Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Anyone have any tips or how to on the process for building the tank from plans in Aluminum? I have my new Miller Syncrowave 210 here waiting to make globs and holes.

Dana LaBounty

Overlap side seams and cleco for tack welds. Don't weld too close to clecos. You won't like what happens to them. Leave top out until bung secure and tested.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Why not make it Super King Size ! I wish I known about the larger tank when I was building !

RB

I have TB(tiny bladder), don't really need more than a couple hours range.

Just thought if you were building a "new tank" why not go BIG ! Only a few dollars more and would make a great selling point if you ever decide to sell .

RB

O.K., as I have yet to cut any Aluminum for a tank, does anyone have drawings for this larger tank and does it fit the standard mounts?
What other mods to airframe or instrument panel? Pics of install?

Dana LaBounty

Senior' David Read has the larger tank (pretty sure it was DR) . I believe it was his own design ? Me thinks I recall pics of the tank ?

RB

I'll have to go look but believe I have a paper template as well as the measurements for the 40 gallon main tank. It fits in the original tank cradles, you just have to make longer straps. It extends about 4" aft of the original tank which puts it just forward of the dash frame. The bottom side curves down more than the original as well. I beefed up the dash frame some and used the next larger size turnbuckles on the straps. As long as the instruments are short enough for clearance no other modifications should be required. I checked with 1/2 and full tank and it simply moved the tank CG aft 2" which posed no weight and balance issues in my case. I'll have to dig around for pics as well. DR

lets see if this works, there is a pic comparing the size of the standard tank to the 40 gal one, one that shows how full the compartment gets, I made the tank as large as I could fit into the space, and a couple that show some of the supports I beefed up.

Good stuff, the pics are a great bonus. Now I just need to decide if I am going to do the stock or the bigger tank.

Dana. An empty Gatorade bottle works great for TB syndrome!

Just don't mistake that partly filled Gatorade bottle for a partly empty Gatorade bottle.