Tundra style wheels for FT Bushwacker?

sprzout

Knower of useless information
Mentor
I decided recently to try and build a Bushwacker, after flying my dad's little UMX Timber and having so much fun with it; I figured with FT's plans, and wanting a bigger plane to handle the afternoon winds that come up at our field, the Bushwacker would be a solid plane to go with.

That said, I opted to go away from the foam wheels that Peter had in the plans; I didn't want to have to use ANOTHER sheet of foam board, plus I like look of actual wheels on a plane. :)

My dilemma is thus:

I've looked at finding wheels that are in the 4" range that look like the big, fat tire style that you see on most bush planes, and unfortunately, I'm kind of limited on my knowledge of who makes wheels like this. I know of Du-Bro, and that's pretty much it. Are there other options that I can use, since they seem to be out of stock direct from Du-Bro, and the ones in the FT store are out? Anyone else tried any different wheels?
 

mrjdstewart

Legendary member
i'm in the same boat. i looked around for a bit and found a company named "Lite Flite Wheels" and they have a nice 4" set.

mine are the square ones not round but other than that they are the same. i'm a little bummed about the weight once i got them, 84g for the set. i might end of rethinking and finding a fat pool noodle and make some customs and see what they weigh. lightest will make it on the plane.

laters,

jason ;)
 

checkerboardflyer

Well-known member
Weekeder Warehouse still stocks the Tundra Wheels from the Multiplex FunCub which are 4.7 inches. https://www.weekenderwarehouse.com/funcub-120mm-wheels/ HobbyKing stocks the Tundras from the original Durafly Tundra for $8.46, but they are only currently available Global. The Tundras on the newer model are rubber foam version and weigh about 3 times as much as the originals. https://hobbyking.com/en_us/duraflyr-tm-tundra-main-wheel-set.html?wrh_pdp=3&___store=en_us Attached pic is of the HobbyKing Tundras. More tips and tools at: https://foamboardflyers.com/
 

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donalson

Active member
The pool noodle was what I was going to suggest... the foam board wheels in the plans are great but Between hand cutting and assembly they come out less than perfectly round for me.... I think laser cut they would be perfect though
 

Seahunter

Active member
They were not cheap, around 18.00 for the timber wheels. No problem on the CG. I also modified the tail and put the timber steerable tailwheel on as our club has a paved runway, I am happy with the timber wheels, I would not change my choice. They work great on grass, dirt whatever. I also bought the timber replacement landing gear, its still in the box, too heavy for the bushwacker. I used the tailwheel wire from the set, but a cheaper tailwheel is available with spring coiled pre-bent tailwheel from http://www.airborne-models.com. I've attached some pictures of my bushwacker. I put a 3 axis gyro in it for windy days, also programed in flaperons. It has a "C" pack in it. I plan to add removable slats later to see how slow can I get it to go. The timber wheels measure about 4 1/4".


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Grifflyer

WWII fanatic
They were not cheap, around 18.00 for the tundra wheels. No problem on the CG. I also modified the tail and put the tundra steerable tailwheel on as our club has a paved runway, I am happy with the tundra wheels, I would not change my choice. They work great on grass, dirt whatever. I also bought the tundra replacement landing gear, its still in the box, too heavy for the bushwacker. I used the tailwheel wire from the set, but a cheaper tailwheel is available with spring coiled pre-bent tailwheel from http://www.airborne-models.com. I've attached some pictures of my bushwacker. I put a 3 axis gyro in it for windy days, also programed in flaperons. It has a "C" pack in it. I plan to add removable slats later to see how slow can I get it to go.


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How did you decorate? it looks very nice, did you use vinyl?