Easily swapping a -14(A) between nosewheel and tailwheel (engine mount modification?)

[GroundPointNiner]

Perhaps a crazy idea: has anyone set up an RV to be “easily” (loosely defined term) swapped between a tailwheel and nose wheel configuration? As in, on a semi-regular basis, maybe once or twice a year for example. I love flying my -7A, but I also very much enjoy taildraggers.

Background: I own a 14A that had a few hundred hours on it before a prop strike and some other damage from the prior owner, with repairs ongoing. Among other things, the engine got a replacement crank (super fun and easy to source for a 390 ), and the plane will get a new engine mount.

I could see myself owning my -14A for many years, and would like to be able to swap w/o having to remove the engine and replace the engine mount (again). That begs three questions:

1. Has anyone ever welded on nosegear attach points to a taildragger engine mount? A little more complex with the -14A and its donut stack for the nose gear, but conceptually would apply to most any model. Any reason why this is a glaringly awful idea (I have plenty of those, and the requisite thick skin, so welcome the concerns)?

2. If not a glaringly idiotic move, does anyone have a recommendation for a fabricator with considerably Cromoly experience who might be willing to take on such a project, and do it well? Airplane is in Aurora, OR so a preference for local to save on shipping the engine mount halfway around the country - but by no means a requirement. Happy to ship for someone great. Russ McCutcheon is willing to do the welding, but tries not to do one offs of the fabrication and design work; he ideally wants the project delivered tacked up so he can just weld.

3. My limited understanding is that the QB tail kit already has the reinforcements needed to support the tail spring, but would love it if anyone can confirm if that’s accurate (or not).

My plan would be to fly around with the taildragger version, but with a weekend of work or so be able to remove the tailwheel, install the -14A mains, remove the -14 mains, and install the -14A nose gear… without any crazy amount work. Brakes would have to be sorted as well as some of the other odds and ends.

Thanks!

 

[Ron B.]

Perhaps a crazy idea: has anyone set up an RV to be “easily” (loosely defined term) swapped between a tailwheel and nose wheel configuration? As in, on a semi-regular basis, maybe once or twice a year for example. I love flying my -7A, but I also very much enjoy taildraggers.

Background: I own a 14A that had a few hundred hours on it before a prop strike and some other damage from the prior owner, with repairs ongoing. Among other things, the engine got a replacement crank (super fun and easy to source for a 390 ), and the plane will get a new engine mount.

I could see myself owning my -14A for many years, and would like to be able to swap w/o having to remove the engine and replace the engine mount (again). That begs three questions:

1. Has anyone ever welded on nosegear attach points to a taildragger engine mount? A little more complex with the -14A and its donut stack for the nose gear, but conceptually would apply to most any model. Any reason why this is a glaringly awful idea (I have plenty of those, and the requisite thick skin, so welcome the concerns)?

2. If not a glaringly idiotic move, does anyone have a recommendation for a fabricator with considerably Cromoly experience who might be willing to take on such a project, and do it well? Airplane is in Aurora, OR so a preference for local to save on shipping the engine mount halfway around the country - but by no means a requirement. Happy to ship for someone great. Russ McCutcheon is willing to do the welding, but tries not to do one offs of the fabrication and design work; he ideally wants the project delivered tacked up so he can just weld.

3. My limited understanding is that the QB tail kit already has the reinforcements needed to support the tail spring, but would love it if anyone can confirm if that’s accurate (or not).

My plan would be to fly around with the taildragger version, but with a weekend of work or so be able to remove the tailwheel, install the -14A mains, remove the -14 mains, and install the -14A nose gear… without any crazy amount work. Brakes would have to be sorted as well as some of the other odds and ends.

Thanks!

I think changing engine mounts would take more than a weekend to accomplish. Taildragger mains attach to the special made engine mounts.

 

[GroundPointNiner]

I think changing engine mounts would take more than a weekend to accomplish. Taildragger mains attach to the special made engine mounts.

I didn’t do a great job explaining… goal here would be custom modify a taildragger engine mount such that it is compatible with both the mains (taildragger style, stock) or nose gear (this would be the mod). Idea being that one engine mount could work for either configuration, and I’d be swapping out gear (but not the engine mounts) on a weekend.

 

[Ralph Inkster]

Nothing is impossible but would be very complicated custom mount.
Unbolting ‘A’ main gear would be an awkward process as well, also requiring some new hardware each time.
Brake plumbing would also be interesting.
Sure you don’t want a second 14 instead?

 

[Norman CYYJ]

Nothing is impossible but would be very complicated custom mount.
Unbolting ‘A’ main gear would be an awkward process as well, also requiring some new hardware each time.
Brake plumbing would also be interesting.
Sure you don’t want a second 14 instead?

The A model landing gear fastens aft of the firewall and attachs to the main spar. The tailwheel model gear attached to the engine mount quite a bit forward of the main spar. You need to figure out the main mission profile for your type of flying then decide what to buy, or as it was already suggested buy one of each. To make the plane do both could be done at a major weight penalty. As for brakes, go electric then there would be no plumbing issue.