Material List for Cole Conversion

[JRSB]

Howdy folks,

Will be building the cole conversion on a '46 BC-12-D. Recently purchased it, it is a bare fuselage and wings.

I am putting together a material list for the metal that will be needed for the conversion (ie torque tube, additional steel plating, etc).

I was wondering if anyone has a material list of the metal tubing and plate used I would greatly appreciate the ability to crosscheck what I have based on the plans with what you used.

Thank you!!

[astjp2]

Do you have the Cole conversion drawings? Without those, it is futile. There is also the Swick plans.

[N96337]

You might try Eric Minnis at Bully Aero. I'd bet he could fill in a bunch of gaps for you!
John

[JRSB]

Thank you for your replies. I do have a copy of the Cole plans. The resolution of my copy isn't great which makes it hard to make out the specific measurements and dimensions. I believe I have it all interpreted correct, but the opportunity to crosscheck with someone else would be beneficial.

Thanks!

[JRSB]

For those who it may be helpful to, here is the list I came up with and have on order for the torque tube:

Main tube:
1-1/4" x 0.049" (48")

Front Bearing Holder:
1-3/8" x .058" (12 or 6")

Front Bearing Sleeve:

1-1/2" x .120" (12")


Control stick:
1" x 0.049" (40")
1-1/8" x .058" (12")
7/16" x .058" (12")

3/8" x 1/4" bushing (2')

.050" plate 1'x2'

Will update with any changes as the build progresses, but I am reasonable certain this is what is needed for the torque tube.

[3Dreaming]

Personally I would do a Swick style control system torque tube. This way you can keep the bungees. Also from doing research quite some time ago the Swick airplanes are much nicer flying due to the feel of the control system. One airshow pilot who had flown both said, " the Swick flies like a Bucker, and the Cole flies like a 450 Stearman.

[Hank Jarrett]

If you put a stick in (an option I like) be sure to see if you can get in and out with a stick. It isn't easy to get in a "T" with wheels. Getting in around a stick could be a real challenge. I always wondered if putting the stick in the middle and using the far left and right rudder pedals for acro would be worth doing. How often would you ever fly acro with a passenger? Then you could have the stick removable down at the floor and switch from wheels to a stick. Just be sure to make the removable wheels so the universal comes off each shaft too. You can't have them flopping around when the wheels are out!

[3Dreaming]

If you put a stick in (an option I like) be sure to see if you can get in and out with a stick. It isn't easy to get in a "T" with wheels. Getting in around a stick could be a real challenge. I always wondered if putting the stick in the middle and using the far left and right rudder pedals for acro would be worth doing. How often would you ever fly acro with a passenger? Then you could have the stick removable down at the floor and switch from wheels to a stick. Just be sure to make the removable wheels so the universal comes off each shaft too. You can't have them flopping around when the wheels are out!

Hank, most conversions I have seen use a center stick. You sit in the middle of the airplane and use the outside rudder pedals like you surmised. There is no switching back between control wheels and the stick. All of the "H" column and original Taylorcraft control system except for the rudder pedals is removed from the airplane. The few that I have seen that are set up to switch between single seat acro bird and two seats just use the center stick. Swick had a "T" bar top to the stick to put it in front of both pilots, but just one stick in the center works just as good.

[Hank Jarrett]

That is kind of neat. I have never had an opportunity to actually get inside a converted "T" and look at the controls. I just assumed they still had wheels. And here I thought I had come up with an original good idea! I wonder why you COULDN'T leave the H in place and switch back and forth? I was just trying to imagine how I would climb in mine with a stick coming out of the floor. How the heck to you get your legs around the stick (especially if you are on the "large end" of the pilot sizes? You would just need to have BOTH cable systems connected together and only one would be used at a time. I would be sure to use all ball bearing pullies to keep the control cable drag as low as I could, but see no reason it couldn't work. You WOULD want to only have ONE control system (wheels or stick) in at a time!

[Ragwing nut]

I have a plan for my clipwing using 2 sticks and toque tubes. Will see if it works if I ever get that far along.

[JRSB]

All,

Material has been ordered, will provide the final list of materials used for the torque tube to help future builders.
The plan for landing gear is to keep the bungee suspension and original heel brakes, although they will be converted to hydraulic.

I found a program that takes drawings and greatly improves the resolution on them. Not sure how it does it, but it made my Cole plans infinitely better (not to mention usable). I purchased a subscription to the program and would be happy to run your plans/images through if so desired.

[3Dreaming]

All,

Material has been ordered, will provide the final list of materials used for the torque tube to help future builders.
The plan for landing gear is to keep the bungee suspension and original heel brakes, although they will be converted to hydraulic.

I found a program that takes drawings and greatly improves the resolution on them. Not sure how it does it, but it made my Cole plans infinitely better (not to mention usable). I purchased a subscription to the program and would be happy to run your plans/images through if so desired.

I don't think the elevator cable set up on the Cole conversion will fit between the bungee cords, but I could be wrong.

[woodmw]

All,


I found a program that takes drawings and greatly improves the resolution on them. Not sure how it does it, but it made my Cole plans infinitely better (not to mention usable). I purchased a subscription to the program and would be happy to run your plans/images through if so desired.

Care to share the name of the software?

[JRSB]

Care to share the name of the software?

https://letsenhance.io/

[SpecialT]

I've got a Cole clip wing. I might be able to take some pictures for you as you get along in your project. "If" it doesn't involve taking too much apart. My plane already in more pieces than I would like, the wings are currently about an 8 hour drive away, but the fuse is nearby.