Rebel Tail wheel

Ian Donaldson · Post by **Ian Donaldson** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:47 pm

G'day.

I have just fitted the tail wheel assembly, and I am not sure as to how much tension I should have on the springs.

I would appreciate some advice.

Thanks and regards

Ian Donaldson

Legeorgen · Post by **Legeorgen** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:47 pm

Ian,

I have always set the springs to "just take up" all the slack, or slightly
under tension. What kind of tail wheel are you using?

I don't think the door hitting the strut fairing is a big deal. Make your
fairing as small as possible to minimize the interference. I have seen clever
door latches made that fasten to the strut (or in this case the strut
fairing) that hold the door open for Ingres and egress.

Bruce G

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Robert Johnson · Post by **Robert Johnson** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:47 pm

Ian, I experienced the same door/strut interference, but was not concerned
as being a tail, the door always wants to swing to the closed position
anyway. I epoxies a small strip of split rubber tubing along the upper back
edge of fairing. This acts like a cushion if I or someone opens the door to
far, and is early noticeable. I did keep my strut fairings as narrow as
possible, which still allows me to open the door much farther then actually
needed anyway.-Rebel "652"

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Bob Patterson · Post by **Bob Patterson** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:47 pm

Hi Ian !

If you have the Murphy tailwheel, and the double-action
"door closer" springs, then just a bit of slack (about 1/8" to
1/4" of sag) in the chains should work fine. Having the springs
too tight can cause extra wear and might make steering a bit
sharper than you'd like.

The Scott tailwheels prefer straight tension springs, with
a bit of tension on them ...

....bobp

--------------------------------orig.--------------------------------
At 09:45 PM 2/10/02 +1100, you wrote:

G'day.

I have just fitted the tail wheel assembly, and I am not sure as to how

much tension I should have on the springs.

I would appreciate some advice.

Thanks and regards

Ian Donaldson

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META content="text/html; charset=windows-1252" http-equiv=Content-Type>
<META content="MSHTML 5.00.2919.6307" name=GENERATOR>
<STYLE></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgColor=#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT size=2>  G'day.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I have just fitted the tail wheel assembly, and I am not

sure

as to how much tension I should have on the springs.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I would appreciate some advice.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Thanks and regards</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Ian Donaldson</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></BODY></HTML>

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Drew and Jan · Post by **Drew and Jan** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:47 pm

Hi Ian
My murphy tailwheel needs the 1/4" or more of slack or the wheel won't
release into full swivel mode. I need full rudder and then a touch of brake
to get it to release.
Drew Dalgleish

At 10:15 PM 2/10/2002 -0500, you wrote:

Hi Ian !

If you have the Murphy tailwheel, and the double-action
"door closer" springs, then just a bit of slack (about 1/8" to
1/4" of sag) in the chains should work fine. Having the springs
too tight can cause extra wear and might make steering a bit
sharper than you'd like.

The Scott tailwheels prefer straight tension springs, with
a bit of tension on them ...

....bobp

--------------------------------orig.--------------------------------
At 09:45 PM 2/10/02 +1100, you wrote:
G'day.

I have just fitted the tail wheel assembly, and I am not sure as to how
much tension I should have on the springs.

I would appreciate some advice.

Thanks and regards

Ian Donaldson

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META content="text/html; charset=windows-1252" http-equiv=Content-Type>
<META content="MSHTML 5.00.2919.6307" name=GENERATOR>
<STYLE></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgColor=#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT size=2>  G'day.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I have just fitted the tail wheel assembly, and I am not
sure
as to how much tension I should have on the springs.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I would appreciate some advice.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Thanks and regards</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Ian Donaldson</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></BODY></HTML>

** To unsubscribe, send e-mail to list-server@dcsol.com with **
** UNSUBSCRIBE MURPHY-REBEL in the message body on a line by itself **
** Archives located at http://rebel:builder@www.dcsol.com:81/default.htm **
** To contact the list admin, e-mail 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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ian Donaldson · Post by **Ian Donaldson** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:47 pm

G'day

Thanks for the advice regarding the tail wheel.

I have the Rebel standard tail wheel, and will try about 1/4" slack, and see
how that goes.

Regards

Ian Donaldson

Hi Ian
My murphy tailwheel needs the 1/4" or more of slack or the wheel won't
release into full swivel mode. I need full rudder and then a touch of

brake

to get it to release.
Drew Dalgleish

At 10:15 PM 2/10/2002 -0500, you wrote:
Hi Ian !

