Wingtip Wheels from Libelle 201?

On Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 11:47:31 AM UTC-8, Bob Kuykendall wrote:
...possibly those made for skateboards...

My experience is that skateboard wheels don't do very well as either tailwheels or wingtip wheels. The bearings seem to wear out quickly and spit out their balls, then the wheel starts wobbling and tearing up the surrounding structure.

The issue appears to be that the bearings don't handle the shock loads that they regularly see in glider service. You'd think that they'd be better, since skateboards and inline skates appear to be often subjected to such loads. However, it bears remembering that the human leg is a quite effective shock absorption system, one absent from glider wingtips and tails.

I use 200x50 pneumatic wheels for tailwheels, and when I need a wingtip wheel, I usually make it out of 2" Delrin rod stock with a plain steel or Oilite bushing.

--Bob K.

I've used in-line skate wheels in the tips and a 100 mm scooter wheel (they have the same bearings) in the tail of my ASH26 for years. 17 years in fact. Still using the original wing tip wheels, had to replace the tailwheel once early on (because of the plastic hub, not the bearings) now on year 15 on the new tailwheel. Heavy glider, taxiing under motor on every takeoff with the wing down, etc. Maybe you had some crappy wheels/bearings. The bearings are anything from about $0.40 to $10 with a commensurate difference in quality.