Any news on the Rare Bear?

[Eric]

Haven't heard anything out of the Rare Bear camp since PRS. Is it running healthy and ready for the shootout come September time!?

[Ron101502]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Bear will be fine, getting a couple new jugs and pistons, looks good to go.

[Eric]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Great to hear! Thanks for the update.

[Race5]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

I think they "fixed" it mid week by hogging out the inlets to near their original shape and size.

[Ron101502]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

The inlets were part of the problem, also the throttle linkage was not adjusted right and they were'nt getting full throttle, all that was fixed I think by Saturday last year. Heard that from a crew member, don't remember his name.

[Blue Foam]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Any news on the wing spar cracks?

As NASA said before Columbia's last flight, "Yes, we've seen that (foam strike damage) for years. It's normal."

The leading edge extension had an effect predicted by some that was never anticipated by the designers: It eliminated the vortex flow from the stock inlets. Thes vortexes were responsible for most of the stability and handling issues the plane had near its limits. "Hogging" the inlets back out may re-create the problem. No one currently on the team ever saw the original problem or understood the incidental fix, so it's pure chance if the issue will re-appear.

As always, I'll be looking at the oil...

[matt]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Bear will be fine, getting a couple new jugs and pistons, looks good to go.

any word on why those jugs needed to be replaced? could it have been caused by blow-by that seems to have been pouring a bit more oil than usual?

[Sailing South]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Here's some scoop on the Bear

Eric, your a very smart guy and I know you know what your talking about but come on the wing spar isn't cracked . If the wing spar were cracked this would render the Bear unserviceable and never to fly again.
Also, you say no one currently on the team ever saw or understands the problem. I think you owe Bill Hickle, Ian and Lyle an apology. Please come on down Friday or Saturday (weekend before the races) and give these guys your input to a better inlet Idea. Something that could be accomplished in a few days, what other choice do we have at this point. The team has little time and worse yet very little money.

We are in the process of changing some jugs, 6 in all. 3 have already been replaced with 3 more to go starting as soon as we get there. As with every year, it's going to be tough road ahead. Getting the Bear in the air is never a given, it's never a done deal. You have to work and struggle every day just to get to Sunday. I encourage everyone to stop by the hangar anytime during the week, no secrets here, we always have time for fans and friends, we'll try to answer all your questions.

Wish us luck!!, we're going to need it!!

Scott Litster
Rare Bear Crew

[Ron101502]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Scott, I assume the jugs being changed are the left-over ones with the bad valve guides, I seem the remember that bad batch was not entirely "purged" due to lack of spares. Is this right or are there other issues?

Ron

[Sailing South]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Ron

How are you doing? Most of the cylinders have been replaced but not all of them were bad to begin with. For example we are changing #1 and #2 simply cause the Guru of all round motor Guru's "Mel" recommends we change them even know they test good. Once we get them off and after inspection we might use them as spares for the week if need be.

Its all about racin

Seeyaontheramp
Scott

[Eric]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Will the Bear fly to shake her out prior to qualifying? Looking forward to seeing the work turn into some hot laps this year.

[Sailing South]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Yes, we'll have to break in the new jugs.

Seeyaontheramp
Scott

[Leo]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Can't wait for that rumble over Cold Springs!

[matt]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

leo, you're in cold springs?

[Leo]

Re: Any news on the Rare Bear?

Yep. Deepsky is also.