Sullivan tailwheels - Bad Luck, or Bad Quality?
08-19-2003, 02:56 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Sullivan tailwheels - Bad Luck, or Bad Quality?
I've been using Sullivan tailwheels on nearly all my taildraggers for quite some time now. 2 nights ago, I had my 4* 60 out, and had made several take offs and landings. For those who don't know, the 4* lands like a feather. Anyway, my last landing, I came in for a perfect 3 point, and the dang spring snapped right at the nylon base!
I came home, and robbed another set off of my Super Sportster. Went out last night, and almost exactly the same thing! Perfect, soft 3 point, and the spring snaps in the exact same place! I have one tailwheel left, and when I got home, I started flexing it like it would flex on a landing. Looks normal. In fact, it looks like those tailwheels could take a hell of an impact. So I'm wondering if maybe they got a bad batch of wire? Anybody had similar experiences with Sullivan 60 size tailwheel assemblies?
I know Sullivan has an excellent quality record, and I love their fuel tanks. I bought a watter rudder for some floats once, and the plastic was of horrible quality, but that was the first time I've ever had anything bad happen with a Sullivan product...until two days ago.
I came home, and robbed another set off of my Super Sportster. Went out last night, and almost exactly the same thing! Perfect, soft 3 point, and the spring snaps in the exact same place! I have one tailwheel left, and when I got home, I started flexing it like it would flex on a landing. Looks normal. In fact, it looks like those tailwheels could take a hell of an impact. So I'm wondering if maybe they got a bad batch of wire? Anybody had similar experiences with Sullivan 60 size tailwheel assemblies?
I know Sullivan has an excellent quality record, and I love their fuel tanks. I bought a watter rudder for some floats once, and the plastic was of horrible quality, but that was the first time I've ever had anything bad happen with a Sullivan product...until two days ago.
08-19-2003, 05:22 PM
#2
Sullivan tailwheels - Bad Luck, or Bad Quality?
http://www.centralhobbies.com/landin...tailwheel.html
Look at this one. GO down to the Klett tailwheel assy. I really like this one. Use it all the time.
Look at this one. GO down to the Klett tailwheel assy. I really like this one. Use it all the time.
08-19-2003, 05:26 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Sullivan tailwheels - Bad Luck, or Bad Quality?
No doubt, FLYBOY. I was gonna PM you and ask you to keep the smoke on your side the Divide. I hope your home is far away from the flames.
I do like those tailwheels, but I don't like the price. I just spent 15 minutes burning my fingertips soldering in a new chunk of wire. No spring, and not a very steep angle. Hopefully this will work. Thanks.
I do like those tailwheels, but I don't like the price. I just spent 15 minutes burning my fingertips soldering in a new chunk of wire. No spring, and not a very steep angle. Hopefully this will work. Thanks.
08-19-2003, 05:47 PM
#5
Sullivan tailwheels - Bad Luck, or Bad Quality?
If that doesn't work, look at CBA tail wheel brackets. I use them too. They are a leaf spring type, but it seems they may be a little pricey too. I don't remember.
Shoot me your email I will send you a pic of the fire I was watching from my deck.
Shoot it to [email protected]
It is easier to send pics from that one.
Shoot me your email I will send you a pic of the fire I was watching from my deck.
Shoot it to [email protected]
It is easier to send pics from that one.
