Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Put me down for one. Chuck Roberts

I think most folks are using the AP dual fork TW assembly ?

RB

The AP tail wheel is offered in several angles. 10, 15, & 20 degrees? Which angle is the one to use with the Trusty spring upgrade?
I understand it is a very nice unit, but it has a cast aluminum body and wear in the body has been reported.

_________________
Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

The one to get is the 10 degree, dual fork, 6 inch. If you forget, just tell the nice lady it's for a T-18 a they know.
T

The Gal at AP is very helpful !

RB

Here is another TW.

http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/store/ ... x&cPath=66

If there is any interest, let me know and I'll see if I can get us a deal. They have very good feedback on VAF, quality parts and a little more aerodynamic.

The RV TW spring is about .010" bigger in diameter (.6380" I think) where the TW attaches. You may want to wait till you get your springs to make sure they are 5/8" .

Bob

Hi there,

I see a lot of discussion about the Trusty spring am am considering upgrading. Are all the newly manufactured sets spoken for?

Thanks,
Lawrence McLeod

Bump!
So is there any progess, or a progress report on the tailspring and or bolster project?
Maybe a picture?

_________________
Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

Hi Scott, It's funny you should ask. I just got off the phone with Richard at Langair. The springs are at the Heat Treat and will be picked up on Monday. I'll be going to pick up the aft mounts the forward aluminum washer in the morning. I was told by Richard that the springs weigh just under 5 pounds. I can now start getting shipping quotes for the springs that are spoken for. I'm still hoping that Langair can get the springs to me by the end of the month so that I can get them turned around and out to you guys. I have a photo of the aft attach that I'll try to post.

Terry

As we are getting close to having some tail springs....Here's the list I have contact info for:
Stuart Greenham ( Australia - 3 Springs)
Brian West
Jim Mantyla
Derek Fritschle
Doug Shinn
Scott Emery
Scott Ginn
Chuck Roberts
Jon Linke
Rob Klatt
Lawrence McLeod
Plus the 2 that I'll be using (N241TH and N218TH) brings the total to 15....1 tail spring left unclaimed as of today..
Blue Skies,

Terry

The aft spring attach fittings.

The only potential drawback to this style is that the fork assembly is much lower to the ground, & I once saw one that snagged a tie-down cable & almost ripped the whole assembly off the airplane - and it was an RV. I have heard of it happening to others also.

_________________
John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

You are correct. The original Van's TW was getting caught on everything (holes, grates, taxiways) and doing a lot of damage. That's why the leading edge is angled. This one isn't as wide as the aviation product or Bell. The RV TW's are reamed out an extra .010" so you may want to check the Langair specs when you get them. If you get an RV TW it may fit loose.

Bob

Hi All, As of the middle of last week the new batch of springs was being picked up from Heat Treat. I've sent PM's to all who expressed interest in the tail spring. I have all the aft attach fittings on site. Also made was the aluminum washer for the forward attach and will be shipped in the box with the tail rod spring. I was told the tail spring will weigh just under 5 pounds. I made shipping calculations for all the addresses I had.
Does anyone have a good idea on how to get the 3 springs that Stuart ordered to Australia? The shipping estimate was almost as much as the spring cost.
I'm excited about seeing these Thorps flying with rod tailsprings.

I wonder if any of the current tailwheel vendors for VAN's will make their yoke fit the smaller diameter 'Trusty' spring?
I would be interested in a JD air or Flyboy Acc. type, with the narrow profile and snag resistant cut-away fork.
I just disassembled and lubed a stock VAN's tailwheel swivel post. The grease fitting feeds to the break-away pin & cam, but grease never worked down to the bottom of the main bushing. The dried out grease made for lurching and hard steering. Cleaned & relubed now, it's fine. The JD Air roller bearing post looks purty fancy....

_________________
Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE