Replacement Scott/Maule Tailwheel For Fairchild PT-19s?

[Rauhbatz]

Although an overall wonderful airplane, a less than desired design of the tail strut continues to vex PT-19/26 pilots over the years with shimmy issues and mechanical failures...

I was curious if you know of any PTs out there flying with replacement tail wheels; Scott, Maule, etc

[Greg87]

I'm interested in this too! Have you had any luck mitigating the shimmy? I help maintain a Cornell that is currently grounded due to an excessive shimmy. It is certainly a poorly designed part of that aircraft.

[JohnB]

Sounds like a good question for the "Warbirds of America" division of the EAA...especially since EAA members have likely done similar tailwheel swaps on various types.

I wonder what if it could be done with a simple 337 form since the Fairchild doesn't have an ATC...or does it?

[Rauhbatz]

Thanks John B...been talking to a LOT of people. Will try them as a last chance...

[Cvairwerks]

Also check with Mike Kelley over at the Fairchild Club. It's been a while since I've dealt with one, but if I remember correctly, the shimmy is due to wear in a bronze collar and the locking pin.

[Dave Hadfield]

The shimmy is obviously caused by wear, but one unauthorized fix it to take the bronze collar off, lay the mating surfaces down on a sheet of 600-grit paper, sand off an educated 2-thou, clean it all, and reassemble.

It becomes slightly smaller when you do this and grips the post better -- enough to swivel so you can turn, but not enough to shimmy.

As I say, a barnyard fix.

[Rauhbatz]

Thanks all...! Very helpful steer...time to relook at the tailwheel strut again...

[marine air]

Have you seen Tina Turners video “ Private dancer” she addresses the shimmy. It’s a song about a bunch of horn-dog warbird pilots in a strip club asking to “ see the shimmy again.” Maybe you should embrace the shimmy!