > - NEW MATRONICS LIST WIKI - > Email List Wiki! > - List Contribution Web Site - > support! > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > > > > > >


    Message 10


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    Time: 03:18:00 PM PST US
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    From: "Ralph B" <rstar447@gmail.com>
    robpen5557(at)gmail.com wrote: > WOW,,, THAT IS GREAT... I would ask is the Kolbra an older model? Didnt see anything about it on the current site for Kolb. Thanks for the input. So, Firestar is like the mid level plane? Did you make a custom trailer or just use a regular car hauler type thing? > > Robert Lobdell > Waskom, Texas > > Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man. Landing is the first! > > > > On Dec 4, 2017, at 9:14 AM, Ralph B wrote: > > > > I have owned two Kolb aircraft, a Firestar and a Kolbra. I flew the Firestar for 30 years and would still be flying it had I not sold it. I stored it in my garage during this time and trailered it to a local private field. I folded and unfolded the wings and tail everytime I flew. The folding u-joints are steel and will not wear. The amount of wear is negligible, however, I kept the joints greased. The u-joint bolt can be replaced and I replaced it once and didn't really have to. I think it had about 350 wing folds over that time. One thing to be careful of is the wings are extremely vulnerable near the ground when trailering because the leading edge is close to the ground. I always set up the Firestar alone without any help. Once the wings were unhitched, I would get under and lift the wing on my back to pin the lift strut in. It can be done as I did it all those years. It takes about 20 minutes to set up, but many times I would get interrupted by someone asking questions, ! > > so it would take onger. The Kolbra wings can fold, but I store it in a hangar and never fold them. I have taken the wings off when I replaced the engine. > > > > It's a little bit of work setting up the Firestar, but that is the price I paid for free hangar rent at home. One advantage of having your plane at home is that I could work on it easier with all the tools there. I also liked having it close by because it was my baby and nobody is going to steal it or anything off of it from my garage. :) > > > > -------- > > Ralph B > > > > Kolb Kolbra 912uls > > N20386 > > 550 hours > > > > > > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476087#476087 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The Kolbra is a larger tandem model of the Firestar that accepts larger engines similar to the Rotax 912's. I bought mine ready to fly from a friend. The Firestar trailer is one of these trailers that can be bought at Home Depot covered with a sheet of plywood. It measures 8'x4' and can be towed with a car. It will tow at highway speeds, but I only had to trailer it short distances. I wouldn't recommend towing on this type of trailer long distances. -------- Ralph B Kolb Kolbra 912uls N20386 550 hours Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476097#476097 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/trailer__170.jpg


