Thorp Air Command - T18.net

N772DM is an unfinished T18 project that I am completing. Dan Eggleston found this diamond in the rough hiding out in Steve Dillard's hangar in Visalia. It had been there for over 10 years and before that I think it had moved around the central California area. It was originally started in 1964 by an engineer from Lockheed named Harry Keane. I believe Tom Hunter knew him. The serial number that John Thorp gave Harry for this project is #133.

When I took it off Steve's hands I had many of the pieces, but most of the riveting still needed to be done. I had a really good frame work and foundation to deal with.

I have been working on this bird everyday & night for the past 15 months and am hoping to have this flight ready sometime in March or April. Wish me luck.

I want to thank Dan for his encouragement, expertise and helpful hands. Without him I'd still be starring at a bunch of un-riveted pieces.

I am going to try and post some pics in chronological order for you all to see the progress

Some more pics

some more pics

and some more pics. It looks as though and I am not putting them all in a chronological order, but it is close.

I will most more pics later. My phone battery just died and my pics are hiding in there.

a few more pics. Project near completion. Just need to finish up the canopy/mount the alternator/ finish up the exhaust (Dan's job. lol) / put the prop & spinner on and..... VIOLA!

Holy chromatron!! That thing looks great!! So good to see another 2000's era Thorp on the way out of the barn! The carbon fiber overlay panel is a great touch, as are the seats!

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Holy Batman ! Lookin good Billy Ray ! EFIS panel looks mighty fine. BTW...do you have a real job or is this your full time job ? Having Dan as a "helper" doesn't hurt either !

RB

Contrary to popular belief, I do work full-time. I just have a very understanding wife who is willing to put up with my projects. Although, she will be very happy to see this one leave the garage soon.

I also could never have gotten this far without Dan's helping hands and frequent drop-ins.

Ok all, now then, let's give Mr. Dean Cuke credit where credit is due. When Dean hauled this project away from the airport it needed a lot do work, it had just sat in the corner of a hanger like he said for years, all the whilst other projects had been in progress for years. Dean jumped on this thing like a hungry termite on a 2x4, he hasn't wavered in his dedication for completion even though he is one of the buisiest people I know and his responsibilities most folks would run and hide from. he has worked hard on this project and will complete the thing before the guys that had a 5yr head start on him. He hasn't realized yet that he is a craftsman, his work is outstanding and his fortitude second to none. Dean will have this bird airborne probably in the next 90 to 120 days, go figure, do the math. He has been at it for about 15 months, flying Thorp in less than 2 years, OOOOORA!! Now then, the truth is out!!!! now they know Deano!! You are the machine!! The rascal of riveting!! you and Mr.Zemeno are going to make us proud and we are glad to have ya.........Dan

Believe me, Dean has all my respect for tackling this project and then some ! Anyone that has a full time job and can finish a homebuilt A/C has my attention ! I did not finish NX115RX until I retired from 3 house moves and 2 retirements ! Dan...you were my sunshine to keep me moving to finish my A/C ! I thank you for the help and late nite phone calls !

RB
NX115RX

Thanks Rich, I get a charge outa watching new birds take flight. When Iras plane flew I think I was as exited as he was!!! now Deans is all but there and ready to go!!! When we got word that you and yours had taken flight we had a celebratory Taco dinner to celebrate!!! Even for the guys that buy a project that has already flown, I get exited about that also. Good things happening at KVIS, there will be 3 Thorps here flying!! The entire thorp group has been good to answer questions for the new Thorpers this keeps the ball rolling on projects, whether it is a fresh build, partial build, or a modify. You all are appreciated and held in hi regard by the Thorp folks here at KVIS...Dan

Just had the weight and balance done today. Weighed in at 831 lbs (empty weight). Just have to get the paper work submitted this week and wait for the inspection.... then as RB would say "Badda Bing Badda Boom"

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Dean Cuke
Visalia, California
N772DM
KVIS

couple of pics out in the driveway after w&b

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Dean Cuke
Visalia, California
N772DM
KVIS

Come on Deno, tell em what it weighed in at, I ain't going to tell em you haft a do it!!! Dan