Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Part that Flange off in your Lathe Thierry, shape it in your Roller and weld it back on the neck, would be a bit of a pain but will have the right shape. Could also part off the Flange and just make a new on out of .125 or .187 6061 T-6 and then weld it on. Or, weld another flange on top of the one you have, .187 or .250 thk, this will provide enough material rasied above the skin to buff it down to the shape you want, the same shape as the skin. Get really Fancy and shape the Cap to the skin shape also, and polish the crap out of it.....you have some options here, Im sure when your done it will be as perfect as all the rest you have done......Dan

My father finally help me to finish the riveting the deck. I hope when I install the canopy on the frame I see no difference....because at this time the frame is rolling perfectly without the canopy in place!


I start the installation of the windshield. I make the first simple on cartboard.


The second is in 0.020 aluminium just to confirm the shape. I decide to make the front strip in 2 parts jointed in the middle of the top fuselage.


The first owner who try to cut the windshield as some difficult I think. I have to reajust that!!!


The last parts I have to make for the canopy locking mechanism is the inside handle. I made a make-up in hard wood. I want make a sand cast mold to melt aluminium inside the mold. After some treatment I have a new aluminium handle. Now I have to find a smelting plant to help me to do this

_________________
Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

You can make both handles out of plain aluminum stock like I did . Ruff cut on the band saw , then ruff sanding on the belt/disc sander . Final sanding using files and a mouse sander . Not sure why the pics from my gallery didn't post , but you can go to my gallery and see my canopy latch parts .

RB

Nice looking "wood !" You could probably use it on a boat ? Just kidding !

RB

This is my rear spar for the center section. Next step....wing ribs!


Big smile today on my face I installed (temporary) the landing gear. I want to hang the engine too for a short period of time to figure where I install all the accessories. (battery, gascolator, fuel pump, engine control....)




Since last February my Thorp was stuck on wood blocks....better late than never!
Et voila!

_________________
Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

Good Job!!!
...Keep on going........Dan

Thanks Dan....After each day I'm closer to a flight test!

When I buy the plane the flaps system was found in a cracker jack box! I take a short time to cut and bend the pulley support. I found brand new pulley with the same part number on the plan. AN210-2B


The left and right pulley support.




After the first installation, the bulkhead who supporting the middle pulley braket was not strong enough.(to me)


Small parts take the load during the flap operation.


I make a doubler plus two angle to put more strengh to this area.


And I finish with the classic primer coat under my homemade drying boom!


I have to ask again to my father for the riveting help

_________________
Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

Is it me or does this guy do some impeccably good work at light speed!?

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Not just you Lee. He's got skills!

I'm wondering though, will there be a baggage compartment?

Bruce

At this rate he will install an inflight galley and LAV !

RB

I just read through this entire thread on Thierry's T-18 and I am in awe of this man's work.

I thought I knew how to build a few things. But my skills are just miniscule compared to Thierry.


Thierry, if you're coming down for Sun 'n Fun, I'd like to meet you.

Maybe you could give some demonstrations on how you build all these parts you build.

Just amazing.

What they said.

Merci Gerry

Small week for me, I have to work on another airport so my Thorp is almost on the ice this week:(

I found that on Aircraft Spruce! Perfect for the rudder cable P/N: 05-05750.



I start cutting and molding the aluminium windshield stip.



And I finished riveting the flaps bracket...


My top fuel tank support was ''not'' at my spec! New was done as per plan.


Doubler install for drilling.


I design extra gusset for a better tank support behind the dash board bulkhead.


I primed the parts with epoxy grey paint. From seat to fire-wall I paint everything in grey. The rest of the plane in yellow zinc chromate.


The finished product!

_________________
Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

I am thinking the only original piece left on this plane will be the motor mount!
Well done Theirry!

He's not done yet ! There could be MORE Gremlins waiting behind the curtain ! He is doing a remarkable job and should be very proud of the quality of work he does !

RB