Yes my original intention was to utilize strap hinges. I made the spars for the elevator in stainless to reduce the chance of corrosion within the hinge area. And with the greater selection of low friction engineering plastics as well as the ability now to 3D print extremely complex shapes strap hinges are of great interest.
But I also like ball bearings, no stiction, yup a tough word for me to spell but low static friction, the break free force in low movement pivots.
I had already designed ball bearings in the early parts I made. I have not taken any pictures of the bearings installed, primarily since they go against the grain in some circles, I will get some shots.
What I do have,
Control stick pivot, there are bearings inside the relay rod as well.
I will take pictures of the mounts for the torque tube since they have bearings inserted as well.
Bottom of rudder, the control horn has two bearings inserted, these are 3/8 ID flanged bearings, the lower sets over a stainless pivot pin, the upper is primarily there for support but prevents the rudder from lifting off the upper or lower pivot pins.
The control cables will have threaded ends swaged in place that will be fitted into FAFNIR
REP3 Bearings. There are many different sizes available, I am now over $1500 of these bearings in this project alone. The elevator horns to the left have these bearings in place.