ROTATING Mechanical Micro-retracts (left and right)

The Fun Scale Models CORSAIR F4U that Derek Micko designed is a beautiful scale model - the landing gear on the full-size airplane rotates as it retracts into the wing so the challenge was to do the same thing in miniature.

For this size model, the retract had to be small, lightweight, and simple! Rabid Models is proud to say that this amazing micro-size mechanical retract was designed and manufactured by us. Please read the following presentation carefully to understand the interesting features.

This video shows the prototype unit under development.

This video demonstrates the finished retracts installed on Derek's Corsair.

and THIS video shows how they are assembled!

The Rabid Models rotating micro-retract is designed specifically for lightweight RC models - (less than 1.5 pounds flying weight recommended) specifically, for the FSM Corsair but it can be used on other models. For best results the wheels and tires need to be as small and light as possible. Rabid Models offers the 2" wheels and hubs for the Corsair. This package includes TWO retract units (left and right).

One unit weighs about 5 gms (without the landing gear), the frame is about an inch long and 3/4 inch wide. Its ingenious design has only one moving part (the trunnion), and there is a wheel collar inside the trunnion with a grub screw which holds the gear leg secure and allows it to rotate. The wheel collar and grub screw are included.

The 3D-printed micro-retract is operated by a small micro servo and a Z-bend pushrod (not included). The plastic frame holds a trunnion (the moving part) which holds the landing gear leg and the trunnion has an attachment point for the activation pushrod. We recommend using a 4.3gm metal-gear servo to operate each retract unit separately, which we offer here.

The retract frame is designed to be mounted on wood "rails" about 11.5mm (7/16") apart. You may use 4 micro-screws or simply glue it onto the rails using Foam-Tac. The trunnion pivot requires a 12 mm length of 1/16" wire. You'll need 1/16" wire for the gear leg and a smaller wire with a Z-bend for the servo pushrod. The activation pushrod can be operated from the left or right side. Note: the 1/16" wires are not included in the package!  The micro-connectors for attaching the pushrod to the servo are included.

The modeler will need to make careful adjustments in order to set the proper geometry and operation. The parts are very small and we expect the frame or trunnion may break under certain conditions (hard landings). Dear customer, please realize that its preferrable for the retract to break instead of breaking the wing! Split plastic can be carefully fixed with CA glue, and spare parts can be ordered if you need them. For example you can order replacement trunnions. 

Keep in mind that adding retracts to your plane will add some weight (retracts, servos, wire, wheels, etc.) Fortunately these units are very light!

SPECIFICATIONS for the Rotating Micro Mechanical Retract:

Frame: 26 x 20.5 x 11mm, 2.0gms Trunnion: 36 x 14 x 4mm, 1.8gms

5/8 x 4-40 Grub Screw, 1/16 wheel collar, and hinge wire: about 1.3gms

Frame and Trunnion Material: 3D-printed PETG Plastic. You may select from different colors or paint with acrylic or enamel.

Tools and items required (NOT INCLUDED): 1/16" drill bit with pin-vise, 1/16 wire for pivot and gear leg, 0.032" wire for pushrod, and small screws or Foam-Tac glue for mounting. The metal-gear micro servos are available separately, as well as other items you may need for your models. The package includes 2 micro-connectors for the servos.

This product was originally designed by Derek Micko/Fun Scale Models and Rabid Models, Made in the USA by Rabid Models. Copyright © 2024.