Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Hi,

On my current project that I purchased, I noticed the landing gear differs to the original plans. It is made of 3 tubes on the gear legs (1"x0.188, 1.25"x0.120" and 1.5"x0.120") All other dimensions are per dwg-515 (Long landing gear.)

The 1" tube runs the full length of the main gear from top attach point to axle mount, with the 1.25" tubing fitting over this and it being about 2" short on both the top and bottom. It is welded to the 1" tube. The 1.5" tube is as per Dwg 515. Heat treating done as per the plans.

This landing gear has not flow yet, it was locally manufactured to replace a damaged LG. Has anyone seen this kind of design on a T18 A-frame? Trying to determine if it is worth using.

Dan.

Not in my 21 years of flying these have I seen that type of gear.
Cubes

Looks way overbuilt to me .. gear is heavy enough as is. That one looks 50% heavier!

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

If you use that gear, I recommend that you frequently inspect the 1” tube area by the axles. That cannot be as strong as 1.25 by .313 wall.
Cubes

it is also welded down there where it needs to flex.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Dan...

The plans-designed gear is already plenty stiff. What you have there is going to be worse. You really don’t want that.

D