All the T-6 SNJ Harvard tail gear assembly configurations

[Mike Robinson]

I have searched but the query is too broad.

"tailwheel" SNJ T-6

There seems to be a whole lot of configs.

Does anyone know of a link i n here to a thread that shows pictures of all the different types.

Mine in the SNJ is sort of like a Maule / Scott that has two ears that when pushed so far ride up on a ramp which compresses a spring and releases the tail to 360 degree swivel like a Maule or Scott tailwheel.

I seem to like this. Though you would never want to kick to far on landing if it starts to veer because you might knock it into free swivel and then you are really going around.

As opposed to the P-51 type that is locked in steering with the pin engaged but if you slam it too hard and hit the brakes it can shear the pin and again then you are really going around.

There is another one I have that is locked in straight and if one pin is disengaged by pulling a cable a sprung pin pushes in the other side and the gear is locked into steerable unless you kick it far enough to break free into full swivel like the first.

Which do you prefer.

It seems like the ability to lock completely straight is the best for newer 6 trainees compared shearing the pin in a 51 style or kicking to far in a Scott Maule type that breaks free with too far a push.


Pictures anyone.

Last edited by Mike Robinson on Sun Dec 05, 2010 11:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[racemech11]

I don't know of a link that would show all configurations, but I'll take a stab at what you have.

The type you are describing is a South African Air Force mod. It works like a Scott ot Maule that gives you steering input to a certain degree, then declutches and will swivel 360 degrees.

The P-51 or Mustang style has a pin operated by a cable that locks and unlocks it. When you pull the control stick into the aft position, the pin will drop in and allow tail wheel steering. With the control stick forward, the tail wheel will swivel 360 degrees.

The third style is operated by a lever on the left side of the cockpit tha either locked or unlocked it.

Lance Aircraft could possible answer questions and supply parts for what you have or what you would want to install.

I personally like the style you have. Seemed to work very well.

[Mike Robinson]

I am headed ou on a King Air flight N50NA so i don't have time to say much.

Yeah I like the Scott type thing config. Seems like what most people would be use to coming from regulat TW airplanes.

But the P-51 "style"

Is that config just in the way the pin is operated via the stick or the side handle with no change to the actual tail wheel.

I talked to Lance.

They said 2500 for thwe parts but I asked if they could give me a list of part numbers and or a diagram and they said they didn't have anything paperwork wise put together.

Seemed like pulling teeth and i didn't want to bother em.

Mike Robinson

[racemech11]

The P-51 style works the same as in the mustang.

I don't know of a diagram or picture. I've put a couple in and have just used another aircraft as an example. Fairley straight forward.

Chip

[Mike Robinson]

Thanks ... but is it the same as a mustang or does it just work the same way at the flight deck only?

[bdk]

Thanks ... but is it the same as a mustang or does it just work the same way at the flight deck only?

Not a Mustang. It works the same way from the cockpit though.

[Mike Robinson]

Not a Mustang. It works the same way from the cockpit though.

I thought that might be the case. Thank you

[Mike Robinson]

.

Last edited by Mike Robinson on Sun Dec 05, 2010 11:32 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[Mike Robinson]

[Mike Robinson]

I really like this one.

The cable attaches to the side handle lock front cockpit and when the lower pin is locked up into the bottom the gear is locked straight.

When the cable is pulled by the handle it pulls the lower pin down and allows the upper pin to spring down into the bellcrank as it is pictured and allows steering.

If you push the rudder all the way it rides up the side ramps and unclutches to complete swivel.

This unti seems very funtional (if clean smooth and working well polished etc) and tougher than the 51 style locking tail wheel equipment in the other picture that can shear easily.

Has anyone used this one?



.

Last edited by Mike Robinson on Sun Dec 05, 2010 11:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Mike Robinson]