MY-14's tail repairs, part four

We had an almost intact VL Myrsky II’s tail wheel. The only missing part was axle and it was made at Air Force Museum from piece of solid 20mm steel tube.

Tail wheel rim is made from Elektron-metal which is a trademark for a range of magnesium alloys. Same goes for brake shields of main wheels. These parts were badly corroded and thus tiresome to dismantle. Paint was worn out and bearings stuck.

Both outer and inner tires turned out to be useless. Obviously corroding of rim had eaten rubber at rims edge. Inner tire had been patched up several times (!) and was no more usable.

The rim was dismantled into parts and new holes were drilled into retaining ring of bearing for tool. Clogs of retaining ring were left as is. Rim halves and bolts were blasted with glass beads, primed with Isotrol Klarlack and finished with Isotrol color tone RAL 7005.

Bearing was replaced with a SKF 6304 bearing with new mounting nuts. Tires were replaced with commercial 12 by 4 inch inner and outer tires. Air valve had to be lenghtened with a stub of brass tube soldered in place.

Isn’t it good looking now!