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How to Convert RC Fixed Landing Gear to Oleo

In many cases the fixed landing gear on remote control model airplanes consists of little more than bent music wire with wheels attached. Instead of wire, some pilots use oleo struts on their landing gear. Oleo struts are shock absorbers that use oil and air to cushion the plane as it lands. Converting from wire gear to oleo struts can provide a higher level of protection on landing, and add a more realistic look to your model.

Things You'll Need

  • Two or three oleo struts for tricycle or tail wheel configuration
  • Landing gear wheels
  • Dremel tool
  • Ruler or measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clear a workspace and invert your model so that the wheels are facing up.

    • 2

      Measure the length of your landing gear from the wheel axle to the point of contact with the fuselage. If you have a spring coil bent into your wire gear, measure from a little below the coil. If your plane has a tail dragger configuration, ignore the tail wheel and measure the length of the main gear. Record your measurements.

    • 3

      Cut the landing gear wire with the Dremel tool. Be sure to cut above the wheels leaving about three-quarters of the wire in place. Use the Dremel to remove any sharp burrs from the cut wire. For tricycle landing gear you install three oleo struts; for tail dragger gear you install only two. Slide the oleo struts onto the wire and secure them with the included set screws.

    • 4

      Measure the length of the landing gear to make sure it matches the original length. If it does not match, loosen the oleo set screws and move them around until the measurement is correct. Tighten the set screws. Depending on the strut, you may need to cut more of the landing gear wire.

    • 5

      Install the new wheels. Invert your model and head to the field.


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