Gemini - ground steering???

[JohnWillimas]

I am having the most horrendous problems steering Dave Molyneaux's Gemini on the ground. Trying to keep it running straight for take of is incredibly difficult. Trying to correct with assymetry in the thrust sends it spinning wildly and anything more than a tap on the rudders does the same. Sometimes I even end up traveling sideways! This isn't a problem I've had with other aircraft but maybe this is just especially sensitive?

I find the best is to open the throttles very slowly but even If I do get close to a take off run the stall warning kicks in, usually before I've even got the tail up. :o

If I transition to the Gemini when I'm already airborne it seems not too bad directionally, it just seems to be at very low speeds that I have the problem.

Any thoughts from someone flying this successfully would be welcome, otherwise I fear this one is going to be parked in the big hangar labeled "can't get on with this one".

[DanKH]

You wouldn't accidentally have you enabled "Autorudder" under "Realism" ?

[DispatchDragon]

John

Right side of the panel is a little knob with a blue light above it - its tail wheel steering lock - its true to life . The Gemini could be a pig on the ground
technique from the RW pilots handling notes is to line up - applying the tail wheel lock and apply power evenly until the tail comes off the ground (at about 40mph).



Leif

[JohnWillimas]

You wouldn't accidentally have you enabled "Autorudder" under "Realism" ?

Dan, thanks.

It wasn't that but in checking that I decided to back off some of the other realism settings (P-factor, torque & gyro) to about 50% real and that has made a big difference.

[JohnWillimas]

John

Right side of the panel is a little knob with a blue light above it - its tail wheel steering lock - its true to life . The Gemini could be a pig on the ground
technique from the RW pilots handling notes is to line up - applying the tail wheel lock and apply power evenly until the tail comes off the ground (at about 40mph).

Leif

Leif,

Thanks for that - hadn't spotted the knob - that helps too.

Between this and Dan's post I'm more or less getting airborne !!!

[Molyned]

Pleased to see that Leif has answered your query.
BTW you're not the first to comment on that little problem. The fs9 aircraft flight characteristics seem to have emulated the real aircraft with uncanny realism ( not my doing - my tame guru did that part ).
Quoting from the pilots notes ' raise the tail as quickly as possible since rudder control is weak with the tail down - allow the aircraft to fly itself off.' A minor understatement, I feel :roll:
Once you're up and trimmed for cruise, she flies quite sedately.
Cheers :drinkers:
Dave M

[JohnWillimas]

Once you're up and trimmed for cruise, she flies quite sedately.

Yepp, its certainly worth the effort to get her off the ground.... :flying:

[Molyned]

Great :kissu:
Another satisfied customer Enjoy
Cheers
Dave M