Rudder Gear V2 is the next-generation 3D-printed tail wheel system for Craycle RC airplane models. It fits Ranger, CraycleCub, Soar Stick, Stick models, and future Craycle models that use a tail wheel.
The previous rudder gear worked, but it required careful assembly. Builders had to align two separate arms, glue a 2 mm metal shaft in place, and keep the wheel spacing accurate. As a result, the wheel could point slightly off-center if the arms were not aligned well. Also, too much glue or tight spacing could make the wheel bind. On the other hand, too much gap could allow the narrow wheel to tilt side to side.
Rudder Gear V2 solves these issues with a cleaner and stronger assembly system. The main rudder gear body prints as one PLA part, so the arms stay aligned from the start. In addition, the red PETG rims include integrated axle pins, which remove the need for a separate metal shaft. The wider TPU tire ring also gives the tail wheel a softer, quieter, and more solid feel during taxiing and landing.
Material Recommendation & Lubrication
We recommend PETG rims and a PLA rudder gear body because this combination reduces friction between the rotating axle pins and the body arms. PETG-on-PLA contact gives smoother rotation and helps reduce long-term wear compared to PLA-on-PLA or PETG-on-PETG contact.
If PETG or PLA is not available, you can still print the parts from the same material. The design will still work. You can also print the tire ring from PLA or PETG if TPU is not available, although TPU gives the best result for this part. For the best performance and longer service life, print the red rims with your PETG parts, the white body with your PLA aircraft parts, and the tire ring from TPU.
After assembly, add a small amount of WD-40 or a similar light lubricant to both axle pin contact areas. This step can significantly improve wheel rotation and overall smoothness. Do not apply glue to these rotating pin areas.
Key Features
- One-piece PLA rudder gear body
- No separate metal shaft required
- Integrated PETG rim pins
- Easier and more precise assembly
- Self-centering wheel structure
- Removable and replaceable wheel group
- Wider flexible TPU tire ring
- Smoother and quieter taxiing
- Lubrication-friendly design
- Suitable for 100%, 125%, and other scaled Craycle models
Assembly Instructions
The wheel group consists of three parts: two red PETG rims and one black TPU tire ring.
First, press the two red PETG rims into the black TPU tire ring from both sides. Then apply a very small amount of CA glue only to the contact surfaces between the PETG rims and the TPU ring. Keep glue away from the integrated axle pins and the PLA body arms.
After the PETG rims and TPU ring are joined, they form one removable wheel group. Next, snap this wheel group between the two arms of the white PLA rudder gear body. The integrated PETG rim pins fit into the circular holes on the PLA arms, so the wheel can rotate around the pins.
Finally, install the completed rudder gear body into the slot under the rudder/tail section of the airplane. The slot geometry helps set the correct direction and angle automatically. Therefore, you do not need to manually align two separate arms.
Print Settings
PLA Rudder Gear Body
- Material: PLA
- Walls: 2
- Infill: 20%
- Top layers: 4
- Bottom layers: 4
- Print with standard solid part settings
- Print in the same color as the aircraft body for the best visual match
PETG Rims
- Material: PETG
- Walls: 2
- Infill: 20%
- Top layers: 4
- Bottom layers: 4
- Print with standard solid part settings
- Print flat on the build plate
TPU Tire Ring
- Material: TPU
- Walls: 2
- Infill: 0%
- Top layers: 4
- Bottom layers: 4
- Print flat on the build plate
- Do not use infill, so the ring can stay flexible
Scale Compatibility
Rudder Gear V2 scales well. You can print and use it on 125% scale Craycle models or other scale ratios. When you scale the design, scale the PLA body, PETG rims, and TPU tire ring together at the same ratio.
Download Includes
- STL files
- 3MF project file
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