Thorp Air Command - T18.net

This is the fastest looking Thorp I've seen. Who's is it? I love that paint job. Its a picture on Ebay for a wooden model.

This T-18 was built by Darrell Davis (Doc Davis). My brother, Bruce Janzen, purchased it from a subsequent owner in New Mexico. He then restored the airframe, painting it as depicted in this picture, installed a very nice leather interior, and a new panel. This is one of the few Thorps with a Garrison cowl which has something to do with its fast looks. Lyle Trusty knew this plane well and referred to it as a very fast Thorp. Bruce has since sold the airplane to Warren Hill, an Australian who is a pilot for Qantas airlines.

Well, I think its looks very sharp. He did a nice job. I have never heard of a Garrison cowl. What is the benefit/reason one would install a Garrison cowl in place of the standard cowl? Also, how/where do you buy a Garrison cowl?

Peter Garrison of Melmoth & Flying Magazine fame, designed an updraft cowl, with single air intake below prop, air then goes upward through cylinders & exits out the top of the cowl. There have been a few Thorps with this cowl, some fast, some not so. IMHO gave the plane a 'guppy face' look

That is the exact scheme I was going to paint my bird!!!

I have seen this bird, it is gorgeous , the paint and overall finish was done very well. saw it at a PTV Flyin one year I believe....Dan

Ryan,

Someone sent me a picture of the entire cowling on the floor and on the airplane awhile back (few years) and while it may appeal to you and others as being a good looking cowling, I just couldn't see it on my airplane. If it doesn't have the standard cheeks or even the pressure cowl, it just doesn't look like a T-18 to me. Someone also remarked that it's a more efficient cowl, but consider that sometimes we opt not for efficiency, but looks.

Someone sent me a blip on it and thought I include it here for added info.

Don D-Day

"Peter Garrison designed this cowl which was first installed on a Fresno Area T-18. It is believed John Thorp inspired this design as Peter was a frequent visitor to the Burbank shop and John once commented that this concept is the cowling he would have developed for the T-18 (instead of the "traditional" Thorp Cowl) had he been able to foresee the T-18 design's popularity.

This is not an updraft cooling arrangement. The air enters below the spinner, goes up and over, then back down through the baffles and exits along the sides, in a standard approach. The cowl is molded in two pieces, which split "top and bottom." An Air Progress article pictured tufting which showed a "perfect aftercone" from the exits.

Some years back, Bruce Janzen was able to get possession of the Garrison tooling and shipped it to Scaled Composites, who ran off a dozen parts. All of those have been sold.

Follow up inquiries reveal that the tooling has been misplaced as it cannot be located"

Hey Guys,
Thanks for the nice comments about my former T18. It was the most memorable airplane I've owned and most likely remain that way.
I know not everyone feels the way I do about the cowl, but If someone does, and has interest, I think I have one or two left. This isn't a formal classified add and hope I'm not breaking any rules with this reply. If I am please feel free to move it.
Thanks,
Bruce
bruceofyucaipa@gmail.com

Bruce,

If you have a second cowl, I am interested (after Ryan). PM sent.

Bob MO

No rules here Bruce!

If you can make a buck on this forum ... take the money and run!

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

I don't think i need a New cowl but I wouldn't mind seeing some more pictures of both the aircraft,it looks good and the cowl!
Stuart

Bob, as far as I am concerned, consider yourself first in line. I, like stug, would enjoy seeing some close up pictures of the airplane and Bruce's cowl.

This should help answer some questions ...

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

wow, the article says 7-10 mph gain with that cowl. Thats hard to pass up, but after seeing photos in the article, I must admit I prefer the looks of the standard cowl.

The article also says it was on a 0-290 that had no wheel pants or gear/fuselage fairings and cruised at 175mph....something is wrong with my airplane! Dang!

That cowl would sure lend itself to the infamous tiger mouth pait job wouldn't it! It's shaped about right for the flying tiger teeth on that air intake just like the ole P-40. Dan