We have used the grey plastic wheels as tailwheels on Blaniks. They have given us a few problems in that there is often a small gap at the split seam which can open up in hot weather and pinch the tube.
We had some aluminium wheels made for the Air Force Cadet Blaniks which have been entirely satisfactory. We fitted Tost tyres to these wheels. The Pilatus is much heavier in the tail than the Blanik and I would expect the problems with the plastic wheels to be more apparent. Regards, Roger Browne -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Leigh Bunting Sent: 15 September 2005 9:17 PM To: Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia. Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] Pilatus tailwheel Geoff Vincent wrote: >The PIK has the same type of wheel. Installing a new (6-ply Tost) tyre >just needs strong fingers, lubrication (glycerine is good) and a lot of >perseverance. > A number of gliders in SA are wearing 200 x 50 wheels purchased from materials handling shops. These are robust plastic with bearings and grey tires as used on wheel chairs/hospital equipment. They seem to be successful and for ~$35, you wouldn't bother replacing the tyre, although you can. FWIW & YMMV -- Leigh Bunting Colonel Light Gardens South Australia <Open Windows and let the bugs in> _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
