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How to Install P38 Retracts

For many years, the P38 was among the US Army's fastest and most versatile aircraft. Although the full-sized planes have all been retired, these exceptional aircraft are now made in miniature, and are enjoyed by remote-controlled-airplane enthusiasts. Among the most critical components of a P38's successful landing are the wheel retract mechanisms. If you are building your own P38 from a kit, it's important to install your P38 retracts correctly in order to avoid mechanical failure during takeoff or landing.

Things You'll Need

Epoxy
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the wing frame over, so that the bottom of the wing is facing up.
- 2
  Lay the wing on a large working surface.
- 3
  Locate the cutout notches in the rear-wing ribs. These notches will house the wheel assembly and retract mechanism.
- 4
  Feed the retract's air lines through the wing frame, beginning at the fuselage end of the wing.
- 5
  Press the air lines firmly into the corresponding mounts in the retract's actuator.
- 6
  Apply a small amount of epoxy to the landing gear braces.
- 7
  Press the braces into place in the corresponding notches in the wing frame. Allow the epoxy to dry thoroughly, at least 30 minutes.
- 8
  Place the retract housing into the channel between the two braces, so that the mounting brackets for the retract extend over the braces.
- 9
  Screw the retracts into the landing gear braces, using the four enclosed screws and an appropriately-sized screwdriver.

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