I too have been reading about Rebel tail wheels and it has raised some
concerns as my Rebel #242 has yet to fly. So I have gone back and looked
at the old bills and shipping invoices from MAM for my plane. I note that
the original parts were shipped in 4/27/93 in which were included a
tailspring (LG-30) and a tailwheel assembly. Then following a revision
on 10/31/94 MAM provided a "Swivel Tailwheel Mod Kit" (Rebel Kits) with
a Swivel Steering Bar (LG-54) and a CAM (LG-58) plus a lot of small parts.
So my questions are:
1. Did the tailwheel mod correct or are planes built with the mod
experiencing problems?
2. What was the problem MAM was trying to fix in 10/1994 and was it fixed,
apparently it was as far as MAM is concerned?
Most of the emails lead me to believe that problems continue to exist
following the 10/31/94 MAM modification. However, there are about 250 Rebels
out there that may not have the MAM tailwheel mod incorporated.
Gary Gustafson
-----Original Message-----
From:
mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:
mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of WALTER
KLATT
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2005 3:43 PM
To:
rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: Re: tail wheel...
I have just been reading all this about the MAM tail wheels, and there has
been lots of discussion on the list many years ago, about the Rebel version.
The Moose is still pretty new, but the problems, while perhaps bigger, sound
very familiar.
With my Rebel, I changed the spring to use a steel Aeronca version (can't
remember the model) that I ordered from Aircraft Spruce. It has 3 leaves,
and seemed to solve that part. However, I stayed with the standard MAM
tailwheel, because I was going on floats and it seemed to work fine for me.
But most of my flying was on pavement, and was only on wheels for 50 hours
before I went to floats. My major grief at the time was actually with the
main gear, which has also now been greatly improved for the Rebel.
But if I was buidling now, no question, I would go with the Scott 3200. The
extra size and weight also helps with your c of g when on wheels.
As it happens, I am planning to go on wheels again for a while, probably
sometime this coming winter, as it will be time to do a complete and
thorough maintenance check on my amphib floats. They have been totally
problem free so far, but I am nearing 350 hours on them now. However, all
this talk about the MAM tail wheel, especially Murray's experience in
Calgary, has got me worried, too. So, for sure, will be extra vigilant with
my pre-flights, and extra careful when landing.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Walter
----- Original Message -----
From: Jean Poirier <
oxyport@globetrotter.net>
Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2005 11:59 am
Subject: tail wheel...
I am still thinking about the Rebel tail wheel....
I did remember that Bob (Patterson, the beer supplier at the
Sun'Fun...) told me that the aluminium spring do not spring!!! It
is why people move to steel spring... but he never told me about
the tail wheel it self. I think Wayne also recommend the steel
spring but use the mam wheel..... more comments please?
Jean
Rebel 747R
-----------------------------------------------------------------
List archives located at:
https://www.dcsol.com/login
username "rebel" password "builder"
Subscription services located at:
https://www.dcsol.com/public/code/html-subscribe.htm
List administrator:
mike.davis@dcsol.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
List archives located at:
https://www.dcsol.com/login
username "rebel" password "builder"
Subscription services located at:
https://www.dcsol.com/public/code/html-subscribe.htm
List administrator:
mike.davis@dcsol.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
List archives located at:
https://mail.dcsol.com/login
username "rebel" password "builder"
Unsubscribe:
rebel-builders-unsubscribe@dcsol.com
List administrator:
mike.davis@dcsol.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------