Steerable Tailskids

Jim Bruton · 8 October 2007, 07:48 AM

Does anyone have the plans to a steerable type tailskid arrangement? I have heard from an experienced source that such a modification can make life a lot easier. As our DR-1s up here at Hangar 1 are being configured for no brakes and no tailwheels- this is something I would like to look at closer- I understand that the Replicraft plans for the Sopwith might reference this, can anyone help?

Thank You,

Jim Bruton

karrart · 8 October 2007, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bruton

Does anyone have the plans to a steerable type tailskid arrangement? I have heard from an experienced source that such a modification can make life a lot easier. As our DR-1s up here at Hangar 1 are being configured for no brakes and no tailwheels- this is something I would like to look at closer- I understand that the Replicraft plans for the Sopwith might reference this, can anyone help?

Thank You,

Jim Bruton

Yep- the Replicraft Camel plans show the steerable skid since the real thing had it. Also a lot of other Sopwiths. The SE5a was similarly equipped.
Robert Karr
OLD BIRDS STAYING ALIVE - THE AVIATION ART OF ROBERT KARR

PeterFokDVII · 8 October 2007, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bruton

Does anyone have the plans to a steerable type tailskid arrangement? I have heard from an experienced source that such a modification can make life a lot easier. As our DR-1s up here at Hangar 1 are being configured for no brakes and no tailwheels- this is something I would like to look at closer- I understand that the Replicraft plans for the Sopwith might reference this, can anyone help?

Thank You,

Jim Bruton

Hi Jim,

I know Rhinebeck's D.VII has a steerable skid, and I had taken close up photos of it before the plane was completed and flying. I'll look for them if you think they'll help.
We have a family friend (now 96) that barnstormed in the 1930's (and was one of the first 12 women that became the WAFS, later WASP's to transport planes for the air corps in WW2), she was stunting an OX-5 powered Travelair. I talked to her about steerable tailskids, because I was also wondering if I should put one on a D.VII (I'm still undecided). She said she didn't have much trouble just skipping the tail around on the Travelair, with it's fixed skid, just lightening the tail with the elevator a little, and gunning the motor as needed with full rudder. The Travelair could be considered real close to the D.VII in ground handling, but since the DR.1 is so short, I think you'd have to be a bit more careful trying to skip it's tail around without trimming the sod a little with the prop. Teresa said she would even routinely land 3 point on paved runways for bigger air shows around 1934, in the Travelair, with the skid and no brakes. It would wear the skid's metal plate out though.
Just make sure you keep the hardware to a minimum weight wise, being that far back of the CG, weight adds up quickly.

Here's to turning tighter circles...................Pete

Jim Bruton · 8 October 2007, 02:57 PM

Pete,

Many thanks- and always good to hear the memories of the pioneers!

If you could find those photos, that would be great. If and when you do, I can send you my email address, and I'm sure there are many who would love to see them here too.

All the Best,

Jim

WinterHawke · 8 October 2007, 07:32 PM

Jim,

Another source of information may again be Old Rhinebeck, as their Triplane, N220TP, also has a steerable tailskid.

I shot a few pictures of it last year at the R/C Jamboree:

Hope this is of some help.

Best regards,

Lee McDuffee

Jim Bruton · 8 October 2007, 08:17 PM

Hi Lee,

These photos do help- thank you so much! What would be helpful is to now get some idea as to how the top part of the tailskid is attached to the airframe- wondering how it pivots, and how much sweep it can allow.

Any takers?

Jim

Nick · 9 October 2007, 02:56 AM

This is the arrangement on the Sopwith Snipe. You can see the Tailskid fork rotates inside the Sternpost and steers the tailskid.

9 October 2007, 07:29 AM

Hey Jim,

Haven't talked to you in a bit. How are yours and Ed's tripes coming?? Wish I had some info for you but I don't. Any chance of getting some recent photo's??

The wife is gonna have the baby any day now and were gonna try and get down to Ct. in late November early December. Hopefully you and Ed will be free and we can meet talk tripes and have a cold one. Tell Ed I said hi....Tim

Biber · 9 October 2007, 08:02 AM

Please forgive my trespassing on a subject about which I really have no knowledge, but have you considered some sort of a swivel plate (a la a swivel castor wheel) attached to the end of the skid? As it wouldn't necessarily be bound (or atleast to a lesser degree) by the weight and friction of the tail and the resulting friction on the ground, not to mention the resulting tension on the rudder, it could be just as effective , if not more so, than a steerable skid.

Just a thought, ignore as necessary.

B

Jim Bruton · 9 October 2007, 08:48 AM

Tim,

Ed and I wish you and your wife well as the baby settles in on Final Approach. Let us know when the soft landing occurs. Ed and I will work this weekend, mostly taking stock of next steps then ordering some bits and pieces to get to the next stage. Will try and take a few pics.

Biber, no worries as to how your suggestions sound. I listen to everyone about everything, then simply figure out how to get where I need to go- so all suggestions are welcome.

Thank you for sharing yours.

Kindest Regards,

Jim