Retractable tiedown info needed

[flylo]

A while back someone on ebay was selling plans for a retractable tail tiedown made from a retracting dog lease. It's not listed anymore. Has anyone made or used this? Would anyone have his contact info or a copy of the plans? Thanks in advance,Eric

[M Towsley]

Re: Retractable tiedown info needed

Eric,

I have one I made from the plans, and it works very well. The seller usually relists this item often, and I am reluctant to share his plans as he does sell them. Let me get the guys information for you and you can contact him. He usually just sends you a link to go to. If he is not doing this anymore, I will share them with you. Hope you understand.

[flylo]

Re: Retractable tiedown info needed

Thanks Marty!

[M Towsley]

Re: Retractable tiedown info needed

Eric,

The contact e-mail for the tie-down plans was [email protected]. His name was Louis. Let me know if you were able to contact him. Good luck!

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Retractable tiedown info needed

Thanks Mark. I received an e-mail from Louie Champeau and his plans for the "retractable tiedown", no charge. I gave him our T-Craft site and thanked him also.

Have you built and used it? My wife had an interesting question when she looked at it. What prevents it from flying into the prop, when retracting ?

[flylo]

Re: Retractable tiedown info needed

I recieved louie's e-mail yesterday.He said he hasn't listed the plans for a couple of months & sent me the link free of charge.Thanks! Eric

[M Towsley]

Re: Retractable tiedown info needed

Lee,

The cable and snap shackles are heavy enough that it does not retract that fast. In fact, as I added a little more length, I have to help it the last little bit. Its not like it is a lightweight nylon dog line that retracts fast. It works very well and I would add it would be good to solder next to each of the lead crimps that stop the cable from sliding through the snap shackle d ring. I suggested this to the designer back when I purchased the plans and built it. If you have any questions after looking at the plans let me know.

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Retractable tiedown info needed

Thanks Mark. Have a few things needed and then will build the retract.

[M Towsley]

Re: Retractable tiedown info needed

Lee,

One other thing. Since I use the tie-down rings at the airport I utilized the larger snap shackle. These would go around whereas the smaller ones just couldn't quite make it. I have the size info in a file at home, let me know if you need a place to get these, (marine supply off the internet).

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Retractable tiedown info needed

Thanks, we have our own aviation hardware store here. Plus, Falcon Crest (the real thing). One thing we do have is availability of supplies. We have a very large aviation community,and fishing industry. Mostly helicopters in the oil industries. But thanks, I will certainly keep you in mind if I am unablle to get anything.

Would like a set of brakes for the right side. Do you have any ?

[M Towsley]

Re: Retractable tiedown info needed

Sorry Lee, no. I'm trying to put together a spares collection for my plane. Coming along slow, but sure. Seems like Luscombes and Ercoupes, with an errant Cub, populate my area. Hard to find parts. Good luck!