Thorp Air Command - T18.net

A request has been made that I publish the part numbers to make up the tailwheel linkage:
2 MS21251-B3S Turn buckle barrell
4 MS21256-1 clip
2 MS21255-3RS cable eye
2 MS21260-S3LH swage cable end
2 MS20668-3 swage end
2 ft. 3/32" 05-03900 SS cable

Bill,

How long is the cable on your set-up?

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Scott Hinton
Elizabeth City, NC
N78WG

I think about 11.5" eye to eye, depends on type and length of springs. Lee made up a set that were 11' .

Thanks!

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Scott Hinton
Elizabeth City, NC
N78WG

Hi Bill,

Do you know the length of the cable assembly? Just from the rear eye to the threaded end of the MS21260-S3LH. If I know the lenght I can get this assembly from AS since I do not have the tool to swage the cable.

Thanks

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Matt Smith
Des Moines, IA
55RC

If you have a marine supply or riggers outfit near you they will probably have the hydraulic press and dies to swage the cables/fittings. I searched San Diego and found a rigger that did it for me and once he found out it was for an airplane he only wanted $5.00 for all (4) swages. I gave him $10.00...maybe it was $15.00. In any case a bargain. He also had the cable and fittings, but I already had the stuff from Spruce. His prices for the MS/AN hardware was right in line with Spruce.

RB

Here's a Video of Bob Highley's tailwheel setup.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1089049172 ... 4559713858

I performed the Bill Williams/Bob Highley tail wheel linkage retrofit yesterday and not only does it look substantially better the improved ground control is amazing. The ability to more precisely adjust the tension on the linkage has made a significant improvement on taxi, transition to flight and landing roll. I would "Highley" recommend this upgrade. The cost for the parts using Bill's list was $56 from ACS, I was not as lucky as Rich and had to pay $8 per swage plus $17 in labor, bringing the total cost to retrofit just over $100 (I feel it was definitely worth it).

Slainte

Chuck

Order (2) of the chromed quick links from Maule and it will really dress up the install. I ordered (4) to have 2 spares. Do not use the hardware quick links as they are made in China and only zinc plated. The Maule links are made in France and have a hole drilled to insert a cotter pin to safety the link.

RB

Some hw stores carry ss Links ... That's where I picked up mine.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

I'll check it out.....certainly looks better.

Be sure to check out the "weight limit" stamped on the link ! There is a "max limit" and a load limit. The "El Cheapo" links made in China have a low load limit. I suppose a boat shop/sail boat shop would have the SS links ? A sailboat would put the MAX on the link !

RB

How is rudder control. I put chains tight one time and is was to sensitive.

Brent,

I haven't thus far noticed any change in rudder control just a profound change ground handling. I just removed any slack in the control cable and called it good.

Ditto. No slack.

RB