The next step in the process of developing the main gear system was to build a working prototype in the gear well mock up.	I basically started all over again. The prior prototype worked well, but did not fit in the wing. Once again, I built a PVC strut and installed it in the wing.	I had to rebuild every part except the universal.
I was able to refine the design to work better than the second prototype.	While building this third prototype, I dissected a gear strut from a Beechcraft Baron. I would use the Beech design for the inside of my upper strut. This would allow me to use a Beech lower strut assembly (with some modification) and off the shelf internal parts.	Now that I had all of the parts and sizes worked out (some parts were built as many as 8 times) I drew up my design and went to a machine shop. After many planning sessions with the shop owner, the materials were procured.
Here is the new upper strut next to the Beech strut. It is about six inches longer without the lower strut. The lower strut is still seen in place on the Beech strut.	This is the top rotating collar.	This is the top cone that attaches to the universal. (if you remember, on my second prototype this part was a snail can and a pipe) This part is inserted into the strut and holds the piston in place.
The new strut with the cone and universal.	These are all of the parts that will make up the new strut.	I had to modify the lower strut so I could use a different size wheel.
I had to extract the axel.	This is a Cessna 310 gear strut. I need the axel and brake mount from this gear.	These are the harvested parts.
I traced the Cessna brake mount onto the Beech mount, then cut the Beech part to size.	I then welded the Cessna part in place.	I then pressed the Cessna axel into the Beechcraft strut. I am sure glad both axels were the same diameter.
Here is the assembled new strut next to my PVC prototype. Should it be called a Beechna or Cesscraft landing gear?	The new universal is installed in the gear well.	The rest of the strut fit right into place.
I found that the smallest hydraulic cylinder I could get with the required extension, was about 4" too long. I had to move the wing spar back 4".	I had to resize the gear forks.	This exercise really helped me to understand the geometry that makes this system work. I can't explain it mathematically (yet), but I now know the relationship each part has to the others, and how to adjust to make them all work together. I put 200 hours into installing the new strut and resizing the forks and retract parts.
These are the parts that make up the support/retract system.	My lower arm design.	The Lower Arm being made at the machine shop.
Taking shape.	Now there are two.	The Upper Arm design.
Just getting started.	Looking Good.	Now there are two Upper Arms.
Bushings to be installed.	Nice work Al.	Four videos are available of the gear in action. You can view them here. Download Video 1 Download Video 2 Download Video 3 Download Video 4

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