Tail Wheel weight consideration?

Discussion area for builders of Pietenpol aircraft, both beginners and experienced folks. Share ideas, ask questions and help build the Pietenpol community.
Post Reply
User avatar
E.Woodson
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2018 9:08 pm
Location: Madisonville Louisiana

Tail Wheel weight consideration?

Post by E.Woodson »

I recently picked up a nice antique Scot 3-24B that was priced right and cleaned up really nice. My big concern with installing it on my Piet is the is the weight. 5lbs 6 oz seems a lot to hoist up on that moment arm. Any thoughts are welcome. I'm still pretty new to the homebuilding world and not too far along on my project.
Training is good, but it's no substitute for experience...
Colonel Rosa Kelbb
EAB4
Posts: 61
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 2:08 pm

Re: Tail Wheel weight consideration?

Post by EAB4 »

I know people have used those tailwheels.
I’m using a Matco t6 which is slightly
Under 5lbs.
I think the Homebuilders Tailwheel from ACS weighs around 2 or 3 pounds.
Those are without the leaf springs though.
The plans built tailwheel assembly is probably
one of the lightest ways to go.
User avatar
taildrags
Posts: 637
Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:39 pm

Re: Tail Wheel weight consideration?

Post by taildrags »

My only experience is with the Scott 2000 and the Matco T6. I have flown both of them on my Piet and the Matco is 0.4 lb lighter than the Scott, using the same 2-leaf steel spring on both setups. On my scales, both the Scott 2000 and the Matco T6 came in at between 4.5 and 5 lbs., but from previous postings to the Matronics list, the spring and 6" Matco tailwheel setup is reportedly 4.5 lbs heavier than the plans-built A-frame and 4" wheel (info from Gary Boothe).

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR
Air Camper NX41CC, A75 power
User avatar
E.Woodson
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2018 9:08 pm
Location: Madisonville Louisiana

Re: Tail Wheel weight consideration?

Post by E.Woodson »

Thanks, not sure which I'll end up using... a ways to go yet. Gary has been a great resource and love the look of his plane. I've been busy cleaning up some beautiful cast tail hinges. They worked out perfectly, thanks Oscar!
Attachments
IMG_20190309_180235_resized.jpg
Training is good, but it's no substitute for experience...
Colonel Rosa Kelbb
User avatar
taildrags
Posts: 637
Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:39 pm

Re: Tail Wheel weight consideration?

Post by taildrags »

Wow... you polished up those hinges to a real shine!

-Oscar
Post Reply