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From: "Bill Brady" <brady@bluegrass.net>
To: "Rebel Builders List" <murphy-rebel@dcsol.com>
Subject: Moving the Rebel
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1999 13:07:47 -0500
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Hello Fellow Murphy Rebel Builder's/Owner's,
Here are some tips on moving your Rebel. If you are fortunate enough to
build and fly at the same location that's great, but if you have to
relocate your plane during the building process here is my experience.
Rebel #199 has a 0-235 Lycoming with bungee gear and 6x6 inch main gear.
The axles that I have include long extensions (1 inch axle) past the wheels
that I never cut off. The overall width of the plane at the gear is 7 foot
3 inches.
I have been told that a good way to move a plane is on a trailer where you
custom build track for the wheels. I did not own a large trailer or a
vehicle to pull a large trailer so I opted for a U-Haul truck both moves I
made with the Rebel. The first was from Michigan to Kentucky (450 miles)
and the second was from a shop to the Madison Indiana airport (50 miles).
Renting the largest U-Haul truck is the way to go. It is called the 26 Foot
Super Mover. The door is 7'3" and the length is 22'3". In my first move I
used the 24 foot U-Haul and it was a little short, resulting in some minor
rudder damage.
The Rebel can be moved in the U-Haul by first removing the horizontal stab
and elevators. To use the 26 foot truck first hang the wings along the
walls towards the front of the truck. There are several horizontal members
on the truck walls that will support the wings. I hung the wings by the
aileron brackets and placed foam between the wing and the truck wall.
Finally place bungees over the wings so they do not bounce.
Next the fuselage is backed into the truck. Backing it in means that the
tall truck wheel housings that come through the floor are not an issue as
the plane wheels do not go over them. Three guys can easily back the plane
in with the engine on it. I built ramps using dimensional lumber and
propped up the ramps midway as they have a tendency to bend with the full
weight of the fuselage on them. Also if you do this on grass you can stake
the ramps to the ground so they do not move.
I used a sling to support the tailcone and keep the tailwheel off the
ground. It is my understanding that the bouncing a plane undergoes during a
move can be damaging, supporting the tailcone over a large area with a
carpet and 2x2inch lumber frame likely reduces the loads. If you support it
in this manner look over the aircraft and know what will happen if the
sling breaks in transit. You do not want that tailcone to be bent up
because the sling failed and the tailcone fell into your sling frame or
something else. I tied and taped a large strong plastic bucket (upside
down, under the tailwheel. If the sling broke the tailwheel was supported
at almost the same height and the tailcone did not fall.
Next tie off the plane forward and rear using ropes and the horizontal wall
members on the truck. I used the front wing attach points (run a bolt
through the holes and tie off that) and the spar attach point. Tie the so
the plane will not move. Finally frame up a box type structure that locks
the wheels in place. I used 2x4 lumber and cut it the width of the truck,
wedged behind the truck wheels and to the rear door. This prevents the
wheels from shifting front/rear and left/right. The nailing is done in
place, watch those hammer swings around you nice plane.
Finally look everything over and think about what happens if a rope breaks
or if the tailcone cradle breaks. Make sure the aluminum won't get bent.
I am sure there are better ways to move the Rebel (like flying) but this is
how I did it.
Good Luck,
Bill Brady
brady@bluegrass.net
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