Lew - I'll also agree the API tailwheel is a
well-engineered piece - though I went with the doublefork 4" which has also been
fine (I actually use a 5" wheel in it that takes the runway expansion grooves a
little better). That said, I'd be surprised if the tailwheel was causing
wandering - shimmy is realistic, but as long as it's not binding when castering
20deg each side it shouldn't affect high speed controllability. But, if
you want, I have a good condition Lang on the shelf at the hangar, with almost
all new inner bearings, seals, etc., that I would be happy to send you for
the cost of the shipping. I removed the Lang (replaced with the API)
because I installed a new rubber tire from Aircraft Spruce last year that was
made from a poor compound - first landing it spun right off the wheel, with the
resulting roll on the concrete chewing the hub beyond usage. A new
API wasn't much more than a new Lang hub. (Tower "uh, Sierra Mike,
looks like something came off your airplane"; me "yep, my own tailwheel
just passed me here, mind if I pull over to the side of the runway to get
it?"; Tower "Sierra Mike, that's approved. Cessna 1234, sidestep to
the right, cleared to land now 14 Right". I love the tower guys at my
home airport).
Craig.
N726SM