----- Original Message ----- From: "Colin & Bev Rainey" <crain...@cfl.rr.com> To: "KRnet" <kr...@mylist.net> Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2004 1:04 PM Subject: KR> Retracts
> Retractable gear assemblies are very attractive due to the better aerodynamics and looks when in flight. They also imply a "coolness" factor that excites the male ego and denotes a "real pilot". I agree with Colin. How ever the OTHER plane that you did not include would be the Bellanca Viking. There the gear is hanging out the bottom of the wing and they put 'ClamShell doors' on that. I know that we're talking a 300 hp over a plane that has in the range of 65 to 110+ hp. But I went down to my friendly Aeromechanic and had to use the plane right now. They said OK, but they had not reinstalled the 'ClamShell's' yet. I flew the Viking without the 'ClamShell's' and I found the cruise to be 18 mph slower. Now. Knowing the difference in weight, hp, size and the over dissimilaraities. I think that the origonal retracts would definatly out cruise the same plane with a form of 'Clamshells' vs. welded feet. And we seem to all like to work with fiber glass (not) and I think that a person could do the clamshells very easy. I have done the same on my KR1 and they work (still building) well so far. I also designed a gear leg that attachs to the cross bar and uses the same gear that the folks are using on the fixed gear. Just my opinion. Don't kick me into the 'tar pit' as I just had a bath the first of the month. Once a month, need it or not. Greg Martin
