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.120 will last about as long as a poprcorn fart in a whirl wind. The ID of the stock axles is around .250 maybe even less and I still bend those every year. I have to put on new ones every time I switch from wheels to ski's and again back to wheels. But I am a little rougher than most on mine

Perhaps solid bar would be better.....

I did talk with the seller a few times--very nice guy--but decided against it. Maybe he still has it. If you can't find his number I may still have it somewhere.

I had a nice long talk with the Kitfox factory today, and it looks like I'm headed in the direction of a KF4 with a 912 engine--if I can find one basic enough to fit my "budget." I would like to get a 5 if I can afford it. I'm now pretty much confining my search in that direction, but I'll still appreciate comments and suggestions.

I have 2 IVs with 912UL motors in them. One is my flyer and the other is my rebuilding project.

If you watch and shop around they can be found for less than $25k. You need to act quickly if you find one, because they will go very fast at anything less than $30k.

THANK y'all for the goldmine of info on going to AK!

I still don't have my Kitfox yet, but my plan is to trailer it in an enclosed trailer. Just talked to the factory--the trailer has to be 8.5 wide. Anyone know where I can get one built strong without being robbed?

I guess you'd say this is a big item on my "bucket" list too. I'll read and re-read all the comment before I ask any questions, but will welcome additional commentary and a report of how the trip actually went for the dad/son trip.

I have a 1990 Mitsubishi Fuso FG (a 3-ton dual-wheel truck with a 109" wheelbase and a 3.3 liter turbo diesel with a custom "camper" attached to the frame) as a tow vehicle. It also has an 8-ton winch and a roof rack integrated with the custom bumper by Chappelle I'm going to rent a trailer to test the fuel consumption; it gets 14-15 mpg without the trailer, but I don't know what penalty the trailer will exact. Does anyone in the unfrozen north know how the Fuso has worked up there? Back east it's used for tiny dump trucks and snowplows.

Thanks again!

I'm selling my "old" rig, a 2006 Outfitter Apex 9.5 with lots of extras and a 2005 F250 HD XLT Super-Duty FX Off-Road 4x4 with Bilstein/Helwig suspension (2" lift) and air-suspension bags with compressor and tank with in-cab controls to finance my aircraft. I'll pay a $100 finder's fee to anyone who sends me the buyer.

Look at the thread that Russ just posted here. His new trailer looks like the ticket for these planes. Custom built, cheap and light.

Any ideas for the thickness and type of steel to make 3/4" axles out of. I had the Grove gear and axles, and now need the standard type. I will be on ski's so plan to tap threads in the inner diameter. Is 4130 3/4"x .120 adequate?

Thanks,

larry

.120 will last about as long as a poprcorn fart in a whirl wind. The ID of the stock axles is around .250 maybe even less and I still bend those every year. I have to put on new ones every time I switch from wheels to ski's and again back to wheels. But I am a little rougher than most on mine

I asked the same thing and have not gotten a responce from Brett. I was going to do the same thing you are thinking of and mod it myself. Let us know if you hear from them before I do.

I know he uses the same jig to build both gear, so this is a possibility. Of course cutting and welding would be needed for this mod.

He's just getting over a nasty case of walking-pneumonia the last time I spoke to him last Thursday. When you call - PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE. He can rarely pick up the phone, but does return messages.

How about these? LINK

I also have the Grove gear. I chose to add a second set of axles to the inside of the gear legs to mount my skis on.

THANK y'all for the goldmine of info on going to AK!

I still don't have my Kitfox yet, but my plan is to trailer it in an enclosed trailer. Just talked to the factory--the trailer has to be 8.5 wide. Anyone know where I can get one built strong without being robbed?

I guess you'd say this is a big item on my "bucket" list too. I'll read and re-read all the comment before I ask any questions, but will welcome additional commentary and a report of how the trip actually went for the dad/son trip.

I have a 1990 Mitsubishi Fuso FG (a 3-ton dual-wheel truck with a 109" wheelbase and a 3.3 liter turbo diesel with a custom "camper" attached to the frame) as a tow vehicle. It also has an 8-ton winch and a roof rack integrated with the custom bumper by Chappelle I'm going to rent a trailer to test the fuel consumption; it gets 14-15 mpg without the trailer, but I don't know what penalty the trailer will exact. Does anyone in the unfrozen north know how the Fuso has worked up there? Back east it's used for tiny dump trucks and snowplows.

Thanks again!

