So the compression springs arrived today. Cute little buggers.... I decided there is no time like the present to get the Sukhoi tail gear steering set up. I did not like the springs that were supplied with the plane and after the issues I've had with the 260, I wanted something a little more elaborate and a whole lot more dependable. Plus, I wanted it to look nice.
Actually fairly inexpensive and quite easy to do. (2) J&J Tailwheels compression springs, (2) Sullivan Golden Rod yellow tubes, (1) 2/56 pull-pull cable hardware package. (4) 2/56 ball links and hardware, (1) quality high torque metal gear servo. (In this case, Hitec HS-5665MH High Speed High Voltage Metal Gear), (4) wooden control horn spacers from the ailerons and elevators when the plane was shipped. That's about it.
I drilled two holes in the rear of the fuse at a 70 degree angle to get the right positioning started. Once the initial hole was started, I reduced that angle to about 40 degrees so that the yellow tubes would go through the holes and travel through the fuse at the right angle I wanted. Once holes were drilled through, cables were inserted from rear of fuse, glued with CA just to hold them from floating and I was able to put the tail gear and fairing back in place. The 2/56 pull-pull cable was then run through the tubes up through the middle of the fuse to where the servo would be mounted. The rest was easy peazy. Made a servo box tray and mounted it to the middle aft portion of the radio compartment in the middle of the fuse. Glued in the left over wooden spacers from the control horns from the ailerons and elevators at just the right location for tube support. Installed a test servo as the actual servo for this setup will not arrive until tomorrow, but I wanted to get it set up and then all I have to do is install the servo when it arrives and set it up on my radio. I have set it up on a separate channel on my radio slaved to the rudder. That way I can adjust EPA's, speed and direction of operation without messing up the rudder servo settings. Once everything was all in place and set up...I checked actual operation. It looks cool and it works great. A little work, but hey....The Sukhoi is worth it. Of course while I was at the rear of the fuse, I decided to do the same with it as I did with the 260. I sealed the hinge line on the rudder. I mean after all, the ailerons and elevators are sealed and it's not like I am going to be taking the rudder off right?
Now on to the next step.... Oh yeah, motor time and exhaust time. LOL