If you have the Murphy tailwheel, and the double-action
"door closer" springs, then just a bit of slack (about 1/8" to
1/4" of sag) in the chains should work fine. Having the springs
too tight can cause extra wear and might make steering a bit
sharper than you'd like.

The Scott tailwheels prefer straight tension springs, with
a bit of tension on them ...

....bobp

--------------------------------orig.--------------------------------
At 09:45 PM 2/10/02 +1100, you wrote:
G'day.

I have just fitted the tail wheel assembly, and I am not sure as to how
much tension I should have on the springs.

I would appreciate some advice.

Thanks and regards

Ian Donaldson

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Robert Johnson · Post by **Robert Johnson** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:47 pm

Ian, The 1/4" slack is about what I have on my Rebel , with the std Murphy
set-up. I have no problem breaking it loose under power, but sometimes it
does not want to release when I am pushing the A/C backwards, but I know it
is because the rudder has not been moved to full travel. Still very happy
with the std. Rebel set-up. Keep going, your obviously getting close. Best
regards-Rebel "652"

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ian Donaldson · Post by **Ian Donaldson** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:47 pm

G'day Robert

Thanks for your encouragement. I have set the tail wheel up with 1/4"
slack.

I'm within a few weeks of flying. (I hope)

Regards

Ian
-----

Ian, The 1/4" slack is about what I have on my Rebel , with the std Murphy
set-up. I have no problem breaking it loose under power, but sometimes it
does not want to release when I am pushing the A/C backwards, but I know

it

is because the rudder has not been moved to full travel. Still very happy
with the std. Rebel set-up. Keep going, your obviously getting close. Best
regards-Rebel "652"

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

IAN DONALDSON · Post by **IAN DONALDSON** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:47 am

G'day

I have just returned home from a 1200 mile tour of outback Australia in my
912S powered Rebel. Needless to say she flew wonderfully,
except for the fact that on paved runways she turned into a ground looping
demon! I gave a great exhibition of a 360 degree loop in front of a waiting
group of pilots! It goes without saying that I received a fair amount of
teasing over my piloting skills!

Now I have done 99% of my flying off grass strips and thought that it must
have been my inexperience that was causing my handling problems. But my
companion, who is a high hour commercial pilot and with lots of experience
in taildraggers was also having the same trouble and we almost lost our
nerve completely, and we were tossing a coin to see who would have to do the
next landing!

Now that we have the Rebel in the hangar I searched for answers and have
found that the centre pin in the wheel fork has come loose which has allowed
the tailwheel to pivot just as it wished! This is what caused the strange
handling. This is the standard MAM tailwheel as supplied in the kit.

Has anyone had this same experience, or can offer anyway to secure this pin?
The pin is secured by two 1/8" roll pins but there is nothing to locate them
into the pin. The main casting is also worn and the pin is a sloppy fit.
Does anyone have a fix?

I would appreciate some advice and assistance.

Apart from all that, the Rebel cruises at 85 knots and has an average petrol
burn 20 litres an hour. This is with two large pilots, lots of fuel and as
much luggage as we can get in and still shut the doors!

Thanks and regards

Ian Donaldson

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rick Harper · Post by **Rick Harper** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:47 am

G'day Ian !

Sounds like you had a great trip

My advice is simple - THROW the MAM away & get a Scott 3200 or 3400
tailwheel
(it'll make the Rebel even better !!!)

Rick & Wendy Harper
541R
----- Original Message -----
From: IAN DONALDSON
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 9:15 PM
Subject: Rebel tail wheel

G'day

I have just returned home from a 1200 mile tour of outback Australia
in my
912S powered Rebel. Needless to say she flew wonderfully,
except for the fact that on paved runways she turned into a ground
looping
demon! I gave a great exhibition of a 360 degree loop in front of a
waiting
group of pilots! It goes without saying that I received a fair amount
of
teasing over my piloting skills!

Now I have done 99% of my flying off grass strips and thought that it
must
have been my inexperience that was causing my handling problems. But
my
companion, who is a high hour commercial pilot and with lots of
experience
in taildraggers was also having the same trouble and we almost lost
our
nerve completely, and we were tossing a coin to see who would have to
do the
next landing!

