Need help getting Pandora tail wheel to track straight...

[Spool]

Hey guys,

For any Pandora fliers out there...I've got her set up in a high wing taildragger configuration right now and am having trouble getting the tail wheel to align with the rudder when controls are neutral. It seems there is a flat spot on the post that the set screw tightens down on intended to align the wheel with the rudder control, but it is slightly off, which results in the plane veering left when the rudder is neutral on the ground. I have loosened the set screw on the wheel, aligned it with the rudder, and attempted to tighten it down again, but that flat spot or groove on the post forces the wheel to cock out to the left each time. Am I missing something here? Rudder is neutral with no trim and power on...I don't think the control rods are to blame.

Anyone else seeing this issue? It's workable, and have been flying with her like this, but would love if I could get it to track straight on taxi/roll out...

Also, recommendations for replacements the hard foam clown wheels? I fly off pavement and would like to drop the form factor down a bit for good looks sake. Going to be switching to the low wing tail dragger config for practice before I get my FMS P-51...

Spool

[Baron]

Re: Need help getting Pandora tail wheel to track straight...

I have also replaced those large foamy tires. As far as tires, get some large Dave Brown tires, MotionRC sells them. Funny you post that subject just as I was thinking about that very issue. I own the Pandora and have that minor tail wheel quirk. It certainly has not stopped me at all from flying. Sometimes I have to just manually position the tail wheel by hand before take off. I will be taking time tomorrow to check out if I need to use my Dremel tool to see if I need to create a new or widen any existing flat spot for the screw to tighten better.

[Bogietrim]

Re: Need help getting Pandora tail wheel to track straight...

I bought this for my boys and had the same problem. Trying to remember, does this have 2 rods (1 for rudder and 1 for tail wheel) running through the servo arm? If so then loosen the set screw there, alighn and re-tighten. If there is enough thread on the rudder center tail wheel and adjust the rudder clevis.

[Spool]

Re: Need help getting Pandora tail wheel to track straight...

Bogie,

You nailed it...there are two rods...I was thinking one was for the nose wheel steering...but there's two going aft to the rudder and tailwheel as well. That should definitely allow me to get things tracking straight. Thanks! I also swapped out the hard foam clown wheels for some normal foam wheels that came on a nitro trainer I flew back in the day. Instant looks upgrade, and I suspect it will improve ground handling as well.

Thanks for the assist!

Spool

[Bogietrim]

Re: Need help getting Pandora tail wheel to track straight...

Hope that did it. It is a good plane and my boys love it.