Following info responds to Tony Renshaw's post with Europa tri-gear questions
<<DOES THIS CROSSMEMBER TAKE UP MUCH ROOM?>>
What room? Seriously, the spaces on either side of the central tunnel,
between the back of the tank and the big bulkhead (up to the height of the
tunnel) is taken up by these wood ribs that anchor the gear legs. Makes the
XS baggage bay modification (moving the big bulkhead back about 14 inches)
sort of mandatory.
<<WOULD I GET THE KIT FOR THE ELECTRIC FLAPS IN MY 2000 POUNDS?>>
For 2,000 GBP, I hope so!. Assume so, too. Not surprised at the price, but
there are many (probably) contacted-out, low volume parts Europa supplies.
<<WHAT SAFETY FEATURE? DO YOU MEAN THE COMBINED GEAR AND FLAP LEVER DOING
EVERYTHING AT ONCE?>>
Yep, that one. Otherwise. As we say here, there are two kinds of retractable-
gear flyers those who have landed gear up, and those who someday will!
<<WERE [BRAKES] ALSO FACTORY SUPPLIED, AND ARE THE BRAKES ON BOTH SETS OF
PEDALS?>>
Everything needed comes with the tri-gear kit and is quality stuff. The brake
master cylinders are small (non-aircraft) units which fit in between the
pilot-side rudder pedals. None for the copilot side, but easy add-on.
<<WHAT ABOUT A TRAILER FOR THIS ONE? HAVE YOU GOT ANY IDEAS YET IN THIS
DEPARTMENT?>>
Don't know anything about Europa's trailer, if any, for the tri-gear.
However, rolling it on/off a trailer would be definitely easier. Also, wing
installation is easier. Seems to me a boat trailer could be modified to suit.
I BELIEVE THE TRI MANUAL CAME OUT A LONG TIME AFTER THE A/C. HOW IS THE
MANUAL?? DO YOU FIND IT SATISFACTORY???
The manual I have (12/96) I find is excellent.
<<FOR MY TRAILING EDGES I FEEL AT THIS POINT AS I HAVENT FIRMLY DECIDED
(ALTHOUGH I THINK IT IS ONLY JUST AROUND THE CORNER) THAT I SHOULD CONTINUE
WITH THE PLACEMENT OF THE W18 FLAP HINGE SUPPORT PLATES INTO THE RIBS. WHAT DO
YOU RECKON?>>
Do please do that. The tri-gear utilizes those two W-18 plates to mount the
outboard flap hinges. Plural - two outboard hinges per wing, as they jimmy
the outrigger mechanism only a bit. They did that for simplicity I guess, but
a single flap hinge is less draggy, and I have that on my to-do list.
<<HEY, BY THE WAY, WHERE ARE YOU UP TO NOW WITH YOUR BEAST? ARE YOU STILL
ENJOYING IT?>>
I am half-way through the necessaries prior to bonding on the fuselage top.
Soon, I can order a 914 engine for her. I am also doing the fiberglass filler
routine here and there, as I heard that builders who attempt it all at once
have wound up in 12-step programs <g>. I am finding that the build process
gets more enjoyable at later stages, and the tasks are smaller ones you can
pick and choose from depending upon mood.
OTHER TRI-GEAR ANOMALIES AS LONG AS YOU'RE CURIOUS
The main wheels are 5.00x5 size. Take-off on grass will require more than the
monowheel, and good grass at that. A 6.00 x 6 option may be doable; dont
know.
The wing sits about 30 inches above ground, and you should install at least a
passenger side step (both sides, if you're my age).
Similarly, the top-side fuel filler on the original Europa is way up there and
inconvenient. The XS side-filler arrangement is called for (saves a few
pounds anyway).
The current stuff they supply for the rudder actuating mechanism in the tail
would look OK on my friend's New Standard antique bi-plane, as one rudder
cable emerges out the fuselage side to hook to a rudder actuating arm which
sticks out in the breeze. Nice, simple arrangement, but if you're
aesthetically minded, a workaround is simple (doesnt require anyone's
approval here in the States).
You can have more (and aesthestic) instrument panel space by filling in the
recess needed by the gear lever and moving the sight gauge.
Europa does not provide for a tail skid, a good idea for a tri-gear. Simple
to add.
They do not supply wheel fairings. If desired, you either make your own or
jury-rig manufactured items. Fairing the gear legs (they're round;
aerodynamically undesirable) looks fun, too. Hence, between all this and
above wood ribs, the build time is maybe +100 hours (net).
Hope all this helps.
Regards,
Fred Fillinger, A063
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