WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

[cargopilot]

Looking for a serviceable one of these. (Stop your laughing! ) Not even sure of the correct name but it drives the trim indicator.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

Sorry, couldn't not laugh. Seen them get like this before. They are really easy to make, although you just might need a drawing. I doubt you can straighten that one enough to use it as a pattern.
I know I made a drawing, just need to find it, scan it and post it. I will look in the morning. Ping me if I don't respond.

Hank

[cargopilot]

Re: WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

Thanks Hank! A drawing would be fantastic!

Randy

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

Found the drawings but it is in a PDF. FB won't let me post a PDF but am hoping the group will. Anyone know how to change this PDF into a JPG?

Hank

[Scott]

Re: WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

It all seems complicated, but it really isn't. A single piece of piano wire will work just fine. The "trick" is the hole through the wood carry-through cap needs to be offset a little to the left or right to create an arm.

[Mike S]

Re: WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

Here's a jpg, Hank.

[PA1195]

Re: WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

My '41 with small trim tab takes 6 turns from full nose up to full down trim. Half of that is about neutral trim. I have no indicator and just run it until it hits a stop then back it up half the available turns (3). I can see the pulley so marked the turn rotation with a marking pen to correspond with "UP" and "DOWN". Setting it to full nose up on takeoff and landing relieves some of the elevator pressure and sets an appropriate AOA and airspeed. Rate of climb or descent is controlled with throttle.

Gary

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

Here's a jpg, Hank.

Thanks mike. I have added it to my digital file for next time.

Hank

[cargopilot]

Re: WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

Thanks Hank!

[kona4breakfast]

Re: WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

My '41 with small trim tab takes 6 turns from full nose up to full down trim. Half of that is about neutral trim. I have no indicator and just run it until it hits a stop then back it up half the available turns (3). I can see the pulley so marked the turn rotation with a marking pen to correspond with "UP" and "DOWN". Setting it to full nose up on takeoff and landing relieves some of the elevator pressure and sets an appropriate AOA and airspeed. Rate of climb or descent is controlled with throttle.

Gary

That's what I used to do, until the cable started eating through the pulley in the tail. I've got a little binding in my trim system from one of the guides not living in the right spot, so it's tough to feel end range. Now I use a little tape to mark full up at the forward pulley, and move it back as needed. I'll probably use a little heat shrink next time.

[PA1195]

Re: WTB: Trim Indicator Parts

That's what I used to do, until the cable started eating through the pulley in the tail. I've got a little binding in my trim system from one of the guides not living in the right spot, so it's tough to feel end range. Now I use a little tape to mark full up at the forward pulley, and move it back as needed. I'll probably use a little heat shrink next time.

That's interesting observation. I don't know or care to know much more about the various Taylorcraft trim systems. Unlike other aircraft I have owned and flown Taylorcraft appears to be a cruise optimized design that could care less about affecting AOA at other airspeeds and configurations. A trimmer for level flight in other words. Not bad just dated in design and execution.

The screw deal in the left elevator has a range. I assume UP is at one end of its travel and Down another providing as you note the pulleys and cable are happy and still holding hands.

The truth in my experience is it relieves the pilot of having to apply pressure or pull in cruise at most configurations, airspeeds, and CG ranges. Other trim systems are tasked to attain and hold AOA and airframe attitude in other ranges for specific purposes. A Century has made lots of changes to aircraft design.

Gary