ETLB Squawk Forums — Archive

In considering the components of the MiniMAX I've started, I have considered building steel tubing landing gear instead of the wood "A Frames" and straight-across axle. I don't think the difference in drag on either would be a huge factor but it seems the steel tubing landing gear like is shown on TEAM's website might be tick lighter than the wood "legs" and the axle tube which alone weighs about 5#.

Does anyone have knowledge of the tubing diameter(s) used and wall thickness of the tubing? I'm proficient with TIG and am comfortable that I could build a good landing gear but don't want to go so far as to build it on my guesses of materials used. I would of course use 4130 chrome moly tubing. I would also guess there might be additional structure in the floor of the fuselage with the steel gear since the loads would be more concentrated than with the "hinge" mount of the wood gear.

Any informed input would be appreciated. Thank You!

Lynn

Lynn, I can't remember the figure, but I do remember that the steel gear is appreciably heavier than the wooden legs.  Maybe 8 - 10pounds heavier.

Bruce

I'm not doubting what you're saying but then the tubing used must be a lot thicker wall than I suspected. Granted, it does take a lot of stress because of the strut loads.

Thanks

Lynn

My understanding from a friend who was building a Whitman Tail Wind is that 4130 is in short supply. He actually abandoned his project after assembling all the wing ribs, because he couldn't get the steel for the fuselage.

David Cooper has a drawn set of plans for the steel landing gear.  As I remember, most materials are stated on those plans.  Give him a call and see if he will send you a set and maybe an actual materials list.  You never know.  lg