Part 2: Installing Robart Retracts in Left Wing (Drilling Holes)

When it comes to installing retracts in your rc airplane wing, you may find that your actual retracts do not measure the same as your plans may call for. This was the case with my BeechCraft Bonanza when it came time to layout the mounting plate location in the left wing.

Instead of trying to make due with what I had, I decided to come up with a simple mock up of the balsa sheeting around the landing gear. This simulation made it very easy to determine where my mounting plate should be located, regardless of what the plans called for.

It is important to respect the overall position that is recommended on your plans, especially when it comes to heavier components that can effect the CG (center of gravity) of your rc aircraft. You will see in the video below that I discuss this point out the importance of keeping the structural integrity of the mounting location in mind when laying out its location.

Now, I would not recommend disregarding the plans completely, but I have found that if you think about where components should go in a rc plane wing, or any other part for that matter, it will become second nature to you to find a better solution or improve what the manufacturer provided.