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Re: Mono wheel vs. Tri-Gear debate

Subject: Re: Mono wheel vs. Tri-Gear debate
From: Fred Fillinger <fillinger@ameritech.net>
Date: Thu, 9 May 2002 20:04:20
Paul Boulet wrote:

> ...
> the speed kit an additional $400 over and above the mono wheel. 

I have trouble visualizing their speed kit as optimum - flap covers
too wide, open at rear; interference drag top and bottom of gear leg
with no spats.  So if a few more knots is important to you, figure
time to fix those areas or to just go ahead and make your own speed
kit.    

> The Lakeland, Florida office says build time is the same on Tri Gear as the 
> Mono
wheel so
> no advantages there.

Maybe on the just mechanical parts, but factor in time to build a
dolly to hold the fuselage and whatever is needed to be able to paint
it.  The trigear rolls around on its wheels so easy, with sufficient
ground clearance to shoot (and sand and buff) the underside.

> There aren't enough sales of used Europas to be able to tell if
> re-sale value on one is higher than the other because that would help
> with my decision too.

That's always a future market that can change.  Past sales wouldn't
conclude much due to all the variables, and the types attract
different segments of buyers.  

> Please let me know if any of you think I've missed something... I'm really 
> having
a hard
> time choosing and could still be swayed either way.  Thanks,

Couple things not mentioned yet.  On trigear there's less storage room
in back. Also, if aux tank desired, the factory version I've seen
won't fit, so you make your own.  On the trigear, you can fill in the
big notch in the panel.  Also, it needs no special trailer for
transport and rigging.

Best,
Fred F.


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