Source: 2005 Q1 Beartracks

Collin Campbell, #370, writes:
Bob,
Here are some pictures of my completed project. 4 years and 10 months, a total of 2680 hours. I sure have enjoyed the building process, many thanks to you for a good design and well drawn, easy to understand plans.
N370CC weighs 1321 lbs. This is with a Superior 0-360 engine, Hartzell constant speed prop, complete electrical
system, vacuum system with gyros, Com, GPS, Transponder with encoder, 4-place intercom, cargo doors, full skylite to rear spar, rear seat, modified doors with keyed locks, inertia reel shoulder harness in front seats, and a parking brake. I was pleased with the empty weight considering the equipment.
I am now awaiting the FAA to get down here to take a look at it. As you probably know they don’t get in any hurry. I plan to fly as soon as everything is in order and my 1300’ grass strip dries up a bit. Will let you know how it goes once I am in the air.
God bless,
Collin Campbell, #370


David Bice writes:
Dear Bob,
I have enclosed photos of the trim wheel in and out of the fuselage as well as the 3/8 0.058 tubing with threads (3/8 x 24) and a nut. The design allows me to assemble the trim wheel with the nut in place and to have the wheel in the center of the fuselage. The threaded 3/8 0.058 tube extends out of the mount enough so I can hold it with my fingers while I tighten the nut. I did add a washer on each side of the trim wheel so they would wear over the years rather than wearing the trim wheel.
I noticed that as the nut tightened the resistance increases. However, if the nut is tightened further, the resistance does not seem to be increased as much. I assume as we discussed that the mount tubes start to be pressed outward. Maybe the mount tubes will help maintain pressure on the wheel. The amount of force on one trim tab (I didn’t have both tabs installed) was somewhere around 5-7 lbs before the trim tab starts to move. So, with some force, the trim tab can be moved, and I assume with both stabs mounted with trim hardware, the force to move both tabs may be more.
The additional photo is because it is another small modification in the trim system that might add some friction (not much). I put the turnbuckle just behind the baggage compartment, and I will add a phenolic guide to pull one cable down to clear the turnbuckle. The part shown is just a trial to see if it will work and not the final part.
Best wishes, and I really appreciate all of your good advice and ideas. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
David E. Bice
Bob replies:
Dave, the design looks good, but as you stated in your last phone call, the friction could be increased if a
friction washer was used on the side opposite the sprocket. The hand made trim wheel you made is a class act.
Bob

William Cox writes:
Hi Bob,
Nice to talk to you last week. #303 is going together nicely. I’m enclosing a few photos from the wing installation.
The helpers are friends and neighbors. Four of us live here on the airport, the other two have to drive from town.
This group collectively has over 200 years flying, building, and restoring aircraft.
Thanks,
Bill Cox
Bob responds:
Bill,
The photos of your plane look great. Thanks for sending me your weight and balance to review.
Bob
[Update: On Dec 28, Bill flew his Bearhawk twice. Bill says it flew very well. More info later.]