Blackburn Skua Tail Wheel

[Sonva]

Hello!

I'm modelling a low poly Blackburn Skua in Blender, as accurate as low poly will allow. However I'm sort of stuck at a roadblock due to lack of information. I need to know whats going on with the tailwheel, was is retractable like the Roc? Any photos of where the tailwheel connects to the fuselage would be really helpful! (Such a photo probably doesn't exist ) This is what I get for choosing a "below the radar" plane. I've never posted on a forum before so I'm not really sure how this works.

I've posted a screenshot of what I've got so far, let me know what I need to add if you can think of anything.

Thanks!

 

[Wurger]

As memo serves, the Blackburn Skua didn't have the tail wheel retractable. It was fixed.

 

[fubar57]

I've got this book and while over 400pgs it is pretty light in photos. The ones that do show the Skua in flight show a non-retracting tail wheel as shown on the cover

 

[MiTasol]

Blackburn Skua II - L2940.
If you contact the FAA Museum they may take photos for you.

Also Skua-Repair has Vol II part 2 & 3 (maint sched and repair) for free.

Blackburn Skua I Aircraft Technical Manual - ( English Language ) Air Publication 1570 A, 1938 is the same manual which may have the missing part 1. You would have to ask them.

There are probably copies of the Pilot Notes available as well but they will be of less use. Use https://www.dogpile.com/ for your search as it searches inside Gobble and all the other major search engines and finds lots of items that Gobble hides

 

[Wurger]

And here a drawing found on the 'Blackburn Skua' Poster by JAT DESIGNS | Displate

It can be noticed that the tail wheel leg with the shock absorber together were attached to the attachment junction with the fin and the leading edge of the stabilizers at the top of the fuselage (24)

 

[Sonva]

And here a drawing found on the 'Blackburn Skua' Poster by JAT DESIGNS | Displate

It can be noticed that the tail wheel leg with the shock absorber together were attached to the attachemnt junction with the fin and the leading edge of the stabilizers at the top of the fuselage (24)

View attachment 623839

Aha! Thats interesting that the shock absorber goes so far up inside the fuselage. Thanks!

 

[Wurger]

It is quite often used way. Similar to that you may find for the Hawker Hurricane or Bf 109G and later with the fixed or retracted tail wheel, for instance.

Bf 109

the source: help needed with this wheel M 109?

Hawker Hurricane

the source: Restoration – Cambridge Bomber and Fighter Society