TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

[KAR 120C]

Hi everybody my name is Michael. I live in the UK and I am relatively new here! Thank you for reading my post.

I am currently in negotiation with the purchase of a 1941 TAYLORCRAFT BC-12, currently on permit here in the UK. I would like to make good use of the forum as I plan to restore the aircraft and will need a little help along the way!

I understand there are a few permitted modifications to the aircraft including increased load capacity. Does anyone have any info? If anyone can help me with details of where to find information on the web I would be very grateful. Also, does anyone have any information regarding the widest fuselage dimension, once the aircraft is stripped? Ideally I would like to move the stripped aircraft into my rear garden but I am restricted by a 50" maximum access opening.

I really would appreciate all the help on offer here.

Thank you in anticipation.

Michael

[3Dreaming]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

You have a wonderful source of Taylorcraft information right there in you home country from forum member Robert Lees. He will have a better idea of what mods and such you can do there in the UK. BTW, welcome to the forum.

[Robert Lees]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

Hello Michael, and welcome to the Taylorcraft tribe. I own a Taylorcraft BC12-D based at Leicester.

There are a few UK owners on this Forum. But the vast majority of the expertise is in the USA, so your first step in joining this group is a good one

You will get a lot of help here, especially if you post photos of your restoration and ask questions thereof, if you end up being the new owner.

On my Taylorcraft, I have done the mods to increase the gross weight. The modification STC is known (by age) as the Gilberti STC, the Harer STC and now the STC is owned by Terry Bowden (Barnstmr) of this parish.

These mods are already approved by the LAA.

Hope that helps,
Rob

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

I have just finished a 41 and just ask and we can provide photos, drawings and anything else you might need. POST PHOTOS!!!!

Hank

[Bravo 6]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

Here is the link for Terry Bowdens website:

http://dc65stc.blogspot.com/p/stcs_06.html

Terry is extremely knowledgable and helpful!

[KAR 120C]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

Wow! thank you all, for your fast and informative responses.

One of the key pieces of information I would like concerns the widest dimension of the fuselage. Not an issue because I can make an alternative arrangement, but it would be good to know if it will go through a 50" gap!

I do not own the aircraft yet but hoping it will be very soon. I will be only too pleased to share photographs here, as deconstruction and reconstruction progress. Oh, and before and after shots too!

Rob, Lees, we did meet very briefly once. I doubt you will recall, but it was at Leicester Airfield, in the refreshments bar. I will message you here Rob.

Thanks again to all.

Michael

[KAR 120C]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

I have just finished a 41 and just ask and we can provide photos, drawings and anything else you might need. POST PHOTOS!!!!

Hank

Many thanks Hank, for your reply. I have made a general response to all, above this post!

Are there any drawings giving dimensions and modifications available? I would appreciate links if so.

Michael

[3Dreaming]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

On the gear it is wider than 50", but in pieces you should have no problem.

[KAR 120C]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

Many thanks 3D. I suspected it should go through without 'the gear'.

On the gear it is wider than 50", but in pieces you should have no problem.

[NC36061]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

Hi Michael,

From memory, a pre-war B fuselage is 40" inside width at the instrument panel station, add a few inches for the door hinges and wing and landing gear attach fittings, its probably no more than 44" maximum width.

Dave

[KAR 120C]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

Hi Michael,

From memory, a pre-war B fuselage is 40" inside width at the instrument panel station, add a few inches for the door hinges and wing and landing gear attach fittings, its probably no more than 44" maximum width.

Dave

Excellent, very helpful, thank you Dave.

[TimHicks]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

When I moved my '46 BC12D fuselage, I took some measurements in preparation to move it by trailer.
None of these measurements answer Michael's question, but they might be useful to somebody and this forum is a good place to store the info.
Width of fuselage on gear with bungees and tires is 6' 10" from outside of tire to outside of tire.
Width is 7' 3" with the long wheelpant nuts on the axles.
Length without Engine or rudder is 17' 4"
Bare minimum wheelbase length is 16' 6" (with the tailwheel swiveled forward)
Height at CG is 74"
Rudderpost height is 63" with tailwheel
Rudderpost height is 52" without tailwheel
50" thick at cabin (that's what my notes say. I think this means the fuse is 50" tall at its thickest point. not including LG obviously)

[TimHicks]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

I just checked the drawings and it looks like 1/2 the fuselage width is 19" something.
So it's about 40" wide. Clearly much less than 50"

[KAR 120C]

Re: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12 help please!

Very many thanks Tim, you have re confirmed what others have said. I feel quite confident in the thought that the fuselage will penetrate the space I have available, less the gear. The other dimensions you provide are also very useful and, yes, this is a good place to store and make them available for all.

For information, I have a choice of at least two aircraft available for purchase at the moment. I am pretty much decided on which of these I would like and hope to settle the deal soon. Very exciting times in 'KAR 120C' household!

May I mention I am extremely grateful for all the input here and the friendship of the Taylorcraft community. Rob Lees in particular has been tremendous and is so willing to offer his advice, here in the UK. A huge thank you to Rob.

I haven't gone quiet by the way, just concentrating my efforts on the legwork required for this venture. As a novice there is a lot to learn and I am just starting out. I know these projects run into years and I am quite happy with that. My new toy should be completed and ready to fly as I approach retirement. What better way to then fill my time!

Thank you all,
Michael