---------------------------------------------------------- Tailwind-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 09/01/04: 12 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 04:23 AM - Re: tail wheel (dmagaw@att.net) 2. 04:36 AM - Re: tail wheel (Fred Weaver) 3. 07:31 AM - Re: New Tailwind Pilot (Eric Schlanser) 4. 08:36 AM - Re: New Tailwind Pilot (Brian Alley) 5. 07:04 PM - Re: Tubing for a confused builder (Richard) 6. 07:29 PM - Re: New Tailwind Pilot (Earl Luce) 7. 07:51 PM - W8 today (Dan) 8. 09:32 PM - Re: tail wheel (Mcculleyja@aol.com) 9. 10:29 PM - Re: W8 today (mytyweav@earthlink.net) 10. 10:35 PM - Re: tail wheel (Dennis Flamini) 11. 10:53 PM - Re: W8 today (Dan) 12. 11:16 PM - Re: W8 today (Dan) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 04:23:11 AM PST US From: dmagaw@att.net Subject: Re: Tailwind-List: tail wheel I can recommend the Van's tailwheel assembly. Only problem I had in 250 hours on the W-8 was wearing the tire out on the trip to Oshkosh last year. Fortunately Jim Clement was able to help me with a new tire and wheel. Many T-18s and Pitts are now being built or refitted with the Aviation Products tailwheel assemblies. They are very nice, work well, are light, and you can get them with single or double arms depending on how hard you think you are on tailwheels. Dave N202Q N168A I can recommend the Van's tailwheel assembly. Only problem I had in 250 hours on the W-8 was wearing the tire out on the trip to Oshkosh last year. Fortunately Jim Clement was able to help me with a new tire and wheel. Many T-18s and Pitts are now being built or refitted with the Aviation Products tailwheel assemblies. They are very nice, work well, are light, and you can get them with single or double arms depending on how hard you think you are on tailwheels. Dave N202Q N168A ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 04:36:34 AM PST US From: "Fred Weaver" Subject: Re: Tailwind-List: tail wheel --> Tailwind-List message posted by: "Fred Weaver" It's simply Jim....... What is your turning radius? With the spring rod, you can pivot around just like you had a full swivel setup. I'm sure with your solid link, you have to some interesting gymnastics to make a 180 at the end of a narrow runway.... Weav PS. Handling is NOT an issue either way. The Tailwind is exceptionally fine on the ground. ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: Re: Tailwind-List: tail wheel > --> Tailwind-List message posted by: Mcculleyja@aol.com > > In a message dated 8/31/04 9:52:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time, > dannyjoe@insightbb.com writes: > > > The Rocket guys put a big fat o-ring on top of the rod end and under the > > bolt head also. I guess it gives some damping and keeps crud out. > > What are the pro and con issues relative to the spring-loaded tailwheel > control link versus a solid (non-sprung) link? I have been using the solid link > and find it far superior in handling to any tailwheel aircraft I have ever flown > that used any form of springs between the rudder and the tailwheel. I have > not experienced any shimmy or other apparent problems. Have I just been lucky? > > Jim > N-5566 > > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 07:31:56 AM PST US From: Eric Schlanser Subject: Re: Tailwind-List: New Tailwind Pilot Brian, Congratulations to you and you wife. A fine looking addition to your family. Does your wife know the name is taken from a Tailwind builder in Florida? Eric Brian Alley wrote: Friends, I would like to introduce you all to my daughter McKenna Elizabeth born Saturday 28 August 04. She arrived at 11:31 PM, weighed 7 lbs 3 oz and is 19.5 inches long. My wife Jeri is making a speedy recovery but I plan to be at home for at least a week. I'm avialable by phone or email. ===== BRIAN ALLEY (N320WT) CARBON FIBER COMPOSITES 304-872-7938 shop 304-562-6800 home How are you going to win by a nose if you don't stick out your neck? > ATTACHMENT part 2 image/pjpeg name=McKenna.jpg --------------------------------- ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 08:36:35 AM PST US From: Brian Alley Subject: Re: Tailwind-List: New Tailwind Pilot --> Tailwind-List message posted by: Brian Alley I really admired Mac McKenna's W-10 when I was building mine. When we talked about names I thru that name out and Jeri loved it. I later told her about Mac and his airplane and she just laughed at me. We all live our lives in small circles every expanded by the Tailwind. I don't know where Mac is now but I hope someone tells him. ===== BRIAN ALLEY (N320WT) CARBON FIBER COMPOSITES 304-872-7938 shop 304-562-6800 home How are you going to win by a nose if you don't stick out your neck? ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 07:04:24 PM PST US From: "Richard" Subject: Re: Tailwind-List: Tubing for a confused builder --> Tailwind-List message posted by: "Richard" CJ, I posted an excel spreadsheet on the Yahoo site in the files section. (wildeyedfrank) and it has worked pretty well. It doesn't include engine mount, ailerons and flaps, windshield structure. Otherwise it has worked out pretty good. I built exactly to the ACS plans (newer CAD versions) rich ----- Original Message ----- From: "CJ Kirby Memphis Tailwind" Subject: Tailwind-List: Tubing for a confused builder > --> Tailwind-List message posted by: "CJ Kirby Memphis Tailwind" > > Hey guys, > It's day two of the TW project, and all ribs have been cut out. Half have > been glued, stapled, and gusseted. All of the ribs will be complete > tomorrow. Now I am waiting for the spars to arrive. It is time to order > tubing. I wanted to know if anyone had a customized list of the tubing > needed to build the TW with the Clement mods. I have heard that the top > longerons need to be changed from the plan thickness. I have heard that > other tubes should be changed in thickness. I have searched the archives for > hours, and have been unable to find clarity. I am also unclear about the > length of the longerons. The plans show one joint and a heated bend, but I > was unable to find a tube as long as the longeron on AC Spruce's material > list. The list on AC Spruce is not very helpful. I do not need all of the > tubes they sell in the kit. Does anyone have any suggestions? I plan on > purchasing a engine mount, and gear. > Thanks > CJ Kirby > memphistailwind@bellsouth.net > > ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 07:29:10 PM PST US From: "Earl Luce" Subject: Re: Tailwind-List: New Tailwind Pilot --> Tailwind-List message posted by: "Earl Luce" Congratulations from Laura and I !!!!!!!!!!! Earl ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Alley" Subject: Tailwind-List: New Tailwind Pilot > Friends, I would like to introduce you all to my > daughter McKenna Elizabeth born Saturday 28 August 04. > She arrived at 11:31 PM, weighed 7 lbs 3 oz and is > 19.5 inches long. My wife Jeri is making a speedy > recovery but I plan to be at home for at least a week. > I'm avialable by phone or email. > > ===== > BRIAN ALLEY (N320WT) > CARBON FIBER COMPOSITES > 304-872-7938 shop > 304-562-6800 home > > How are you going to win by a nose if you don't stick out your neck? ---- --- ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 07:51:29 PM PST US From: "Dan" Subject: Tailwind-List: W8 today Worked on zaro, wun, ate today. Cep for letting air out to make the pressure right on the mains, I guess she's ready. First of next week I get some tail wheel time in the Citabria, then it's Katie bar the door. I put the stick back per plans and you can see Dan's patent applied for parking brake. Yep she's running. purring. That scoop is going to slow it down some, which is fine just so it don't cave the top of the cowling in too much. -Danny ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 09:32:17 PM PST US From: Mcculleyja@aol.com Subject: Re: Tailwind-List: tail wheel --> Tailwind-List message posted by: Mcculleyja@aol.com Dennis, As you know, but others may not, my Tailwind (N-5566) is one of three (I think) that were built oversize with Steve's participation and blessing in the late '60's, and is therefore essentially identical to the one Dennis has. Mine was built by an airline pilot, Chuck Wilford, subsequent to an earlier Tailwind he built to attempt a record-setting non-stop flight coast to coast. That flight has been discussed previously on this list. Mine was originally built with a 210 HP Continental IO-360 from a Cessna 337 (push-pull twin!) but after Chuck passed away in the early '90's his estate sold it and the buyer apparently only wanted it for the engine, so by the time I acquired it there was nothing forward of the firewall. I installed a Lycoming O-360 and all the lightweight accessories available, but with a Hartzell CS prop. That ( plus all new electrical wiring, panel, VFR instruments and avionics, interior, and a concentrated engineering effort to reduce cooling drag ) resulted in coming in just under 1,000 pounds empty weight (997). It still needs wheel pants and new paint, but that will come after I am convinced I won't want to change anything that might need re-painting! So far I have close to 140 hours and reams of flight data and temperatures under the cowl from some 27 sensors to evaluate the cooling air drag and accessory, etc operating conditions. Lots of fun if you like to crunch numbers! Without wheel pants yet, I have seen GPS confirmed true airspeed of 205 mph, level flight, full power, and 2,500 fpm max ROC, with an average ROC to 10,000 feet of 2,000 fpm (5 minutes from start of takeoff). My main interest, however, is in long range economy cruise. It is consistently capable of 27 to 30 mile per gallon results. With a total fuel quantity of 45 gallons, the non stop range is 1100 plus miles, with required reserves. Have