Now that we have the Rebel in the hangar I searched for answers and
have
found that the centre pin in the wheel fork has come loose which has
allowed
the tailwheel to pivot just as it wished! This is what caused the
strange
handling. This is the standard MAM tailwheel as supplied in the kit.

Has anyone had this same experience, or can offer anyway to secure
this pin?
The pin is secured by two 1/8" roll pins but there is nothing to
locate them
into the pin. The main casting is also worn and the pin is a sloppy
fit.
Does anyone have a fix?

I would appreciate some advice and assistance.

Apart from all that, the Rebel cruises at 85 knots and has an average
petrol
burn 20 litres an hour. This is with two large pilots, lots of fuel
and as
much luggage as we can get in and still shut the doors!

Thanks and regards

Ian Donaldson

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ted Waltman · Post by **Ted Waltman** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:47 am

Ian,

As I previously posted regarding my Moose, I too had main casting wear
and a very sloppy "centre" pin. I can send you my post if you didn't
previously see it.

I agree with the other reply you got; go with a Scott tailwheel if you
can.

Ted Waltman

-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of
IAN DONALDSON
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 5:15 AM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: Rebel tail wheel

G'day

I have just returned home from a 1200 mile tour of outback Australia in
my
912S powered Rebel. Needless to say she flew wonderfully, except for
the fact that on paved runways she turned into a ground looping
demon! I gave a great exhibition of a 360 degree loop in front of a
waiting
group of pilots! It goes without saying that I received a fair amount
of
teasing over my piloting skills!

Now I have done 99% of my flying off grass strips and thought that it
must
have been my inexperience that was causing my handling problems. But my
companion, who is a high hour commercial pilot and with lots of
experience
in taildraggers was also having the same trouble and we almost lost our
nerve completely, and we were tossing a coin to see who would have to do
the
next landing!

Now that we have the Rebel in the hangar I searched for answers and have

found that the centre pin in the wheel fork has come loose which has
allowed
the tailwheel to pivot just as it wished! This is what caused the
strange
handling. This is the standard MAM tailwheel as supplied in the kit.

Has anyone had this same experience, or can offer anyway to secure this
pin?
The pin is secured by two 1/8" roll pins but there is nothing to locate
them
into the pin. The main casting is also worn and the pin is a sloppy fit.

Does anyone have a fix?

I would appreciate some advice and assistance.

Apart from all that, the Rebel cruises at 85 knots and has an average
petrol
burn 20 litres an hour. This is with two large pilots, lots of fuel and
as
much luggage as we can get in and still shut the doors!

Thanks and regards

Ian Donaldson

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Phil Stubley · Post by **Phil Stubley** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:47 am

Hi Ian,

Sorry to hear your tailwheel is still giving you trouble.

I remember I sent you the fix I put on my Murphy wheel, and as of now I have
only about 20 hrs on it, but they are very much ground handling hours,
because I had to teach myself again after 3 years with little flying, (new
eyeballs now <:;)) ) , and my grandson has been getting checked out on a
taildragger with it. So far all OK.

I agree the Murphy wheel as sent is garbage. Easiest is to get a Scott as
most have done, but I guess I'm stubborn.

If you don't understand from the sketch, or would like me to resend it, let
me know.

Phil.
----- Original Message -----
From: "IAN DONALDSON" <allsure@bigpond.net.au>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 7:15 AM
Subject: Rebel tail wheel

G'day

I have just returned home from a 1200 mile tour of outback Australia in my
912S powered Rebel. Needless to say she flew wonderfully,
except for the fact that on paved runways she turned into a ground looping
demon! I gave a great exhibition of a 360 degree loop in front of a

waiting

group of pilots! It goes without saying that I received a fair amount of
teasing over my piloting skills!

Now I have done 99% of my flying off grass strips and thought that it must
have been my inexperience that was causing my handling problems. But my
companion, who is a high hour commercial pilot and with lots of experience
in taildraggers was also having the same trouble and we almost lost our
nerve completely, and we were tossing a coin to see who would have to do

the

next landing!

Now that we have the Rebel in the hangar I searched for answers and have
found that the centre pin in the wheel fork has come loose which has

allowed

the tailwheel to pivot just as it wished! This is what caused the strange
handling. This is the standard MAM tailwheel as supplied in the kit.

Has anyone had this same experience, or can offer anyway to secure this

pin?

