Newbie

[Stearman Flyer]

Hi There,
I’m An old retired guy looking for something to do, long history of airplanes and motorcycles and thinking karting might be fun. I also want to build an airplane tailwheel trainer but need suggestions for part supplies and ideas.

 

[Denny]

Welcome! Lots of us old farts around here.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Welcome! That looks crazy. Let's GO!!

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Welcome.

That looks like a ground loop waiting to happen.
Pretty cool

 

[Hellion]

I also want to build an airplane tailwheel trainer

Looks like you already did…or? Is that an a.i. rendered image?

If I were to improve on the concept photo, I’d jack the front wheels up (with struts or rake the seat) for the proper stance and maybe add a mock engine cowling to replicate the lack of forward visibility. I love taildraggers (not a pilot)

 

[Stearman Flyer]

Welcome.

That looks like a ground loop waiting to happen.
Pretty cool

That’s exactly what it’s for. To teach new guys how to use their feet, go straight and do S turns. Ground loop it as many times as you want, better to do it here than in the plane. I want to use it for new guys and also at our Young Eagles events.

 

[Stearman Flyer]

Looks like you already did…or? Is that an a.i. rendered image?

If I were to improve on the concept photo, I’d jack the front wheels up (with struts or rake the seat) for the proper stance and maybe add a mock engine cowling to replicate the lack of forward visibility. I love taildraggers (not a pilot)

The idea is to teach newbies control and how to use their feet. It’s a lot of fun too.
this a a picture of one that’s in use, I want to build something similar and thought the components might be go kart parts. It’s a Piper Cub tailwheel.

 

[Stearman Flyer]

I maybe should start a separate discussion, off the introduction place.

 

[Wicked_Daddy]

Welcome! Is that your Stearman in the profile picture? It's the ultimate! I love bi-planes!

 

[Stearman Flyer]

Welcome! Is that your Stearman in the profile picture? It's the ultimate! I love bi-planes!

It is, 1942 Boeing Stearman, this one has a Lycoming 300hp engine, not the Continental 220hp installed on most.

 

[Grizzlymi]

We should be able to help you through the process. If it doesn't have to help you leave the ground that is for me.

WTR rebuilds plane engines and such. He probably has some knowledge on this stuff. Right, WTR?

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

A little.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

I like how it even has toe brakes. Thats cool.

For you grounders. The rudder pedals pull a cable to turn the rear wheel. The top of the rudder has a pivot and you push your toes over and it applies brake to that sides tire.
So you could technically push right rudder and toe the left brake if you so needed.

The tail wheel is also set in stiff detents it will trail in a neutral position. Your rudder input will turn it some, but if you get to sideways it will release the detent and will spin 360. Thats useful when your hand pushing it and need the tail to move around.

I assume theres a differential in that right?

 

[Stearman Flyer]

I like how it even has toe brakes. Thats cool.

For you grounders. The rudder pedals pull a cable to turn the rear wheel. The top of the rudder has a pivot and you push your toes over and it applies brake to that sides tire.
So you could technically push right rudder and toe the left brake if you so needed.

The tail wheel is also set in stiff detents it will trail in a neutral position. Your rudder input will turn it some, but if you get to sideways it will release the detent and will spin 360. Thats useful when your hand pushing it and need the tail to move around.

I assume theres a differential in that right?

You’re absolutely right, I think the tail wheel moves up to 30 degs left and right before it comes out of the detent.
im not sure if it’s a differential or not. I guess you would have one.
I'm still thinking an old golf cart for donor parts.

 

[Denny]

That appears to be a rear differential assembly from an ez-go golf kart.

 

[Hellion]

Welcome! That looks crazy. Let's GO!!

Looks like it’d be a hell of a ride really GO-ING, but weird. Can’t think of anything (land based) that goes fast and turns at the rear except a Green Machine going downhill.



I did a Duck search and those things are still around, but better, made by Huffy and adult sized. Could be some interesting single-cylinder combustion engine and ‘lectric conversion ideas there…..

 

[Stearman Flyer]

That appears to be a rear differential assembly from an ez-go golf kart.

That’s great information. Thank you