Hi Jack,

I've used these rollers in the glass industry for longer than I care to admit to.  The reason they work nicely in an industrial application is because they don't have to spin real fast (generally) and the surface of the ball stays relatively nice and shiny allowing the bearings that it seats in to do their job.  I'm afraid that with a nylon ball after its initial contact with any runway surface its exterior will be damaged so quickly that it won't be able to "float" on its bearings, and it will soon turn into another "hockey puck". If I were trying to figure out a way to fight the battle you're suggesting I think I would install a 1/2" thick phenolic hard point under an alternating kevlar and CF layup... with at least 2 or 3 layers of kevlar making up the outermost surface.  It can take an amazing amount of abuse and abrasion, and I'd bet my last buffalo nickel that you'd only have to repair it once <g>.

    <marv>




Jack Beale <jackbeale@direcpc.com>:

 All,

"""
    The idea that the "hockey-puck" could prevent damage seemed just a bit too
good to be true; and, after, reading about several "skinned noses" recently, I
decided to research an item that I saw in industry many years ago that may
solve the problem.

    What I'm suggesting is a Nylon ball, about 2" in diameter.  It would be
mounted on the nose of the Cozy in place of the "hockey-puck".  Should the
gear fail (or, fail to be lowered) the Nylon ball would allow the nose to
"roll" rather than "scrape" down the runway until the A/C could be stopped.
 
    I think this would prevent any real damage to the glass....
 Whaddayathink...?
"""