already done that but would like to test the range and cockpit stamina with a West to East flight including a nice 30-to-50 westerly wind component! The larger cabin is very helpful in the comfort factor. On the question about the tailwheel control linkage, I designed a new tailspring because the original rod spring was broken when I got the airframe remains and because the weight on the tail was to be different due to the overall empty weight reduction of 10%. I use an ACS homebuilders full swivel tailwheel to which I connect a single steering tube (4130 with rod-end bearings) to the rudder horn. I did modify the ACS assembly by attaching it with a #2 hardened taper pin providing double shear areas, rather than the provided 3/16" AN bolt in single shear, which does not provide sufficient torque-load safety factor when heavily loaded and turning with the wheel at right angles to the rod spring. I am interested in hearing other opinions or experiences relative to using a steering link with the built-in springs versus the non-sprung linkage that I am using. Sorry for the length of this but hope I have answered all the questions Dennis. Jim McCulley N-5566 In a message dated 8/31/04 10:27:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, flamini2@comcast.net writes: > Jim, > How is the 180 hp TW doing? Speeds? TT? > How about the specs on your TW. > i had the solid link at first and it worked fine but i was a little hard on > it in turning and going over ruts and edges of taxiways and the rod end > broke off 2 times. > Luckily i had a double horn and put springs and chains on and have not had > any problems since, it also will turn at 90 degrees but would be even better > if it > was full swivel. > Dennis Flamini N564DF race #53 Chicago > ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 10:29:16 PM PST US From: "mytyweav@earthlink.net" Subject: RE: Tailwind-List: W8 today --> Tailwind-List message posted by: "mytyweav@earthlink.net" What's with that big ole turd kinda scoop on the bottom? :) Original Message: ----------------- From: Dan dannyjoe@insightbb.com Subject: Tailwind-List: W8 today Worked on zaro, wun, ate today. Cep for letting air out to make the pressure right on the mains, I guess she's ready. First of next week I get some tail wheel time in the Citabria, then it's Katie bar the door. I put the stick back per plans and you can see Dan's patent applied for parking brake. Yep she's running. purring. That scoop is going to slow it down some, which is fine just so it don't cave the top of the cowling in too much. -Danny ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 10:35:19 PM PST US From: "Dennis Flamini" Subject: Re: Tailwind-List: tail wheel Jim, Looks like it turned out great and i think we all would like to hear more about it. Mine started life in 1968 at 1005# but turned out 135# heavier than my weight and balance records due to your forcing me to weigh it to compare to yours!! Keep the results coming and the rest of you can add some specs also. Dennis Flamini N564DF race #53 Chicago The photo is from a Whale looking at a Guppy, good contrast in relative sizes. ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: Re: Tailwind-List: tail wheel > --> Tailwind-List message posted by: Mcculleyja@aol.com > > Dennis, > > As you know, but others may not, my Tailwind (N-5566) is one of three (I > think) that were built oversize with Steve's participation and blessing in the > late '60's, and is therefore essentially identical to the one Dennis has. Mine > was built by an airline pilot, Chuck Wilford, subsequent to an earlier Tailwind > he built to attempt a record-setting non-stop flight coast to coast. That > flight has been discussed previously on this list. > > Mine was originally built with a 210 HP Continental IO-360 from a Cessna 337 > (push-pull twin!) but after Chuck passed away in the early '90's his estate > sold it and the buyer apparently only wanted it for the engine, so by the time I > acquired it there was nothing forward of the firewall. I installed a > Lycoming O-360 and all the lightweight accessories available, but with a Hartzell CS > prop. That ( plus all new electrical wiring, panel, VFR instruments and > avionics, interior, and a concentrated engineering effort to reduce cooling drag ) > resulted in coming in just under 1,000 pounds empty weight (997). > > It still needs wheel pants and new paint, but that will come after I am > convinced I won't want to change anything that might need re-painting! So far I > have close to 140 hours and reams of flight data and temperatures under the cowl > from some 27 sensors to evaluate the cooling air drag and accessory, etc > operating conditions. Lots of fun if you like to crunch numbers! > > Without wheel pants yet, I have seen GPS confirmed true airspeed of 205 mph, > level flight, full power, and 2,500 fpm max ROC, with an average ROC to 