Simple Scout with 3D Printed Landing Gear

[qwijibo]

I recently finished a new Simple Scout to replace one that was totaled while teaching someone to fly a few weeks ago. (Full power nose in on a paved parking lot, ouch!)

Since I enjoy 3D printing, I thought I’d add 3D printed landing gear. I found some plans on Thingiverse and made a few changes to mount it on the Simple Scout. As you can see in the pics and videos, it's held on with BBQ skewers and has a simple rubber band suspension to help with hard landings. It's definitely overkill for a plane this small, but why not.

I’m super happy with how it came out. I was a little concerned about the added weight, but since I use a Power Pack C, I suspect it won’t be an issue. The maiden is this weekend, so I’ll fine out soon!

Just thought I’d share, and if anyone is interested I’ll post them to Thingiverse once I make a few more changes.

 

[alan0043]

That is a nice idea. Very cool ! Let us know how it works.

 

[Hoomi]

Looking forward to the flight report!

 

[The Hangar]

That looks amazing!

 

[Captain Jay]

I recently finished a new Simple Scout to replace one that was totaled while teaching someone to fly a few weeks ago. (Full power nose in on a paved parking lot, ouch!)

Since I enjoy 3D printing, I thought I’d add 3D printed landing gear. I found some plans on Thingiverse and made a few changes to mount it on the Simple Scout. As you can see in the pics and videos, it's held on with BBQ skewers and has a simple rubber band suspension to help with hard landings. It's definitely overkill for a plane this small, but why not.

I’m super happy with how it came out. I was a little concerned about the added weight, but since I use a Power Pack C, I suspect it won’t be an issue. The maiden is this weekend, so I’ll fine out soon!

Just thought I’d share, and if anyone is interested I’ll post them to Thingiverse once I make a few more changes.

The gear looks great and I really like how it fits to you're FB model. Noticed you've also printed a front grill and motor pieces. Nice job.
What 3D printer do you use and what was the total cost in filament to produce the pieces
Just curious because I was thinking of getting into 3D printing.

 

[Spacefarer]

I can't believe I didn't think of rubber band suspension in 3d printed gear. I should start using it, because it's probably 10 times cheaper than standard suspension or even non suspension gear. Also, no bending thick metal rods which I hate.

 

[qwijibo]

The weather and my schedule finally aligned this weekend, and I took the new landing gear/Simple Scout for it's maiden.

You could feel the extra weight and drag compared to no landing gear, but with the Power Pack C and the 1400mah pack I run on it, it still flew great! Lifted off in about 10 feet, and landings were smooth and easy. The field I fly from is fairly rough grass, and even with the uneven surface and divots it worked just fine...just make sure to apply full-up elevator right at touchdown to prevent nose-overs. You do have to keep the speed up just a bit higher because of the extra weight and drag, but nothing I would consider bad.

Overall my plane was on the heavy side even before the landing gear (I totally covered it in packing tape), but I'd chalk this up as a success! I likely won't use the gear every time I fly since I'm usually on grass anyway, but anytime I have a smooth surface or runway available, I'll pop them on for sure!

 

[qwijibo]

The gear looks great and I really like how it fits to you're FB model. Noticed you've also printed a front grill and motor pieces. Nice job.
What 3D printer do you use and what was the total cost in filament to produce the pieces
Just curious because I was thinking of getting into 3D printing.

The filament cost for the gear and other parts I added was minimal. My slicer software estimated about ~$1.50 worth of filament. I'm currently using a Prusa i3 Mk3, it's my 3rd 3D printer over the last 5 years or so, and by far my favorite!

 

[Captain Jay]

The filament cost for the gear and other parts I added was minimal. My slicer software estimated about ~$1.50 worth of filament. I'm currently using a Prusa i3 Mk3, it's my 3rd 3D printer over the last 5 years or so, and by far my favorite!

Thx

 

[Wrench Monkey]

I recently finished a new Simple Scout to replace one that was totaled while teaching someone to fly a few weeks ago. (Full power nose in on a paved parking lot, ouch!)

Since I enjoy 3D printing, I thought I’d add 3D printed landing gear. I found some plans on Thingiverse and made a few changes to mount it on the Simple Scout. As you can see in the pics and videos, it's held on with BBQ skewers and has a simple rubber band suspension to help with hard landings. It's definitely overkill for a plane this small, but why not.

I’m super happy with how it came out. I was a little concerned about the added weight, but since I use a Power Pack C, I suspect it won’t be an issue. The maiden is this weekend, so I’ll fine out soon!

Just thought I’d share, and if anyone is interested I’ll post them to Thingiverse once I make a few more changes.

Do you have the STL files for this by chance? Can't seem the find you design on thingiverse. Looks amazing!

 

[qwijibo]

Do you have the STL files for this by chance? Can't seem the find you design on thingiverse. Looks amazing!

Sure, I can post those STL files this weekend. The original design isn't mine, so I can't take credit for that, I just modified it to fit the Simple Scout.