Anodized tail wheel anyone??

[flynz4me]

Wouldn't it make sense to put an anodized aluminum tail wheel on your plane?? Maybe yellow, red, blue, purple, black, you name it (I know Major Smackdown just ordered a pink one!!!) I am finishing up production on an affordable tail wheel and wanted to get some feedback on what you guys might be interested in color wise... I've attached a cad drawing of what the final product looks like and an FDM (rapid prototype) part pic.

Let me know what you guys think.

$45 dollar price point + shipping

[Ground Pounder]

Basic design looks ok but more details needed. A lot of the problems occur due to the cheap garbage most OEMs use for the CF spring. Can it handle a 40% bird? Will the side/shear loading bend the down leg? In addition you need to insure a drop hight of at least 4 inches.

Color would be nice but you need to nail down a few more details on the overall design first.

[flynz4me]

It is a two piece interlocking design, that will be strong enough to handle a 40% if the carbon leaf is strong enough. Here are two pics showing more.

[Ground Pounder]

The two piece body looks like it will be OK.

Next question would be the axle. A 30-35-40% bird landing hard on the tail generates a tremendous amount of impact force. The axle is supported on one side? It would seem very susceptible to ending up with a bent axle or side plate.

Not trying to knock the design. Having gone through a numerous tailwheel designs, I have done a lot of accidental destructive testing and ended up landing on a number of self induced CF tail skids after the wheel “left the scene of the crime”.

[Tired Old Man]

If the cost could be kept in line as well it could work out. Tailwheels have started going over the top price wise. The two latest versions to hit the market are losing sales due to what some consider to be over pricing. At least that's what I've gleaned in a couple of conversations with people looking at mine.

Price and quality are everything and I don't know how "elitist" we what some of these products to be. With quality up and price down and one could corner the tailwheel market. Especially if they connected with some kit designers/manufacturers/distributors.

[flynz4me]

Great info guys, ground pounder I planned to use a fat axle and ballbearing wheel if I can get the urethane coating inexpensive enough. The first few came off the mill last night so I'll put them on a heavy duty spring and let them slap the ground for some impact testing. I'll try and post pics this weekend.

Devin

T.O.M. - thanks I will reprice them lower if I can, I would love to offer affordable "bling"!!!

[Major_Smackdown]

As much work and hardware as you'll have here - (unless materials and machine time are free) - I think $40 is really fair. After you get me a pink one - make one for yourself that's Yella !!

[flynz4me]

Ooooohkay