Mud Duck Aviation Forums

Greg - I have been looking at using Dubro's 8" wheel which fits a 1/4" axle on my Mud Duck Mk II.

What do you think?
Ron Heitmann/IA

Hi Ron,

  As you noticed I noticed your post on RCGroups before this one and responded there, but for the benefit of any visitors here this was my answer:

"Sure, you could use them, but at $30+ (7") and $40+ (8") EACH, and over 20 oz (1.25#) each, I would like to point out mine are much cheaper (~$20) and much lighter.  They are a good choice for a scale application but why bother on a Duck? 

You would have to change the axle, either add 1/4" steel axles to the 1/2" dowel axle, or go entirely with a 1/4" steel axle (if you wanted to keep the functional bungee suspension), because a 1/4" dowel would likely snap quite often.

A duck with out the innertube wheels just doesn't "look right" [to me]... but I respect individuality and encourage everyone to build their Duck the way they want and will enjoy it the most.
"

Greg

Greg,

Compared to the wheels you listed, what does the two versions of wheels you supply weigh?

I ordered the Sport Plans last year and it looks like it is the plan this winter.  Building it
in an electric version and though I like the Mud Duck Graphics I am planning on a tribute to
Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and Rat Fink.

Mike

Hi Mike,

  I will have to get back to your with actual weights.  The weight difference isn't going to affect performance very much, in fact it may be "a wash" in the end because the "Air Wheels" are about 3/4" narrower and smooth with offer less wind resistance than the lighter foam wheels (although you can sand the "squared" edges round to make it look more like an "Air" tire which might also cut a little more wind resistance).

  I'll get you those weights to you shortly(I'm checking the forums remotely right now).

  I look forward to seeing your "tribute plane"!

Greg

I just weighed my air wheel, the complete wheel, axle and painted rim weigh 11.5 oz.

Sorry for the delayed response, very crazy here the past couple of weeks.

The two "finished" wheel I have here in foam and air are the following

3.9 oz for one "finished" 7.5" foam wheel
6.0 oz for one "finished" 7.5" air wheel

The difference being 2.1 oz per wheel or 4.2 oz total.  Your axle and remaining gear will remain the same.

You can certainly "Swiss-cheese" the internal hub to cut weight even further and even cut out a pattern (holes or spokes) into the ply discs to make lighter (and custom) "rims" for either the foam or air versions.

Greg 

Thanks, Greg.  When I get it done I will send in some pictures.

Mike