    Message 11


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    Time: 03:56:59 PM PST US
    Subject: Re: Trailering a Kolb,
    From: David Kulp <undoctor@rcn.com>
    Hi John, I trailered my Kolb from TN to PA without a scratch or rash. Chock and tie down the main gear (with low tire pressure) securely. Build a cradle high enough to fit beneath the boom tube to hold the tail wheel off the floor. Pad it where the boom tube rests in the cradle. Remove the wings and you can either suspend them from the roof with ropes and padding against each wall, or what I did was wrap them in moving blankets and slide them beneath the plane, cushioned on foam and secured with rope. No rash, no damage and some very rough roads. Main gear will hold the weight but you must lift the tail wheel so there's no weight on it. Good luck. Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Droid On Dec 4, 2017 5:01 PM, John Fitt <jpfitt@sbcglobal.net> wrote: > > > I'm Also am planning to trailer a fire star > in an enclosed trailer. So, if traveling long distances will beat the plane up, how would you recommend supporting the plane if not on it's own wheels? Cushioned pads under the wheels...? > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Dec 4, 2017, at 1:43 PM, Bill Berle <victorbravo@sbcglobal.net> wrote: > > > > > > Kolns are like gliders, in the fact that they are very lightweight but very long and narrow (when folded). So you can use a single axle, light weight trailer... but the trailer has to be something like 22 or 24 feet long. And it has to be strong (stiff) enough to not flex much. > > > > Ultralight and LSA style airplanes are also NOT built for wind and vibration loads. You might get away with towing the Kolb on its own wheels for a mile or two at slow speed, from your house to a very nearby airport... but longer road trips will beat the heck out of a lot of prts that were designed for flight loads in the air, not washboard woads and potholes. And those abused parts are what you are betting your life on when you fly. It's not a "small concern". > > > > So in my opinion trailering is just fine, and it will save a boat load of money, but you MUST put in a significant amount of thought, care, and concern for the parts of the airplane. > > > > Bill Berle > > www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > > www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and for-profit entities > > > > -------------------------------------------- > > On Mon, 12/4/17, Robert Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com> wrote: > > > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Folding wing question > > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > > Date: Monday, December 4, 2017, 1:23 PM > > > > Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com> > > > > WOW,,, THAT IS GREAT... I would > > ask is the Kolbra an older model? Didnt see > > anything about it on the current site for Kolb. > > Thanks for the input. So, Firestar is like the mid > > level plane? Did you make a custom trailer or just > > use a regular car hauler type thing? > > > > Robert Lobdell > > Waskom, Texas > > > > Flying is the second greatest thrill > > known to man. Landing is the first! > > > >> On Dec 4, 2017, at 9:14 AM, Ralph > > B <rstar447@gmail.com> > > wrote: > >> > >> --> Kolb-List message posted > > by: "Ralph B" <rstar447@gmail.com> > >> > >> I have owned two Kolb aircraft, a > > Firestar and a Kolbra. I flew the Firestar for 30 years and > > would still be flying it had I not sold it. I stored it in > > my garage during this time and trailered it to a local > > private field. I folded and unfolded the wings and tail > > everytime I flew. The folding u-joints are steel and will > > not wear. The amount of wear is negligible, however, I kept > > the joints greased. The u-joint bolt can be replaced and I > > replaced it once and didn't really have to. I think it had > > about 350 wing folds over that time. One thing to be careful > > of is the wings are extremely vulnerable near the ground > > when trailering because the leading edge is close to the > > ground. I always set up the Firestar alone without any help. > > Once the wings were unhitched, I would get under and lift > > the wing on my back to pin the lift strut in. It can be done > > as I did it all those years. It takes about 20 minutes to > > set up, but many times I would get interrupted by someone > > asking questions! > > , ! > >> so it would take onger. The Kolbra > > wings can fold, but I store it in a hangar and never fold > > them. I have taken the wings off when I replaced the > > engine. > >> > >> It's a little bit of work setting > > up the Firestar, but that is the price I paid for free > > hangar rent at home. One advantage of having your plane at > > home is that I could work on it easier with all the tools > > there. I also liked having it close by because it was my > > baby and nobody is going to steal it or anything off of it > > from my garage. :) > >> > >> -------- > >> Ralph B > >> > >> Kolb Kolbra 912uls > >> N20386 > >> 550 hours > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> Read this topic online here: > >> > >> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476087#476087 > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > > > The Kolb-List Email Forum - > > Navigator to browse > > List Un/Subscription, > > 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, > > - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - > > via the Web Forums! > > - NEW MATRONICS LIST WIKI - > > Email List Wiki! > > - List Contribution Web Site - > > support! > > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >


    Message 12


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    Time: 04:38:18 PM PST US
    From: George Helton <gdhelton@gmail.com>
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    On the other end spectrum. This is the trailer I use for my original Firesta r. I=99ve use it to move my airplane from California to northern Michi gan. The Firestar was stored folded in it for some 28 years. I hanger it now . It=99s nice not to have to fold the tail & wings every time I want t o go flying. I consider it a luxury. Kolbs are easily folded. Its just 20 mi nutes that I=99d rather send flying. I use a scissors jack type boom tube pedestal, leading edge pads and it ride s on the main wheels. I lock the wings together when folded to keep them from bumping into the fus elage. I=99ve found that if your going nick up your paint, it will be d uring loading and unloading. Plenty of tie down straps are also highly recom mended. For really long trips I remove the wings and put them in wing racks o n the sides of the trailer mounted inside. I hope these pictures aren=99 t to big for the site. Blue Skies, everyone. George H. 1986 Firestar 377 Rotax 14GDH gdhelton@gmail.com > On Dec 4, 2017, at 6:17 PM, Ralph B <rstar447@gmail.com> wrote: > > > > robpen5557(at)gmail.com wrote: >> WOW,,, THAT IS GREAT... I would ask is the Kolbra an older model? Didn =99t see anything about it on the current site for Kolb. Thanks for the input. So, Firestar is like the mid level plane? Did you make a custom t railer or just use a regular car hauler type thing? >> >> Robert Lobdell >> Waskom, Texas >> >> Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man. Landing is the first! >> >> >>> On Dec 4, 2017, at 9:14 AM, Ralph B wrote: >>> >>> I have owned two Kolb aircraft, a Firestar and a Kolbra. I flew the Fire star for 30 years and would still be flying it had I not sold it. I stored i t in my garage during this time and trailered it to a local private field. I folded and unfolded the wings and tail everytime I flew. The folding u-join ts are steel and will not wear. The amount of wear is negligible, however, I kept the joints greased. The u-joint bolt can be replaced and I replaced it once and didn't really have to. I think it had about 350 wing folds over th at time. One thing to be careful of is the wings are extremely vulnerable ne ar the ground when trailering because the leading edge is close to the groun d. I always set up the Firestar alone without any help. Once the wings were u nhitched, I would get under and lift the wing on my back to pin the lift str ut in. It can be done as I did it all those years. It takes about 20 minutes to set up, but many times I would get interrupted by someone asking questi! > ons, ! >>> so it would take onger. The Kolbra wings can fold, but I store it in a h angar and never fold them. I have taken the wings off when I replaced the en gine. >>> >>> It's a little bit of work setting up the Firestar, but that is the price I paid for free hangar rent at home. One advantage of having your plane at h ome is that I could work on it easier with all the tools there. I also liked having it close by because it was my baby and nobody is going to steal it o r anything off of it from my garage. :) >>> >>> -------- >>> Ralph B >>> >>> Kolb Kolbra 912uls >>> N20386 >>> 550 hours >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Read this topic online here: >>> >>> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476087#476087 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> > > > The Kolbra is a larger tandem model of the Firestar that accepts larger en gines similar to the Rotax 912's. I bought mine ready to fly from a friend. > > The Firestar trailer is one of these trailers that can be bought at Home D epot covered with a sheet of plywood. It measures 8'x4' and can be towed wit h a car. It will tow at highway speeds, but I only had to trailer it short d istances. I wouldn't recommend towing on this type of trailer long distances . > > -------- > Ralph B > > Kolb Kolbra 912uls > N20386 > 550 hours > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476097#476097 > > > > > Attachments: > > http://forums.matronics.com//files/trailer__170.jpg > > > ========================== ========= ========================== ========= ========================== ========= ========================== ========= ========================== ========= > > >


