Tail-Wheel Leg Geometry

Some designers don’t appreciate that the pivotal center of the tail-wheel leg must be axial with the pivotal center of the rudder hinges. If the centers aren’t aligned, the rudder hinges will bind severely because of “toggle action,” and they’ll eventually fail. If your tail-wheel bracket isn’t aligned with the hinges, glue in a wedge (shown shaded). You must also solder a thrust washer (arrowed) to the leg (the washer bears against the bracket). If...