Doug Bell Tail Wheel

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Mike Balzer
Class E
Posts: 147
Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 11:18 pm
Location: Saugus, CA

Doug Bell Tail Wheel

Post by Mike Balzer »

I just received my TW and it is a work of art. Doug Bell did a wonderful job on it and it looks great.

It took approximately 6 Months to receive it, but he did not forget me.

What parts will I need to complete the TW from Vans. I plan on using 2 cables for steering.

Thanks,

Mike Balzer
It is better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, then being in the air and wishing you were on the ground. N78MB

cptbuzz
Class G
Posts: 35
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2012 10:12 pm
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Post by cptbuzz »

Mike,

What makes this tailwheel so much better than the Vans tailwheel and why did it take 6 months to get. Can you post a pic of the tailwheel. Thanks!

Scott
Scott "Buzz" Brown
RV-Nation.com

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Wicked Stick
Class B
Posts: 1000
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2005 10:00 pm
Location: KEWB

Post by Wicked Stick »

Scott,

Van's design has the potential to snag/catch on something and rip the tail apart when it does because of how low the fork situated in relationship to the axle/wheel. I know of two stories where this happened.

The Bell is designed with an elevated/angled fork so that it allows the wheel to run up and over objects more easily. Image

Another option would be to use this one:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/l ... wheel3.php

Here's a thread from VAF that shows the differences all on one page.
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/s ... 61&page=29
Dave "WS" Rogers
RV-8 (125 hrs & counting)
N173DR

cptbuzz
Class G
Posts: 35
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2012 10:12 pm
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Post by cptbuzz »

What is the cost of this tailwheel? And why does it take 6 months to receive?

Thanks!

Scott
Scott "Buzz" Brown
RV-Nation.com

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