Thread: Robart Air Pump Alternatives?

Hi all, I was given a large scale B25 nitro with robart (I think) air retracts.
I was fiddling with it yesterday and I have no idea how to move the retracts up or down (it's currently locked to down) without filling the tank with air?
Trouble is, I do not have a pump.

How do I make my own pump? Or do I really need to get a robart hand pump?
Is there a way I can operate the retracts without air?

If there is a way of making my own pump, what nozzle size do I need?
the plane did not come with manual for the retracts...

dont think i can upload photos from work...

Originally Posted by muscleflex

Hi all, I was given a large scale B25 nitro with robart (I think) air retracts.
I was fiddling with it yesterday and I have no idea how to move the retracts up or down (it's currently locked to down) without filling the tank with air?
Trouble is, I do not have a pump.

How do I make my own pump? Or do I really need to get a robart hand pump?
Is there a way I can operate the retracts without air?

If there is a way of making my own pump, what nozzle size do I need?
the plane did not come with manual for the retracts...

dont think i can upload photos from work...

You know those little 12V car tyre pumps you see for sale in petrol stations....

Buy one for 8 pounds....

You can generally adapt the pump ends to fit the air valve on the plane


And keep your fingers out of the retracts way, IT WILL HURT IF THEY GET YOU

Originally Posted by Disc

You know those little 12V car tyre pumps you see for sale in petrol stations....

Buy one for 8 pounds....

You can generally adapt the pump ends to fit the air valve on the plane

thats what i use, or a bike pump can be adapted which is what the robart pump is basically, just more expensive cos it says robart on it

Originally Posted by Disc

And keep your fingers out of the retracts way, IT WILL HURT IF THEY GET YOU

Sounds like personal experience there Mark

Originally Posted by scoobystig

Sounds like personal experience there Mark

OUCH BLOODY F£$KING

I believe those were my words

Originally Posted by Disc

OUCH BLOODY F£$KING

I believe those were my words

haha, not done that myself, but did have an interesting moment when setting up a set of mains and as they retracted caught the edge of my scalpel

very similar to when you put a ruler over the edge of a table and then slap it with your hand - luckily it went away from me rather than towards

I've a set of spring air retracts from the US for a future project....

Originally Posted by Stuart

I've a set of spring air retracts from the US for a future project....

ohh............intriguing

here's some photos... I have no idea what kit or plan this came from. I can't seem to find anything online about this. must be a good few years old.
And unfortunately, i can't find my measuring tape.. but i think it might be around 6 feet long for the wingspan?!
I don't know what size the engines are on it... hard to see any markings when I had a look.

Originally Posted by glen_j

Looks like a royal / marutaka kit to me, I've got a boxed kit that I've yet to build, they fly pretty nicely from what I've heard, pm me if you need any info as I have the plans ect for it

that is awesome!! thanks!!! i will be sending you questions when I get to them..
is the manual easy to scan or photocopy or something?

I have another question - the aileron servos on this plane have been rewired and joined up into one single connector at the end.

Do i leave it like that or should I attempt to separate them and create 2 connectors?

I have placed an AR8000 receiver in this plane.

You were given it ! - When you finish with it and are bored, do you wanna give it to me ! ?

Just bumping this thread for my reference..

Any of you guys have an idea how much I can ask for this plane on ebay?
I need all my planes gone as my attic is just full of them and they're not gonna get flown by myself anyway and just taking up space.