16 inch wheels

[Jackal]

About a year and a half ago I exchanged emails with Dick Fisher (Fischer?) about the 16" wheels he makes. He said he'd put me on a list to contact when he made some again. I have not heard from him. Recently I emailed him again to see if he is still planning another run. I have not heard back from him this time.

Has anyone had contact with him in the last year, or have any idea if he will make wheels again, or if there is any other source for similar wheels?

[Bill Rusk]

I spoke to him several months ago and he said he was working on it. There are no other sources that I know of.

Bill

[stearmoth]

I wrote yesterday an email to D. Fischer and waiting for a reply. As we still haven't found smooth contour tyres for our Fischer Bendix wheels, we are in contact with PUR SANG Aerohistoric of Argentina, who are building new Palmer Aero Cord tyres and spoked wheels for their Avro 504 replicas. They intend to release a Gipsy Moth high pressure tyre, which probably would fit the Fischer Bendix wheel. Will post any news, when available.

Hans & Sam, H.C.#78, Switzerland

[stearmoth]

Received an answer from D. Fischer! Due to some technical investigations he is not planning a production in the near future. However, it seems they will be available at a later date.
Will post some news when they are available, especially from PUR SANG Aerohistoric about alternative spoked wheels and smooth tyres.
Hans & Sam, H.C.#78, Switzerland

[Jackal]

Thanks for posting the info. I'll hold out hope for them someday.

[Nick]

I just got off the phone with Dick Fischer. There have been some cracking issues with some of the older 30" replica wheels he had produced. He is working on an analysis of the problem (which has not happened on the 16" wheels, BTW) and is hesitant to fabricate any wheels until he understands the nature of the problem, understandably. I have read a bit about it on the Travel Air Forum, and it seems to revolve around larger aircraft and too much side load on taxi mainly. I'm not sure this would apply to the smaller wheels and lighter weight of the Hatz, but we'll wait for Dick's final word.

In the mean time, I encourage anyone interested in these beautiful wheels to email him at dick.fischer@mac.com and express your interest. I'm sure the more interest expressed, the more likely he is to work out any issues and fabricate new sets.

BTW, the wheels are built to fit onto any standard Cleveland or Grove brakes and parts you may already have.

Nick

[womenfly2]

Anyone have any drawings/pictures on the Speed Wheels? Be interested in designing them for us.

Blue skies,
Keri-Ann

[Nick]

That would be great. Dick sounded like he wasn't likely to make more any time soon.
Hans & Sam have a pair of the wheels. Hey Hans & Sam can you provide any specs?

Nick

[dougm]

Maybe Bill Rusk can lend some insight as he owns Mehlin's Hatz with similar (or same?) wheels.

You also might want to check with the folks at Airdrome Aeroplanes (www.airdromeaeroplanes.com ) as they use similar wheels on the 3/4 & full scale replicas. http://www.airdromeaeroplanes.com/heavydutywheels.html

[Nick]

Doug those wheels look great, and they're not really that expensive at $495 for the pair including tires, tubes and a video on how to lace. They also sell spun aluminum wheel covers for $125 for four. I have emailed Robert to ask if they'll support the 1700 lb gross weight of a Hatz.

Nick