The torque tube is 4130 with nickel plating (per Bob Berube). For the
record: any stainless alloy can be nickel plated but it must be "activated"
first so the plating will stick.
Best regards,
Rob Housman
A070
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa@post.aviators.net
Subject: RE: Tailplanes
Hi! Peter.
Thanks for the reply. Good to know, I'm sorely tempted ! However just out of
interest I know that the torque tube is NICKLE plated so I guess it isn't
stainless otherwise it wouldn't plate.
Not that the plate stays on long! Don't know about the TP12 and TP9 Parts
though.
That's only about 5 replies I've had plus one I know locally, so 1) either a
lot of people are not aware or 2) a lot of people are more accurate than you
or I , an item which I suspect the factory subscribe to! I was pleased to
see that you said yours was accurately machined, I know mine was the second
time and I know my local freinds was but all are still wearing.
Regards
Bob H G-PTAG
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa@post.aviators.net
Subject: RE: Tailplanes
I too fitted enlarged pins last winter - accurately machined - but now find
play in the tailplanes.
Prior to this I bought some loctite but 'chickened out' of using it as it
seemed too final. However, I have been told by one builder that if you go
down this route and have to dismantle the setup, it can be done by use of a
200 watt (or thereabout) halogen bulb passed down inside the torque tube
which will soften the loctite enough to get the bits apart.
I haven't tried this but am assured it works. I have also been told by
Loctite that to get the stuff to work on stainless steel, an Activator
(loctite 7471) has to be used.
Regards
Peter Davis (#154)
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa@post.aviators.net
Subject: Re: Tailplanes
> Would it make any sense to permanently bond the elevators in place?
> I understand that the flight performance is exceptional with them at full
> size.
> Perhaps a compromise between removableness vs small enough to fit w/in
7.5ft.
> Better flutter resistance as well?
>
> Nic
> xs a145
> :)
The only gamble would be whether you'd need to remove the torque tube
to repair/replace something. Looks like hacksaw through the torque
tube, and order up a new pair of stabilator cores and start all over?
Flutter would be moot if factory arrangement is fabricated tightly,
but some play is tolerable I would guess. There's a lot old planes
with play back there, my other plane included. My inspector w/50 yrs
experience tells me quit worrying.
Regards,
Fred F.
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