Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Hi everyone! I working hard on my project during my 2 months OFF on the forum!

I finished my canopy rail and I have to make new support under the rear rail.




Front rail are in place.


Canopy was sliding correctly but some adjustment are required.


When I closed my canopy I want the same effect as my refrigerator door in my kitchen. I dont want to fight with the canopy!
Smooth closing

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

I found all the requested material to build the canopy locking mechanism.


During this time I decided to completed all the resin fairing for the tail section.






I work on the small tail cover. Lot of trimming and adjustment


Tail is 95% done i just need to winish the rudder top cover and all the part is ready for the paint!


Closer look on the easy acces cover.

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

Both wing tips are almost done I have to put a small coat of light putty to complete the parts.
I request a perfect surface. I accept nothing under that.


Fuel tank was ready to install and I need new tank starp!


New part on her way as per plan!


Installation are good. Now I have to found the rubber to glue between the support and the tank.

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

Yeah!!! That's what I'm talkin' about.

Thanks DickwolfF!!!
Post some fresh pictures of your yellow T-18.

My last updates. I have a opportunity to utilise a Big 75 tons hydraulic press to put straight back my bend landing gear.
Look at this monster I have to operate this beast with lot of respect!


The patient is ready for the torture session


Gear in position and it's a green light for the first run....


After the 8 times the mission was over. Now I have a new straight leg.
Look at the last trial! See the arc it's impressive


Next week I call the NDT shop for a deep inspection!
To be continu....
Et voila!
Operation total time is 45 minutes! AGAIN.....When you have the good tool it's a piece of cake!

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

Since last week I switch from a part to build to another piece to scratch build!

First is the canopy latch mechanism. Hook is on the way!


I take 30 minutes to do this bushing. A easy part, except for the small radius at the extremity.


This is a hard one Lot of small cut-out and lot of small bend.


Between that I finish molding my Beacon light. I need to found a old style red lens to install on the top of the fin.





Rudder fairing is done. Lot of sanding..... I'm very happy to build a metal plane!!!! Lancair and Glassair is not for me

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

All the tail section is completed at 99%.....I have to paint all the parts now
I installed the rudder for the last time to adjust the cable and be shure everithing is working correctly!


Rear canopy rail is fit in place so I decide to strip the old paint before the riveting process.



After the clean-up! Original deck are in correct condition. Some very very small aluminium wrinckle or dent but with a light coat of putty this rear part looks almost new

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

Thierry: Outstanding work ! A "smooth closing" canopy is a test of patience ! It may ride smooth w/o the glass , but once the glass is attached to the frame it will require more patience and adjustments ! If I had to do over I would probably use self adjusting bearings rather than the plans called for bearings . Good job on the Thorp canopy latch ! I really like mine !

RB

Higher and Faster

Thank for the tips RB! I have the same impression when I fix the canopy on the frame the game was changing....

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

The day I finished my Canopy I had to go and get some therapy, seems I had an anger problem and a real bad twitch, couldn't even get around a plastic water bottle without breaking out in a sweat..That canopy bout got the better of me.....Dan

Dan: Your therapy began the day you started your S-18 ! Now that you are done I recommend "Shock Therapy " once or twice a week ! The "Positive Lead " to your man parts and the "Ground" to your wallet !

All fun aside I got my most useful info for my canopy install from my first Porterville Fly In when I saw your outstanding canopy !

RB

Faster and Higher

Hi!
I take a few minutes to finish welding the support for the canopy handle.


I found on my personnal junkyard the perfect outside handle for the canopy. The dimension is almost the same of the plan. I drill the hole and installed the new shaft. I dont know the origin of this aviation parts but this handle has a new life on a Thorp!


I step back to my center section for a short period of time. I take a look on the plan to cut and bend both rear spar. I always made a small sample to adjust the brake.


Last check and I take the direction of the brake.


Adjustment is correct. I confirm with the scale drawing.


Both spar was cut and I think I drill the hole for the attatchement parts before I bend the parts.

No more time to play I have to pick-up kids at school. Maybe tomorrow I work again on my mistress....

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

A smooth closing canopy is a lot of work ! One that does not leak when closed is even more difficult . I managed to do both . Glad I can leave the roll of Saran Wrap at home !

RB

Hey Rich !
During cold winter flight some pilot put grey duck tape around the door to ''seal'' the areas

On another way I figure how to install the fuel tank filler..... I dont want to install the access door I want a flush gas cap.


The filler cap is has a flat surface and is just arrived in the curve of the skin.....


Maybe the easy way is to mold a aluminium fairing around the flat cap???

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

With my CSA fuel tank the enclosed instructions said to cut off some screws and make a point on the other end . Screw the screw in on the filler neck , put the tank in and place it up against the upper skin . Then take a small mallet and "tap" the top of the skin to make impressions where the screw points are . Worked OK . I also put a thin rubber gasket between the top of the filler neck and the bottom of the top skin to help prevent any Avgas fumes from entering the cockpit . If you use the correct canopy seals and a correctly fitting canopy you will have no leaks ! The other key is a positive locking canopy latch like the Thorp Latch to insure the canopy is completely pulled forward to make the seal . BTW I use two canopy seals . One on the windshield side and a main seal (plans type seal) on the canopy , so when it is closed I have a "double seal" and no leaks ! BOOM ! Shazam !

Looks like you may be able to "grind" down the one edge of the flange to fair with the skin ?

RB