    Message 13


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    Time: 06:01:00 PM PST US
    From: Larry Cottrell <lcottrell1020@gmail.com>
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    I stored and towed my firestar in a trailer for more than 10 years. I built a trailer for it before I bought it. I had some faulty answers to the length and made it 22 feet long. Should be 24 at least. If you look on George's site you could see the lift that I made for the boom. When I was going long distances I placed a tire inner tube under the wings, and blew it up to the point that they supported the wings. The wings were pinned to the boom tube at the time. I never had any problem at all. As for securing the plane in the trailer, I had opposing connect points for the ratchet straps, and pulled the plane bag up against a secure stop that kept the plane wheels from rolling back. Of course the ailerons as well as the front of the wing were secured so that they didn't slop around. Larry On Mon, Dec 4, 2017 at 3:01 PM, John Fitt <jpfitt@sbcglobal.net> wrote: > > I'm Also am planning to trailer a fire star > in an enclosed trailer. So, if traveling long distances will beat the > plane up, how would you recommend supporting the plane if not on it's own > wheels? Cushioned pads under the wheels...? > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Dec 4, 2017, at 1:43 PM, Bill Berle <victorbravo@sbcglobal.net> > wrote: > > > > > > Kolns are like gliders, in the fact that they are very lightweight but > very long and narrow (when folded). So you can use a single axle, light > weight trailer... but the trailer has to be something like 22 or 24 feet > long. And it has to be strong (stiff) enough to not flex much. > > > > Ultralight and LSA style airplanes are also NOT built for wind and > vibration loads. You might get away with towing the Kolb on its own wheel s > for a mile or two at slow speed, from your house to a very nearby > airport... but longer road trips will beat the heck out of a lot of prts > that were designed for flight loads in the air, not washboard woads and > potholes. And those abused parts are what you are betting your life on wh en > you fly. It's not a "small concern". > > > > So in my opinion trailering is just fine, and it will save a boat load > of money, but you MUST put in a significant amount of thought, care, and > concern for the parts of the airplane. > > > > Bill Berle > > www.ezflaphandle.com - safety & performance upgrade for light aircraft > > www.grantstar.net - winning proposals for non-profit and > for-profit entities > > > > -------------------------------------------- > > On Mon, 12/4/17, Robert Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com> wrote: > > > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Folding wing question > > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > > Date: Monday, December 4, 2017, 1:23 PM > > > > Lobdell <robpen5557@gmail.com> > > > > WOW,,, THAT IS GREAT... I would > > ask is the Kolbra an older model? Didn=99t see > > anything about it on the current site for Kolb. > > Thanks for the input. So, Firestar is like the mid > > level plane? Did you make a custom trailer or just > > use a regular car hauler type thing? > > > > Robert Lobdell > > Waskom, Texas > > > > Flying is the second greatest thrill > > known to man. Landing is the first! > > > >> On Dec 4, 2017, at 9:14 AM, Ralph > > B <rstar447@gmail.com> > > wrote: > >> > >> --> Kolb-List message posted > > by: "Ralph B" <rstar447@gmail.com> > >> > >> I have owned two Kolb aircraft, a > > Firestar and a Kolbra. I flew the Firestar for 30 years and > > would still be flying it had I not sold it. I stored it in > > my garage during this time and trailered it to a local > > private field. I folded and unfolded the wings and tail > > everytime I flew. The folding u-joints are steel and will > > not wear. The amount of wear is negligible, however, I kept > > the joints greased. The u-joint bolt can be replaced and I > > replaced it once and didn't really have to. I think it had > > about 350 wing folds over that time. One thing to be careful > > of is the wings are extremely vulnerable near the ground > > when trailering because the leading edge is close to the > > ground. I always set up the Firestar alone without any help. > > Once the wings were unhitched, I would get under and lift > > the wing on my back to pin the lift strut in. It can be done > > as I did it all those years. It takes about 20 minutes to > > set up, but many times I would get interrupted by someone > > asking questions! > > , ! > >> so it would take onger. The Kolbra > > wings can fold, but I store it in a hangar and never fold > > them. I have taken the wings off when I replaced the > > engine. > >> > >> It's a little bit of work setting > > up the Firestar, but that is the price I paid for free > > hangar rent at home. One advantage of having your plane at > > home is that I could work on it easier with all the tools > > there. I also liked having it close by because it was my > > baby and nobody is going to steal it or anything off of it > > from my garage. :) > >> > >> -------- > >> Ralph B > >> > >> Kolb Kolbra 912uls > >> N20386 > >> 550 hours > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> Read this topic online here: > >> > >> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476087#476087 > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > > > The Kolb-List Email Forum - > > Navigator to browse > > List Un/Subscription, > > 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, > > - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - > > via the Web Forums! > > - NEW MATRONICS LIST WIKI - > > Email List Wiki! > > - List Contribution Web Site - > > support! > > > > -Matt Dralle, List Admin. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== > > -- *The older I get, the less tolerant I am of those who are intolerant of others.* *If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending.*