I'm selling my "old" rig, a 2006 Outfitter Apex 9.5 with lots of extras and a 2005 F250 HD XLT Super-Duty FX Off-Road 4x4 with Bilstein/Helwig suspension (2" lift) and air-suspension bags with compressor and tank with in-cab controls to finance my aircraft. I'll pay a $100 finder's fee to anyone who sends me the buyer.

Any ideas for the thickness and type of steel to make 3/4" axles out of. I had the Grove gear and axles, and now need the standard type. I will be on ski's so plan to tap threads in the inner diameter. Is 4130 3/4"x .120 adequate?

Thanks,

larry

Apart from electric, how is your trim tab actualed? Mine has a single wire like the original, but the wire was frequently breaking at the tab and at the handle. Due to the freqeunt breaking, I modified the handle and trim tab horn and have been more problem free. My buddy just experienced elevator flutter when his trim tab actuator broke. This is exactly what I experienced in the past. I am re- wondering if there is a better system than a single piano wire?

Thanks for your ideas,

larry

Those wires come in different thicknesses, not cheap when you have to buy the housing - I am going to use them - the fitting (bolt with hole that swivels) like goes on a carb will help to keep the end from breaking, as will good alignment.

I have seen a single or dual spring setup that is supposed to stop the flutter if wire breaks - will look for it.

I have an electric unit for sale.

ED in MO

I did talk with the seller a few times--very nice guy--but decided against it. Maybe he still has it. If you can't find his number I may still have it somewhere.

I had a nice long talk with the Kitfox factory today, and it looks like I'm headed in the direction of a KF4 with a 912 engine--if I can find one basic enough to fit my "budget." I would like to get a 5 if I can afford it. I'm now pretty much confining my search in that direction, but I'll still appreciate comments and suggestions.

The 5 was the first one that you could put a "real" airplane engine in - if you like mags and have lots of $$$$.

Actually, they are probably as cheap as a 912.

Did you order the ED Downs book? You should read it.

ED in MO

I dont have one. I borrowed one from Jack AK (that I need to take back to him) for a pattern, but it wont fit my plane asn the bottom of mine has some extra stringers to take the big hump out of the bottom of the plane. I will have to make my own now.

Oh, its a ventral fin

ventral, pectral, - Just like fishes! Had forgotton my biology classes.

So easy to forget the the Admirals were the first "Fathers of American Aviation" CAA/FAA Wish it had been Henry Ford.

Well, looks like a vertical, underslung strake to me - whatever. My welder thinks I am senile because I keep calling fairleads "cable guides" - well, I am not a sailor either!

Thanks,

ED in MO

I did talk with the seller a few times--very nice guy--but decided against it. Maybe he still has it. If you can't find his number I may still have it somewhere.

I had a nice long talk with the Kitfox factory today, and it looks like I'm headed in the direction of a KF4 with a 912 engine--if I can find one basic enough to fit my "budget." I would like to get a 5 if I can afford it. I'm now pretty much confining my search in that direction, but I'll still appreciate comments and suggestions.

The C-54 was a DC4...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_C-54_Skymaster

The C-118 was a DC6..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-118

Thanks . . . sounds right to me.

Apart from electric, how is your trim tab actualed? Mine has a single wire like the original, but the wire was frequently breaking at the tab and at the handle. Due to the freqeunt breaking, I modified the handle and trim tab horn and have been more problem free. My buddy just experienced elevator flutter when his trim tab actuator broke. This is exactly what I experienced in the past. I am re- wondering if there is a better system than a single piano wire?

Thanks for your ideas,

larry

Leni, Do you have the fin (strake?) that goes under the tail for floats? Not sure what it is called - not a swimmer! I have one for the KF1 - Wont need it for my cropduster.

ED in MO

I dont have one. I borrowed one from Jack AK (that I need to take back to him) for a pattern, but it wont fit my plane asn the bottom of mine has some extra stringers to take the big hump out of the bottom of the plane. I will have to make my own now.

Oh, its a ventral fin

Hi Guys And Girl.

The trailer is built by Rock City Trailers, located in my town of Herkimer, NY. Unit has Luan interior, L.E.D. lights, 2 vents on roof, side door passenger side, duel axel with elec. brakes, and interior lights. Sides and roof are 1" sq. steel tubing, 16" on center. Roof 12" on center. Alum.

ext. sides and roof. Floor 3/4" ply. Main frame 2" X 4" steel tubing. I wanted it light and it weighs 1000# empty. I don't plan on hauling cars or

snowmobiles, as I winter in Fl. Will try to post interior pics, but time is short as I leave for Fl. Wed. am. Price with tax $3200.00 Hope this helps.

