National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

Hi Everybody, As we progress through the completion of the Chief, we are replacing the Maule tailwheel with the Scott 3200 which is brand new in the box! I am curious what tailwheel spring other Chief users are using? ATTACHED is a photo of the current Maule assembly. We had endless issues with this, from shimmying to an interesting landing because of it locking 90degrees! We live in the mountains of Northern California and flying consists of landing and taking off from pavement, concrete, grass, dirt, gravel, pretty much anything you can imagine! Time to move up to the 3200 which is the same tailwheel assembly that is on the 188 I fly and I really like the durability and reliability.


Thanks Again.

You can use the same spring and adapt the 3200's attach to fit it. If you slip a thick cushion on top of the spring at the rear attach it can help with the pivot angles.
Paul

Thanks Paul, I was just not sure if they would mend well?! That saves us a good chunk of money! Going to the airport and trying this out, will let you know

Again Thanks So Much

Michael

Have a look at the Alaskan Bushwheel web site for the installation hints. Make sure you get the angles correct it will save you a ton of headaches and bad landings! Good luck.

Muskokabob

Also if you need spares for the 3200, ABI parts are an exact match and half the price.

I have used the 3200 on every Aeronca I have had for the last 30 years. Paying a bit more to make sure that I have complete control over the back end of the airplane is worth it to me...

Joe A

joea wrote:Also if you need spares for the 3200, ABI parts are an exact match and half the price.

I have used the 3200 on every Aeronca I have had for the last 30 years. Paying a bit more to make sure that I have complete control over the back end of the airplane is worth it to me...

Joe A

Thanks Joe, It's a great feeling knowing the 3200 will be a reliable dependable choice for the Chief. I couldn't agree more with you, as control is 110% everything! I like the idea of spending a dime and saving a dollar versus the other way around! I will have photos of the Chief's progress available shortly, I will most likely put them on a trustworthy image hosting site for all too see, that way full size photos can be seen for details?

Thanks again, I know that is a redundant ending for me but its the truth. Thanks

Michael.

Also while you are there, make sure that your springs are in good shape (not old or sprung) and that they are good and tight to the tail mount. Also would check and make sure that the "U" clamp and rubber support are in good conditon.

The angle and rigging of the tailwheel (by way of the springs) is also very important:



Image courtesy of the Backcountry pilots site.