Thorp Air Command - T18.net

What kind of parts ?

RB

I've got the Firgelli actuator. I need to connect it to a pushrod system, buy the pushrod system and a connector at the trim tab. I bought a lawn mower throttle cable today. It may work, but prolly not. I have been on line looking thru RC airplane sites. I want something a little more robust than what I am seeing.
Cubes

I have used those 1/4 scale servos in RC planes Cubes, they are stout, but I had to use one per control surface . A 48# Dago Red built within 5percent of scale, 102cc 15HP Quadra Piped runnin 50 percent alki and the other 50 percent Nitro. The quarter scale servos were strained at 180 mph, be carefull with these little bugers I fried a couple of em, made the Dago real Bad handling. It was nerve racking just flying the thing, It would roll out 30ft and you could go Vertical outa site if you wanted. I sold all of my RC stuff and bought the plans for the Thorp some years ago, the Thorp flies better the the Dago did........Dan

Danny, I am not going to use RC servos. I will use that Firgelli that you tested at the last KVIS fly in. I just need to mount it and connect it to the tab
Cubes

Can't remember the size of your unit or the size of the attach end for the push rod ? Perhaps the Ray Allen Clevis/pushrod kit might work ? Spruce...P/N 11-02040/11-02042 ? Then just rivet a small horn onto the tab . BOOM !

RB

Cubes, if my memory serves me that little rig we tested has some grunt...Dan

This may further muddy the waters, not knowing exactly what your setup is. I did not like the pushrod that came with the ray Allen servo either. I made one by bending a piece of aluminum in a U and drilled holes in the ends. The closed end faces down into the airstream. Simple and cheap, two of my favorite qualities. The picture is the aileron from DR after the tornado. I cut it apart to get the good stuff out to reuse.

_________________
David Read
Olney, Illinois
N718DR

Some good thoughts. However, I intend to mount the Firgelli on the wing rib with a push/pull set up like Lyle Trusty had in his plans. I need a flexible solid wire that goes from about mid rib back to the tab on my trim tab. I found several wires that will work. I just need connectors and a sheath. So to speak. I'm still researching.
Cubes

What did Lyle use for the cable ?

RB

Jim, look at bicycle brake and shifter cables

Jim,

This app will need mucho stiffness. I would look to the world of monster-scale RC.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

We have the Lyle Trusty setup on N51863. I'll skip the mechanics of the motor/limit switch setup but the actuator is a solid wire control cable much like a law mower throttle control. Be sure the cable passes through the axis of the aileron hinge or you will get tab movement as the aileron is deflected.

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Yep. That is what I am looking for. Lyle's plans call for a solid wire and also mandate that it passes thru the aileron hinge. I bought a lawnmower throttle setup. It would work. Seems pretty tough. However, I mic'd the pushrods on an old, broken down RC plane I have and it is much thicker, stiffer. It may be too stiff tho (that's what she said). The pushrod will need to bend to make it through the aileron hinge. Still looking. I also need to attach fittings on either end.

I just found them at store.firgelli.com
select pq12 linear actuator


I was also looking for the Flap Motor and they are at a sister company….firgelliauto.com
That part number is pn-fa-150-s-12-2

Thanks to Lee for pointing the right direction

T

Thought I would re-post the trim issues questions on the proper site. So, if I want to put trim on the aileron and rudder that is ok. If you go this way use the T2-10A RAC servo (1" of play) on the aileron trim tab. And a caution to not build the trim tab bigger than a dollar bill...right John?

New question! I also want to set up my trim tab on the rudder that exists on our airplane but is riveted solid to the rudder. I think I saw a post that Lee, or someone, recommends a T2-7A RAC servo (.7 inches of play) for that installation.

And never, ever, ever, ever change out the screw jack trim system on the stabilator that John Thorp intended for the T-18. Right?

Thanks for the input from a super happy, elated, in love and mystified owner of a new IO-360B1E, Hartzel CS Thorp T-18. I have never been vaulted into the blue so wonderfully as last Saturday. Finally flew N327SB alone w/o my co-owner Brother Chris. What a bird. Everyone should have a Thorp like this. Just one amazing airplane. Don't get me wrong. We love our 0-290GPU Thorp, but I have been changed for the good.

Happy landings!

Brent Schultz
N327SB
N6CM
KAJO