Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Finished the rudder with the exception of a few pull rivets. Moved the plane home yesterday and began the tail repair. The fin is ready for assembly and have started on the horizontal stab. I'll repair the empenage and return to the feathers.

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Just for information, for a number of years now, the Tailwind guys have been using just the light socket and bare bulb for tail light (nav light) on the rudder or vertical stab. Some are now using the LED lightbulbs instead of the incandescent--all automotive stuff. Much slimmer, tidier and less weight than the old bulb and glass cover, etc. FWIW.....


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Dave M
Sacramento
ex-T-18 owner

Look closer, there is a 1157 LED replacement under the smooth lens. This rudder was destroyed in last weeks tornado, less than a week to build a new one.

The rudder looks great. I especially like how you made the folded trailing edge continuous. I had spliced mine last time, I think I will make my next one like yours if I can afford your royalty payments. I am finishing up my insurance estimates tonight, hope to know in a few days how I am going to come out. It will be a total for them, but not for me, 718DR will fly again.

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David Read
Olney, Illinois
N718DR

Made the fold one piece this time, with the diagonals had to use a row of pull rivets. Progressing with the empenage, between Bob and I we have gotten it about half completed. Should have the fuselage completed next week. I'd offer to bend up the rudder folded edge, but a sheet metal man like you it will be no problem. Good luck on yours..

I cried when I saw the Sun & fun carnage.I hope yours is easily repairable. There may even be a photo of it upside down there. All that hard work gone.

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James Ball

The picture of the Thorp upside down was David Read's which suffered severe damage. Les Conwell's was totaled. Mine faired better with something tearing the tail feathers off. I should have it back in the air in a few weeks....Elizabeth City is coming on fast.