The pin is secured by two 1/8" roll pins but there is nothing to locate

them

into the pin. The main casting is also worn and the pin is a sloppy fit.
Does anyone have a fix?

I would appreciate some advice and assistance.

Apart from all that, the Rebel cruises at 85 knots and has an average

petrol

burn 20 litres an hour. This is with two large pilots, lots of fuel and as
much luggage as we can get in and still shut the doors!

Thanks and regards

Ian Donaldson

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Gustafson · Post by **Gary Gustafson** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:47 am

I am close to beginning my taxi tests and would be very interested in
what corrections have been found beneficial to the Murphy tail wheel
as supplied with the kit. In fact it might be of interest to post a
picture(s) on the web site. I do not find anything in Landing Gear
section of the Rebel Builders website.

Look forward to some pictures or sketches so that I do not encounter the
Same problems with the "garbage" tail wheel.

Gary Gustafson

-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of Phil
Stubley
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 10:20 PM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: Re: Rebel tail wheel

Hi Ian,

Sorry to hear your tailwheel is still giving you trouble.

I remember I sent you the fix I put on my Murphy wheel, and as of now I have
only about 20 hrs on it, but they are very much ground handling hours,
because I had to teach myself again after 3 years with little flying, (new
eyeballs now <:;)) ) , and my grandson has been getting checked out on a
taildragger with it. So far all OK.

I agree the Murphy wheel as sent is garbage. Easiest is to get a Scott as
most have done, but I guess I'm stubborn.

If you don't understand from the sketch, or would like me to resend it, let
me know.

Phil.
----- Original Message -----
From: "IAN DONALDSON" <allsure@bigpond.net.au>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 7:15 AM
Subject: Rebel tail wheel

G'day

I have just returned home from a 1200 mile tour of outback Australia in my
912S powered Rebel. Needless to say she flew wonderfully,
except for the fact that on paved runways she turned into a ground looping
demon! I gave a great exhibition of a 360 degree loop in front of a

waiting

group of pilots! It goes without saying that I received a fair amount of
teasing over my piloting skills!

Now I have done 99% of my flying off grass strips and thought that it must
have been my inexperience that was causing my handling problems. But my
companion, who is a high hour commercial pilot and with lots of experience
in taildraggers was also having the same trouble and we almost lost our
nerve completely, and we were tossing a coin to see who would have to do

the

next landing!

Now that we have the Rebel in the hangar I searched for answers and have
found that the centre pin in the wheel fork has come loose which has

allowed

the tailwheel to pivot just as it wished! This is what caused the strange
handling. This is the standard MAM tailwheel as supplied in the kit.

Has anyone had this same experience, or can offer anyway to secure this

pin?

The pin is secured by two 1/8" roll pins but there is nothing to locate

them

into the pin. The main casting is also worn and the pin is a sloppy fit.
Does anyone have a fix?

I would appreciate some advice and assistance.

Apart from all that, the Rebel cruises at 85 knots and has an average

petrol

burn 20 litres an hour. This is with two large pilots, lots of fuel and as
much luggage as we can get in and still shut the doors!

Thanks and regards

Ian Donaldson

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

carol and murray cherkas · Post by **carol and murray cherkas** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:47 am

Hello

As you all know, my tailwheel stuck in a left turn.A slow motion turn left
me in the ruff with the fuse bent.Save yourself the headache and get a Scott
3200 tailwheel and you won't have to worry. I know the price hurts a bit but
in the end it's cheap.

Good Luck

Murray

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------

IAN DONALDSON · Post by **IAN DONALDSON** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:48 am

G'day Phil

I have had your sketch on my workbench since you sent it to me waiting for
the time to do the mod on mine. Until now I did not have the need to take
the wheel off, but this week I am going to take the whole thing to a friend
who has the necessary machines and we will do your mods.

However the main problem now, is that the centre spindle that fits into the
fork has come loose. It is secured by two 1/8" roll pins that have either
broken or pulled out. I have not yet looked to see exactly what has happened
but we will work out a fix.

I agree with you in that the rest of the mechanism is really not as good as
it could be. I have not seen a Scott tailwheel but from what I have been
told they are much stronger.

I will let you know how the repairs come out.

Regards

Ian

I agree the Murphy wheel as sent is garbage. Easiest is to get a Scott as
most have done, but I guess I'm stubborn.

If you don't understand from the sketch, or would like me to resend it,
let
me know.

Phil.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------