Thorp Air Command - T18.net

My canopy frame is made of steel, presumably 4130. From what I can tell, this is quite unusual. There doesn't seem to be any references to steel slider frames in the NLs, the old Thorplist, or the forum.

Would it be worth making a new frame to take out 15 or 20 lbs?

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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.

If I were in your shoes, I'd sooner try to make a new set of wheel pants out of aluminum with a ball peen hammer drunk and naked while wearing a blindfold. Even a whimp like me can lift that canopy and it fit that plane pretty well compared to some I've seen - canopies can be a no mans land if you eff them up. That's the one part of the plane I hope I never have to replace.

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Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

LOL! Now we all have to try to erase that image from our minds.

No.. I have bigger fish to fry right now; that would be a project for "later." I was just thinking that there would be a fairly decent payback by taking the weight out. Besides adding lightness, it would reduce the wear and tear on the rails.

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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.

Dick,
The canopy frame on N4588 is 4130 steel, it's not 'that' uncommon. I agree with Frase .. Surely you have enough other projects on the plate, I'd put that one at the bottom or off the list all together.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

You're right Mr. Naked Man...no 2 are alike and no one should have to do it more than once. However in your case it would make good fodder for the next Tiger Tales to see you with that hammer and your Sans clothed Mr. Burns well toned physique ! [:0]