Alan Wray wrote: >Undercarraige: Id like to replace the retractable >undercarraige with a fixed one. Either taildragger or >tricycle and I have a couple of questions. The existing >landing gear looks simple to remove but can I just drill out >the spar and bolt a fixed one on in its place? Also, If I go >for the tricycle option (which I'd prefer) how much weight >does it add and is it a straightforward job or does the >firewall need upgrading?
There is no additional beefing up of the firewall required for a nose gear. If you decide this is what you want, I would seek out a Diehl nose gear set up. It is designed for the KR and is a very simple installation. Four bolts through the firewall and two support braces welded to the bottom of the engine mount and you are ready to go. Like Langford said, you will loose 10 MPH but if you put a wheel pant on it you will gain at least 5 MPH back. Mine actually improved by 8 MPH when I added the pant to it. The weight is another issue as that is fixed and you can not get it back. With the plane sitting empty the nose wheel will see about 147 lbs on the nose gear and when the pilot is in the plane it is only about 45 pounds on the gear which helps greatly on turf runways. Personally, I love my tri-gear as it provides exceptional visibility and handling on the ground. I have not landed it on turf yet but I do not think there would be a problem on a good turf runway. Mark Jones (N886MJ) Wales, WI Visit my web site: www.flykr2s.com E-mail: flyk...@wi.rr.com
