Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Some info on the ACS dual fork tailwheels a lot of us use. Courtesy of Mr Rich Brazell.

Thanks Rich!

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Nice people to deal with

Yes they are ! Karen is very helpful.

RB

What parts are everyone going with? looks like two different one's? Im coming from the dark side (RV and Pitts)

Chris

Parts? Are you referring to the single fork or the double fork? If I were to guess I would say double fork. I have the double fork and very happy with it. Be sure to replace the standard bearings with the sealed ones.

RB

ten degree tailspring mount, 6" wheel, and double fork. I've found that a single fork will lay over sideways and a ground loop is in the making. When at Oshkosh this year the RV guys were changing over to a "blue" rubber tailwheel they claim to be superior to the AGS wheel. Don't know there source.

Hey, they sell tapered rod tail springs!

.... hmmmm could this be a viable alternative to the 4130 Trusty spring?

Ok, Ready to order one but one last question.... What are you guys doing to mount the new round tail rod after your plane was set up for the flat spring?

Chris

A new bolster (not sure if this is the correct term ?) has to be made to accept the round spring and then bolted in place of the old one where the flat spring went. I don't think the AP springs are drilled for the attach bolt ? Making a new bolster is not difficult, but does require a little welding. A piece of round steel tube stock welded to a small flat steel plate. The key is accurate drilling of the flat plate and round tube stock to match the current A/C hole locations. I got my whole set-up from Tom Hunter. No welding/drilling required. I believe he has no more rods available ?

RB
NX115RX

I tried to call him and have sent him an email. I hope he at least has an attach plate he can sell. talked with ACS and the spring is $115 and taill wheel is $255. Not going to order them until i can see if he has a plate to hold it!

Chris

We have to assume both rods are the same diameter ? If not then all bets are off as far as getting the bolster. If you are talking about Tom Hunter, I think he is out of the country ? Having the bolster made is not a big deal.

RB

The shafts are straight and would need to be bent to fit the Thorp. The bolsters and hardware can be made per Lyle Trusty's drawing...........

There you go ! Bada Bing, Bada Boom !

RB

Ok so where do i get them from?

You might get the rod Tailwheel setup from the Mustang II guys. They are changing out the rod for the leaf springs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy6Zc14Eqp8

Or .....they could tighten the springs.