Im installing the Mod 77 pushrod rudder drive as originated by Graham Singleton.
In the instructions (both Grahams version and the later version from the
factory)
it offers the possibility of having turnbuckles in the tailwheel cables
for ease of adjustment. I had originally felt this was not necessary, but later
decided it would be a good idea after all. Having just bonded in the sternpost,
I had to get at the installed cable thimbles through the access panel. It
was not difficult to cut off the cable from the thimble round the spring with
a Dremel cut-off wheel, and not too awkward to install the fork end of a
turnbuckle
in its place on the aft end of the spring.
However, when I exercised the bellcrank, the nicopress sleeve on the aft end of
the turnbuckle assembly is only about 20mm from the forward face of the
sternpost
(even without compressing the spring on that side). The holes I made for
the cables through the fuselage side emerge on the inside only just clear of the
sternpost. With the turnbuckle travelling so far aft, that doesnt seem to leave
enough room for the plastic fairlead (and the layup to keep it in place).
I recall now seeing one or two Europas at the Rally with Grahams rudder drive
and
turnbuckles out in the breeze just forward of the tailwheel, and I think I
now know why!
Before I start the fiddly job of re-making cable thimbles on the springs (and
throwing
away the expensive turnbuckle fork ends), can anyone offer thoughts on
how the tailwheel cable turnbuckles can operate inside the fuselage without
fouling
the plastic fairleads?
in friendship
Rowland
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