ROTATING Mechanical Micro-retracts (left and right) - for 3/32 wire

This product is identical to the original Rabid Models rotating retract for 1/16 wire -except that it uses the larger 3/32 wire for the gear leg. 

This is appropriate for use with slightly larger models such as the GWS F4U Corsair or the MRC/Ultrafly P-40, which weigh about 1.5 lbs.

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 Micko's Corsair.

and THIS video shows how they are assembled!

The Rabid Models rotating micro-retract for 3/32 gear legs is designed specifically for lightweight RC models around 1.5 lbs total weight.  For best results the wheels and tires need to be as small and light as possible.  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 collars and grub screws are included.

The 3D-printed micro-retract is activated by a small metal-gear 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.

The retract frame is designed to be mounted on wood "rails" about 11.5mm (7/16") apart. You may use 4 micro-screws (which we sell) or simply glue it onto the rails using Foam-Tac. The trunnion pivot requires a short 12 mm length of 1/16" wire. You'll need 3/32" wire for the gear leg and a smaller .047 wire with a Z-bend for the servo pushrod. The activation pushrod can be operated from the left or right side.  Note: these wires are not included in the package!  

The modeler will need to make a number of careful adjustments ("fiddling", "cursing") in order to set the proper geometry and operation. The servo arm must be set so that it is in line with the pushrod when fully extended.  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 (2 servos, 2 wheels, pushrods and wires,...) - fortunately the retract 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, 3/32 wheel collar, and hinge wire: about 1.3gms

Frame and Trunnion Material: 3D-printed PETG Plastic. You may select from different colors or paint them 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, 0.047" wire for pushrod, and small screws or Foam-Tac glue for mounting.  You will need a 9gm or 17gm metal-gear servo to operate the retract.  At this time we don't have the 17gm servo in our product line (yet). 

Here are the instructions, which are included in the package.

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