    Message 14


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    Time: 07:23:09 PM PST US
    From: "Stuart Harner" <stuart@harnerfarm.net>
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    Also check out Serenity. She is a Firefly, but the principles are the same. http://harnerfarm.net/serenity/serenity.html Some trailer/hangar info here. http://harnerfarm.net/serenity/hangar.htm Sorry I haven't gotten around to building links on the other pages. Stuart -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of George Alexander Sent: Monday, December 04, 2017 3:59 PM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Folding wing question --> <gtalexander@att.net> robpen5557(at)gmail.com wrote: > Hello everyone this is my first time to send a question. I recently discovered Kolb flyers. . . Mainly because I was searching for a plane with folding wings. > > * * SNIP * * > Robert, if you haven't seen it, a section of my web site deals with "Trailering a Kolb". You can view it at: http://oh2fly.net/Main_trailer_kolb.htm Or if you want more "stuff", mostly about Kolb aircraft, come in through the main page at: http://oh2fly.net -------- George Alexander FS II R503 N709FS http://www.oh2fly.net Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476094#476094


    Message 15


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    Time: 07:33:11 PM PST US
    Subject: Re: Folding wing question
    From: Charlie England <ceengland7@gmail.com>
    Add an 'L' to the end of that 2nd web address to make it work. On 12/4/2017 9:22 PM, Stuart Harner wrote: > > Also check out Serenity. She is a Firefly, but the principles are the same. > > http://harnerfarm.net/serenity/serenity.html > > Some trailer/hangar info here. http://harnerfarm.net/serenity/hangar.htm > Sorry I haven't gotten around to building links on the other pages. > > Stuart > > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com > [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of George Alexander > Sent: Monday, December 04, 2017 3:59 PM > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Folding wing question > > --> <gtalexander@att.net> > > > robpen5557(at)gmail.com wrote: >> Hello everyone this is my first time to send a question. I recently > discovered Kolb flyers. . . Mainly because I was searching for a plane with > folding wings. >> * * SNIP * * >> > > Robert, if you haven't seen it, a section of my web site deals with > "Trailering a Kolb". > > You can view it at: > > http://oh2fly.net/Main_trailer_kolb.htm > > Or if you want more "stuff", mostly about Kolb aircraft, come in through the > main page at: > > http://oh2fly.net > > -------- > George Alexander > FS II R503 N709FS > http://www.oh2fly.net > --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus




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