Advertisement
CARF-Models Ltd.
Tail gear doors... They are hinged in the very same way as the main gear doors. They are split in
the center, so that they can open even though the hinge line is slightly curved. They also give you
the option to install a tail hook, where all 4 doors have to be operational. If you intend not to
install a tail hook, you can glue the two rear doors in and only make the two front doors
operational. On the following pages we will describe the installation of 4 operational doors.
Tailgear Doors:
First, install the tailgear and make
sure that it retracts completely. The
tailwheel does not completely retract
into the fuselage, so you need to
create a cutout for the wheel. Keep
this cutout as tight as possible around
the wheel, it helps to center the wheel
and to support the gear doors in the
closed position later on. Then install 2
hinges to every door. See drawing and
photos for the correct hinge pin
position in relation to the door's edge.
Cut the hinge slots into the fuselage
and trial fit with a hinge pin and 2
small white plastic tube pieces on
each side of each hinge. You should
be able to tack all tubes to the
fuselage so that the doors move freely.
Now connect each front and rear door
with a short steel pin and 2 pieces of
plastic tube. The steel pin can be
glued into one tube, but must slide
freely in the other tube. Last but not
least, install the "control horn", which
also acts as a "close-lock" in the
correct position and attach the springs
between the tail gear frame and the
control horns. You will have to play
with gear and doors quite a bit to find
the perfect spring tension and the best
position for the horns. These horns
also create a stop towards the fuselage
skin inside the gear well. You can
reshape them, if necessary, or attach
little plywood spacers to the inside of
the fuselage where they rest against.
Finally, disassemble the doors and fill
all tack-glue joints with 30 min epoxy
or resin and microballon to strengthen
them.
Instruction Manual F4U-1D Corsair
Slot the fuselage in th hinge area like on the main gear
doors. 3 hinges for front door, 2 hinges for rear door.
Inside view of hinges with plastic tube and steel pin
Close-locks for front and rear door and connection pin
between both doors
info@carf-models.com
Page 28
Advertisement