Russ.

Holy cripes! For that price it would pay for me to drive down and get one! Unless you have one custom built like you did, the door opening is a couple inches too narrow to get the plane in. That is a pretty sweet deal!

Hi Guys And Girl.

The trailer is built by Rock City Trailers, located in my town of Herkimer, NY. Unit has Luan interior, L.E.D. lights, 2 vents on roof, side door passenger side, duel axel with elec. brakes, and interior lights. Sides and roof are 1" sq. steel tubing, 16" on center. Roof 12" on center. Alum.

ext. sides and roof. Floor 3/4" ply. Main frame 2" X 4" steel tubing. I wanted it light and it weighs 1000# empty. I don't plan on hauling cars or

snowmobiles, as I winter in Fl. Will try to post interior pics, but time is short as I leave for Fl. Wed. am. Price with tax $3200.00 Hope this helps.

Russ.

I really want one - but dont tell my wife yet!

ED in MO

Just picked up my new trailer. 8 1/2' W X 24' L X 7' H. Inside 7' H X 8'3" W. Front door on right side. Plan on leaving plane and trl. in my driveway for winter, and at my airport in summer. Russ.

Hi Guys And Girl.

The trailer is built by Rock City Trailers, located in my town of Herkimer, NY. Unit has Luan interior, L.E.D. lights, 2 vents on roof, side door passenger side, duel axel with elec. brakes, and interior lights. Sides and roof are 1" sq. steel tubing, 16" on center. Roof 12" on center. Alum.

ext. sides and roof. Floor 3/4" ply. Main frame 2" X 4" steel tubing. I wanted it light and it weighs 1000# empty. I don't plan on hauling cars or

snowmobiles, as I winter in Fl. Will try to post interior pics, but time is short as I leave for Fl. Wed. am. Price with tax $3200.00 Hope this helps.

Russ.

I asked the same thing and have not gotten a responce from Brett. I was going to do the same thing you are thinking of and mod it myself. Let us know if you hear from them before I do.

Roger, 10 4, Over and Out. I've been calling Brett all day with no answer.

Russ,

Nice trailer!!!! How bout some inside pics w/ AVid installed? What was the cost? I would love to have one of these, I tow mine to the field .5 mile away with factory towbar. I keep it in my workshop, so i would gain valuable workspace if my Avid was tucked away. Bryce

Never seen that one before... but I know ugly when I see it, and I just saw it! Looks like someone has dreams of owning a 185

In all honesty, it looks like a bolt on fin extension that may be very helpful to me when I am on floats. I need to check into this one a little bit more!

Leni, Do you have the fin (strake?) that goes under the tail for floats? Not sure what it is called - not a swimmer! I have one for the KF1 - Wont need it for my cropduster.

ED in MO

Just ordered the 8" wheel. Thanks for the info.

I just watched a video online. The chains are only an extension of the spring. I had the maule tail wheel with two springs from rudder to wheel with no chains.

So is the width of the leaf spring standard for tail draggers?

Thanks

I am not sure if you had the 1.5" or 1.25" spring. You should be able to bolt a 1.5" on there reguardless. The only issue will be the spring arch and keeping your tailwheel geometry right. I had to re-arch mine in a 12 ton press after a couple years of banging it around. I would check Stoddards and see if they have a 2 leaf sring for a cub laying around in the used parts section. Worst case there would be having to cut one down to the right length and re-arching it.

What kind of tape did y'all use? My Viet Nam "conflict" buddy says they had some super-sticky, super-strong tape there then that was not authorized but kept a lot of shot-up planes in the air and saved a lot of lives.

Twister,

You were in Turkey while I was flying in Germany - A friend of mine was USAF in Turkey at that time, and said that Gary Powers and the U-2s, were flying out of there. Ever see them?

ED in MO

I would be interested to know if I can order the cross brace with the springs only as I already have the 74" wide landing gear.

Does anybody know if that works?

Thanks

I asked the same thing and have not gotten a responce from Brett. I was going to do the same thing you are thinking of and mod it myself. Let us know if you hear from them before I do.

I would be interested to know if I can order the cross brace with the springs only as I already have the 74" wide landing gear.

Does anybody know if that works?

Thanks