SOH C1A Grumman Tracker

[CRV]

Kudos to the Shupe team for having created another freeware classic. I could use some help in locating the replacement numbers in the config. file to obtain the steerable tail wheel.

Thanks

CRV

 

[Maarten -]

Kudos to the Shupe team for having created another freeware classic. I could use some help in locating the replacement numbers in the config. file to obtain the steerable tail wheel.

Thanks

CRV

Hi,

Grumman S2F / S-2 Trackers and C-1A Traders don't have a steerable tailwheel. The tailwheel functions as a tailskid or bumper only.

Grumman E-1B Tracers indeed have a tailwheel "which can be unlocked to swivel for ground operation when the wings are folded". It "extends and retracts with the landing gear. The tailwheel must be locked for ALL field take-offs and landings when it acts as a tailskid or bumper. For carrier operations it must be unlocked." (source: NATOPS Flight Manual Navy Model E-1B Aircraft)

Cheers,
Maarten

 

[CRV]

Thanks Maartan for the very comprehensive response.

CRV

 

[Blackbird686]

The Grumman C-1A was the cargo version of the military Grumman S-2 Tracker and did not have a tail wheel. The nose wheel on the C-1A model casters and uses differential brake steering with the left and right main gear. I only have the S-2 and the S-2T Trackers installed at the mo... and this is the config for the contact points to make the nose wheel steering active.

point.0 = 1.000, 14.087, 0.000, -7.868, 2950.000, 0.000, 1.050, 045.0, 0.200, 5.165, 0.800, 6.000, 6.000, 0.000, 150.000, 150.000 -- nose wheel steering
//for steearable nose gear, replace point.0 below with the one above; activate by removing the //'s
//point.0 = 1.000, 14.087, 0.000, -7.868, 2950.000, 0.000, 1.050, 180.0, 0.2000, 5.165, 0.800, 6.000, 6.000, 0.000, 150.000, 150.000 -- differential brake steering



Hope that helps...

BB686

EDIT: Here is the corrected contact point .0 for the C-1A:

point.0 = 1.000, 13.087, 0.000, -7.968, 1950.000, 0.000, 1.050, 045.0, 0.1500, 7.453, 0.900, 6.000, 6.000, 0.000, 150.000, 150.000, I believe that's pretty close.

 

[Maarten -]

The Grumman C-1A was the cargo version of the military Grumman S-2 Tracker and did not have a tail wheel.

Not quite correct. See link http://www.airliners.net/photo/Grumman-C-1A-Trader/2069878/L/

Cheers,
Maarten

 

[Blackbird686]

I wouldn't classify that little thing at the end of the fuselage in that shot as a "tail wheel". THAT only kept the pilot from scraping the fuselage on the runway on take off and landings. The C-1A did have a nose wheel. As far as the role the C-1A played.... that's a topic for another time.

I was only offering assistance to a chap who may or may not have been confused about a "tail wheel" on the C-1A and how to make it steerable... maybe I'm the one who's confused. I just re-installed the G7_C-1A and it does indeed have a nose wheel.

BB686

 

[Milton Shupe]

Here are some pics

With the Tracker on the catapult, the tail wheel was essential for support as with landings.

 

[Blackbird686]

Thanks for clearing that up, Milton. I still don't think that little "dealie" at the end of the fuselage is a tail wheel (JMO). Gee, there isn't even air in the tyre, it's solid rubber. More like a "bumper". Anyway... it's all good.

BB686

 

[Blackbird686]

Ah HA! a "bumper"... that's it, it's settled then. lol! Wait a minute, aren't bumpers usually chrome? They are on cars and trucks, I'm so confused... Ok, back to the Lodestar.

BB686