Hi all
As you know, I’m going to build a 60% scale Spitfire replica, probably starting next year. I’ve bought a Sea Fury control column top (similar to the late-mark Spitfire-type) which is in excellent condition and I plan on using the gun button as a push-to-talk switch.
It also has the rear-mounted brake lever, and I was considering using this instead of having toe-brakes (or foot-brakes at least). The reason for this that, on my last microlighting adventure (from the front seat) I had to use the brake – and I had to almost stand on it to get the thing to sit still on the tarmac!
I was wondering whether the fitting of a hand-brake would be purely up to the builder, or would it be advisable to simply use the foot-brakes?
By: DazDaMan - 19th July 2004 at 08:18
I’ll have to ask about it at the next PFA Strut meeting.
By: mike currill - 17th July 2004 at 19:15
Depends your engineering ability as we used cable operated hydraulic brakes in kart racing, so I guess anything is possible if you work at it.
By: DazDaMan - 17th July 2004 at 18:21
I’m pretty sure the Isaacs Spit’s brakes are hydraulic, so would there be any great problem in changing the system?
By: Moggy C - 17th July 2004 at 09:25
I never find the brakes on a 52 any great problem and a column mounted hand-operated system would give a more authentic ‘Spitfire experience’
Why should everything be done the easiest way? (Here comes the old tailwheel v nosewheel argument)
My PA22 has hand operated braking from a Thompson bar under the panel. Worst of all possible worlds. I try not to use them.
Moggy
By: YakRider - 17th July 2004 at 08:35
You could be making things more complicated for yourself.
A brake handle on the stick means you have to use the rudder to initiate differential braking when you squeeze the handle – left rudder: left brake, right rudder: right brake, rudder neutral: both brakes. This is what happens on the Yak 52 and a lot of old warbirds, including jets. These systems also tend to be compressed air driven, rather than hydraulic.
It’s not a problem, but it does take some getting used to, especially with a castoring nosewheel (not a problem in a Spitfire, of course, but that will have a castoring tailwheel) as you have to use a lot of power to force the wheel straight if you are turning sharply when parking, for example.
I think toe brakes would be your easiest option.
YR
By: DazDaMan - 16th July 2004 at 22:32
Ahh, hadn’t seen that one before! A Mk26. Looking pretty good, too! Thanks for that.
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July 16, 2004 at 9:50 pm