1 18 p38 landing gear question

iballdriver · Post by **iballdriver** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:45 am

just recieved the WW&S variant today. it was display only/used and the nose gear is in the down-and-locked position. its really locked! is there a secret handshake/ multi-step process to move it into the retracted position? i dont' want to force it and break it.
thanks for the help and advice,
bc

jetsmaniac · Post by **jetsmaniac** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:26 am

That's normal. My 21C P-38 was locked tight too. I tried to retract but broke it. I superglued it back and never dare to try again.

It's 21C mold, indeed. Let me know if you learn how to retract it.

VMF115 · Post by **VMF115** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:39 am

I found this through the search function.

Folkwulfe wrote:
This is the nose gear bay, gear extended. It simply folds backwards into the bay. You'll notice there is a recess for the wheel and there is not alot of room. An oversized tire would probably prevent the gear doors from closing.

This is one of the mains bay, gear extended.

...and the same gear retracted, doors open for detail. You pull out slightly and fold the oleo strut backwards. The gear base slides forward a little while the gear folds backwards. As you can see, once stowed, there is NO room to either side of the wheel since it folds into the narrow part of the gear bay. I doubt larger wheels would allow the oleo to be folded completely and the gear doors could not be closed. Hope this helps some.

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:53 pm

The P-38 landing gear has caused befuddlement and the occasional problems since the plane was first released in 2002. Here's how to do it:

Nose Gear:
1) Open door
2) Pull gear out from retracted position until you hear a click and it locks in the straight position.
3) Holding the fuselage in one hand and the wheel strut in the other, apply upwards pressure to the strut, pushing it slightly toward the roof of the landing gear bay. You will feel it loosen from the locked position.
4) While still applying pressure to the strut, carefully move it back towards the retracted position.

Main Gears:
1) Open the double doors. They will be loose and not stay in the extended "open" position.
2) Pull the wheel strut out. When retracted, the wheel will sit towards the tail.
3) Holding the fuselage in one hand and the wheel strut in the other, carefully move the strut towards the tail. There are grooves that guide the movement, but it could be a little stiff...
4) When the strut gets as far back as it will go, you will be able to push it upwards slightly towards the roof of the landing gear bay.
5) Carefully push the strut upward into the locking position. The round peg on the top of the strut will fit into a hole on the roof of the bay.
6) To retract, pull downwards on the gear strut so that it unlocks. Push the strut forward in the bay, towards the propeller.
7) Fold the strut back into the bay (wheel towards the tail).
8 ) Close the doors and use the little pin & slot on the doors to keep them flush with the fuselage.

That's a lot for just some landing gear! Hopefully this helps

VMF115 · Post by **VMF115** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:04 pm

T-Man I think you nailed it.

jetsmaniac · Post by **jetsmaniac** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:15 pm

I feel like solving a Da Vinci code puzzle box.

I ruined mine.

VMF115 · Post by **VMF115** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 3:30 pm

jetsmaniac wrote:I feel like solving a Da Vinci code puzzle box.

I ruined mine.

I am so sorry to here that..........I think most here have busted one thing or another..

iballdriver · Post by **iballdriver** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 4:09 pm

thanks, y'all- i'll try it when i get home.....

bc

edit: should i dab some cooking oil/lube on the area in question, before pushing?