Warbird Information Exchange

Hi!

Do you guys know if we could fit a tail wheel for the square tyre on the standard Harvard 4 axle? We want to change ours, we have the tyre but the wheel is too small for the tyre.

Can anyone help?

_________________
Olivier Lacombe -- Harvard Mk.4 C-GBQB

If I'm not mistaken, the wheel for the channel tread tire requires a cylindrical (straight) axle, while the wheel for the smooth contour tire uses a tapered axle. The channel tread wheel bolts together with the same size bearings on both sides, while the smooth contour wheel has a snap ring to hold the rim in place.

I've asked your question here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/T6-SNJ-Harvard/

They'll know for sure.

Don't cry Ollie! We'll get this solved by the morning!!!!

I'll forward the answer to you, but suggest you join that group as they are a very helpful bunch!

Brandon

Thanks Brandon, I'll be waiting for your answer!!

We might to buy a few parts too...

_________________
Olivier Lacombe -- Harvard Mk.4 C-GBQB

Hi Ollie,

The wheel you are asking about, 12.5" X 4.5" wheel will fit just fine on the Harvard................now all you have to do is locate one!!

Glenn

Hi Glenn!

We had found a wheel last year, but they were asking 1 000$ for it, so we decided to keep the pointy tyre instead...

Do you know where we could find one at a reasonnable cost?

_________________
Olivier Lacombe -- Harvard Mk.4 C-GBQB

Here's one for $650 in Glenn's neck of the woods...

http://www.warbird-parts.com/invent/wheels.htm

Not sure if that is reasonable... Might be a LOT cheaper to just get a new smooth contour tire!

My old man says it's easier to taxi with the square tyre. That's the only reason we want to change it, since our tyre is in good condition.

However, I'll investigate your link with the greatest attention!

_________________
Olivier Lacombe -- Harvard Mk.4 C-GBQB

Taxi on grass, asphalt, or both? I'm curious!

I have two wheels for the proper size channel tread tire, but the bearings are the same size on both sides. Hmmmm.... I wonder if a field approval is possible for a different bearing or to add some kind of spacer? I wonder how much different the airworthiness requirements are between Canada and the US? I wonder which tastes better, chocolate covered peanut butter, or peanut butter covered chocolate...?

I think you can put whatever wheel is amde to go on the aircraft.

I'll take pictures fo the two tyres we ahve and the wheel and I'll show it to you tomorrow.

_________________
Olivier Lacombe -- Harvard Mk.4 C-GBQB

There are two different styles of 12.5x4.5 wheels. The 4 bolt and 5 bolt.
The 4 bolt ones are great for a t-6 and are a bit cheaper compared to a
5 bolt wheel. The P-51 people prefer a 5 bolt, but I know of one P-51 that
has run a 4 bolt for 20 years and never had a problem. You can buy a new manufacture 5 bolt from pioneer aero for $1,000.00 or hunt down one and pay a bit less.
Depending on which axle you have( that part thats the axle and pivot point for the wheel) you may have to get the one that is for larger bearings. Some harvards had that really small tail wheel (like stearman small) and that part will not work with the larger square wheel.
If you look at all the planes at the RENO air races. All the T-6 racers run tiny tail wheels. But as soon as they are done that small wheel goes to the back of the hangar until next year. It dosnt seem to matter what surface you are on the, square wheel just gives a more positive feeling and tracks better

From: "Bela P. Havasreti" <snj-5@c...>
Date: Wed Jun 9, 2004 10:57 pm
Subject: Re: [T6-SNJ-Harvard] Urgent tailwheel question!

What model Harvard? More accurately, what tailwheel
do you have now?

The "square" tire (12.5 x 4.5 CT, CT = Channel Tread) will
only fit the later (T-6G, P-51) tailwheel. Originals are getting
a bit hard to find, but if you don't mind writing the check,
Glenn Wegmann makes a brand new, heavy-duty 6-bolt
P-51 tailwheel that's quite nice (have one on my SNJ). It comes
with bearings, seals dust-cap & hardware, ready for a tire & tube.

The tailwheel designed to accept the 12.50 SC (Smooth Contour) tire
(original on my SNJ-5) will accept a 500x4 tire & tube (I understand
Desser Tire is the only supplier of this size of tire at the moment).
Serviceable/new 12.50 SC tires are also getting very hard to find.

There was a 10" tailwheel used on earlier Harvards, but
I don't have any experience with these (I know the Stearman
guys have used wheel ring adapters so they can put a modern
tire on the old size tailwheels).

Bela P. Havasreti
===================

From: NATrainer@A...
Date: Wed Jun 9, 2004 6:24 pm
Subject: Re: [T6-SNJ-Harvard] Urgent tailwheel question!

Harvards have 3 different wheels 3 1/2, 4, 4 1/2, which is it and get the right tire for the wheel.

Good Brandon.

What is your email adress? I'll send you pictures of our tail wheel with the strut, so you'll be able to ID it.

_________________
Olivier Lacombe -- Harvard Mk.4 C-GBQB

My e-mail is c322348@yahooREMOVETHIS.com

And of course don't neglect to REMOVETHIS from the address first!

BK
==============================
And more from Bela:

Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 09:09:35 -0700
From: "Bela P. Havasreti" <snj-5@cyberdude.com>
Subject: Re: Re: Urgent tailwheel question!

On Thu, 10 Jun 2004 15:52:32 -0000, you wrote:

If we're talking Harvard IV (and nobody has been there
swapping parts!) then yes, the tapered axles / forks should
be all the same. If they want to use the 12.5 x 4.5 CT tire, they
need a T-6G / P-51 tailwheel. The part number is:

J0200M

Earlier ones are 4-bolt, later ones are 5-bolt configuration.

Exercise a little caution when trying to buy one of these
wheels, as there is a very similar tailwheel out there (I don't
know what the application is.... Beech 18?) but this similar wheel
is for a straight (constant diameter) axle configuration. The T-6
(and P-51) has a tapered tailwheel axle.

If you think they might want to spring for Glenn Wegman's
new-manufacture 6-bolt P-51 tailwheel (they're around $850 - $900
bucks), shoot me an e-mail and I'll get you the contact info. I have
no affiliation with Mr. Wegmann, other than being a satisfied
customer.

Bela P. Havasreti

Ok, thanks.

I'm downloading the pics tomorrow and beaming them up to you!

_________________
Olivier Lacombe -- Harvard Mk.4 C-GBQB

Hello Brandon,

Thanks for all that!!

I believe the 12.5" X 4.5" wheel you have with the equal size bearings fits a P-51H. There are a whole bunch of really nice brand new ones out there but unfortunately not enough airplanes to fit them!

Glenn