Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Brent,
I believe it may have been RB that installed a servo on his rudder. I don't mess with the rudder at all, I have the GG rudder trim system in the new airplane and it works just fine. May be a different install with center rudder cables but doable. Basically a nylon clamp that secures one side of the rudder cables.

And yes, leave the original jack-screw trim alone, easy enough to install elect pitch trim with the jack screw in place.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Brent,
You have gone over to the dark side. Remember the mouse motor (O290G) credo, simplicate and add lightness.

NOTE: N18JF has an O290G.

_________________
Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

Roll trim complete: I love this whiz bang mechanical gizmo stuff - maybe others do too. I think that's why this topic is popular. Gear motor is Frigelli P/N PQ12-100-12-P, good speed with 100:1 Ratio. Cable passes through hinge line and anchored on aileron side. Motor bracke on angle creates clearance in cable for moving balance weight. No wires to bend, no extra weight on aileron, no bending moment.

Les Krumel,
Albuquerque

Les, thats exactly like my set up..........works good lasts long time.

Simplicate, & add Lightness.....................I like that, good words to build by, the 0-290 ships can be built light and nimble, I have seen some that can do a good job blistering the sky also. Dan

Hagle347, take a look on PA caompany, I buy linear actuators and motion systems there - check performance and quality here - http://www.progressiveautomations.com/linear-actuators. Ifdfurnishings is not my choice anymore, especially - http://www.ifdfurnishings.com/kendall-2pcs-rectangular-dual-lift-top-cocktail-coffee-end-occasional-tables-set/

An old thread but adding a twist. I've found T18 ailerons to have a heavier feel than I prefer. Has anyone offset the actuator so the trim tab acts as a trim/servo tab like the T6 and many other aircraft?

Rounded trailing edges solved that problem on mine. Tape piece of string along the trailing edge and see what happens.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Thanks Bob. This makes sense to me. My cousin had a very light rudder feel on a Giles 202 and he squared up the trailing edge to give it a stronger "on center" feel. Approximately what diameter string? Did you put it right on the trailing edge to increase the radius or shade it toward upper or lower surface? What did you do for a permanent fix? Did you do any high speed testing for concerns about flutter with reduced centering effect?

I made my aileron skins one piece with a bent trailing edge. The thickness ended up a fat 1/8". I would try some cord or even number 10 or 12 insulated wire. Use aluminum foil tape to hold it on. I have had my plane over 250 mph with no sign of flutter. I woudn't mess with the geometry.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL