We decided to install the retractable tail wheel mod to our “DoubleNuts”. This meant to remove the old fixed tail wheel and modify the fuselage’s gear compartment to create enough space for the new slightly larger retractable system.
The assembly instructions indicated that, once the edges of the gear’s housing had been cut (widened), parts of the edges should be bend inwards to create a stabilising border. The remaining edge however was just 0.2 inches wide and almost impossible to bend without risking tearing.
To avoid damage we decided to cut off the edge according to the instructions but then rivet in two aluminum angle trims instead of bending the edge inwards. This created a solid and steady inlet for the new system.
After some slight adjustments we were able to fit in the retractable tail wheel quite easily and first tests not only showed that with this modification in-flight drag will be reduced remarkably but also how nice it will be looking!
