Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Fair nuff Willie, perhaps we need to narrow down our definition of "radius" ... Rich was asking about the 1" radius per the plans. You have a rounded edge that I would assume is the ~.25" (or so) radius which is do to the bend radius of the .063 material. But certainly not 1"

All I'm trying to say is that very few Thorps have the 1" radius called for in the drawings. and again very few airplane designs - period have a radius-ed panel .. I honestly cannot think of one. Once again not saying it's wrong, just justifing my failure to incorporate that in my panel.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

The Taylorcraft has one, I built one for a restorer one time. I beleive the Ercoupe is rounded as well. This post is just to keep the fire burning.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

That it will!!! .. I think we can put this one to rest ... I stand corrected, Bob just found two designs that use a curved panel ... but I still stand by my orginal comment ... it's certainly not the norm.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Hey guys, 25 years ago that might have been me! My first introduction to a Thorp was a fella by the name of Popejoy. I think he was using a Blanton V6 conversion. He asked me to put that bend in his instrument panel. We had a hydraulic press at a shop where I was the young man in charge. Gladly told him the same thing when I found out it was for an airplane: "no charge". That's how I first heard you could build your own airplane. Happily, this is where I am now.

BTW, instead of the bend, my panel has the 3/4" angle at bottom too.

Les Krumel
Albuquerque

A few updated pics for you fellas ... per Mr. Wolff's request ....

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Yup, that's a keeper, Fine work, Good job just keep going..........Dan

Very clean and inspiring! Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Lee,
Your Thorp looks fantastic. I'm interested in your oil filter set up. Who makes it? How is the clearance to the landing gear? Looks close but
assume everything clears OK.

Jim Borg
N180RG

Thanks Jim,
That's a standard Lycoming Oil Filter adapter PN:77852 no mods or changes necessary. You do have to use a shorter oil filter though, a standard Champion will not clear the A-Frame.
Lee

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

K&N HP-1009 oil filter works.

Very nice work, Lee.

Very nice work Lee ! The battery install looks familiar ?


RB

RB that whole airplane is a series of other peoples invovations ... As Gary green says "no points for originality"

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Ouin....
I like this kind of pictures! Clean work and fine detail....
Do you have a approximative date for the flight test?
Beau travail ;-)

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

Made my last official airplane part the other day .. time to pull it all apart and start prepping for paint. Didn't quite make Sun n Fun but June looks promising.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Bravo!

Now you can come up to Ontario and help me finish mine!!