10,000 > feet of 2,000 fpm (5 minutes from start of takeoff). My main interest, > however, is in long range economy cruise. It is consistently capable of 27 to 30 > mile per gallon results. With a total fuel quantity of 45 gallons, the non stop > range is 1100 plus miles, with required reserves. Have already done that but > would like to test the range and cockpit stamina with a West to East flight > including a nice 30-to-50 westerly wind component! The larger cabin is very > helpful in the comfort factor. > > On the question about the tailwheel control linkage, I designed a new > tailspring because the original rod spring was broken when I got the airframe > remains and because the weight on the tail was to be different due to the overall > empty weight reduction of 10%. I use an ACS homebuilders full swivel tailwheel > to which I connect a single steering tube (4130 with rod-end bearings) to the > rudder horn. I did modify the ACS assembly by attaching it with a #2 hardened > taper pin providing double shear areas, rather than the provided 3/16" AN > bolt in single shear, which does not provide sufficient torque-load safety factor > when heavily loaded and turning with the wheel at right angles to the rod > spring. I am interested in hearing other opinions or experiences relative to > using a steering link with the built-in springs versus the non-sprung linkage > that I am using. > > Sorry for the length of this but hope I have answered all the questions > Dennis. > > Jim McCulley > N-5566 > > In a message dated 8/31/04 10:27:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, > flamini2@comcast.net writes: > > Jim, > > How is the 180 hp TW doing? Speeds? TT? > > How about the specs on your TW. > > i had the solid link at first and it worked fine but i was a little hard on > > it in turning and going over ruts and edges of taxiways and the rod end > > broke off 2 times. > > Luckily i had a double horn and put springs and chains on and have not had > > any problems since, it also will turn at 90 degrees but would be even > better > > if it > > was full swivel. > > Dennis Flamini N564DF race #53 Chicago > > > > ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 10:53:52 PM PST US From: "Dan" Subject: RE: Tailwind-List: W8 today --> Tailwind-List message posted by: "Dan" Fred, That's not a turd scoop, that's a turd blower. I built it big so it will move lot of air. When I fly over Baraboo next year, I figure you will already be there. So that means the Bull Shit will be really deep; I can fly over and blow enough out of the way to land. ;) -Danny -----Original Message----- From: owner-tailwind-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-tailwind-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of mytyweav@earthlink.net Subject: RE: Tailwind-List: W8 today --> Tailwind-List message posted by: "mytyweav@earthlink.net" What's with that big ole turd kinda scoop on the bottom? :) Original Message: ----------------- From: Dan dannyjoe@insightbb.com Subject: Tailwind-List: W8 today Worked on zaro, wun, ate today. Cep for letting air out to make the pressure right on the mains, I guess she's ready. First of next week I get some tail wheel time in the Citabria, then it's Katie bar the door. I put the stick back per plans and you can see Dan's patent applied for parking brake. Yep she's running. purring. That scoop is going to slow it down some, which is fine just so it don't cave the top of the cowling in too much. -Danny ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 11:16:59 PM PST US From: "Dan" Subject: RE: Tailwind-List: W8 today Fred if you see this coming duck! Don't get hit by the B.S.B. (bullshit blower) Fact is the previous owner was having trouble with overheating. So the plane was in another town and I couldn't see the cowl with the plane so I just made sure it was going to cool. The snoot could stand to be cut back a little too don't you think? There is a long to-do list on it. One thing at a time. Baby steps, baby steps. -Danny -----Original Message----- From: owner-tailwind-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-tailwind-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of mytyweav@earthlink.net Subject: RE: Tailwind-List: W8 today --> Tailwind-List message posted by: "mytyweav@earthlink.net" What's with that big ole turd kinda scoop on the bottom? :) Original Message: ----------------- From: Dan dannyjoe@insightbb.com Subject: Tailwind-List: W8 today Worked on zaro, wun, ate today. Cep for letting air out to make the pressure right on the mains, I guess she's ready. First of next week I get some tail wheel time in the Citabria, then it's Katie bar the door. I put the stick back per plans and you can see Dan's patent applied for parking brake. Yep she's running. purring. That scoop is going to slow it down some, which is fine just so it don't cave the top of the cowling in too much. -Danny