top flite F4U corsair

[ses800rmk]

Hello I am building a top flite F4U. It is my first big project and I am wanting to install mechanical retracts. My problem is the retracts I purchased have no instructions, so I am at a stand still. If anyone has used Mech. retracts some advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You
ses800rmk@centurytel.net

[Gerryy]

hey guy, give us some more info on the size, brand, type of gear you are talking about. I would be happy to try and lend a hand!
GY

[ses800rmk]

the retracts that I purchased are for hangar 9's .60 size corsair. They are the 90 degree rotating type that the top flight .60 requires. The top flite kit that I am building is also the .60 size

[Gerryy]

For basic mechanical retracts you first have to measure the length of the travel for the pushrod that operates the gear. Say it is one inch. Then you have to find a servo wheel that will give you that one inch travel as the servo moves from one position to the other. You can drill holes in a large servo wheel or find an arm that gives you the travel needed.

You do have to use a retract servo. Most rotate about 180 degrees when you flip the gear switch. I like to bend a 90 degree bend in the pushrod and secure that end to the servo wheel with a lock collar. Then use a metal clevis to attach the pushrod to the drive rod at the landing gear.
hope this helps
GY

[charlieoneseven]

I'm all for re-using components when possable however due to the shape of the Corsair wing I cannot recommend mechanical retracts. As you may have noticed in the H9 version there were bellcranks and angles to the servo arm that would cause problems with reliability. I have this plane too with CJ air retracts.
Good luck with yours what ever you decide to use.