75th, Diamond Anniversary of the BC12-D

[3Dreaming]

Having all the control cables possible too. Seems to be a lot of people have trouble picturing the trim system and how to rig the ailerons.

The trim system on the Model A is pretty simple.

[Hank Jarrett]

It would be great, but pretty hard to get uncovered examples of all the differences between models. The one I would be bringing is supposed to be one of the two post war prototype BC12-D Deluxe planes. Not representative of the pre war plane OR the post war production ones. My impression from the rebuild is that there were a LOT of details that Taylorcraft realized were NOT a good idea for production.

[aobfarm]

Any updates as to whether this is going forward or not?

Thanks all!

[Hank Jarrett]

We have a truck that looks like it will be available. I may be able to also bring one un-restored wing that was damaged when the plane was flipped over. I still want to do it but it is too early to tell. I just think it would be great to roll a fuselage under restoration out of a trailer so people could see what it looks like under the fabric. As a plus, we could camp in the trailer right next to the plane on the line! I would also bring a collection of parts I have that show the evolution of Taylorcraft parts like the different doors, control wheels, aileron hinges, knobs and other parts. There are even several different kinds of wing ribs and tip bows. Seeing a post and pre war fin and rudder next to each other is kind of interesting. There are also several different kinds of trim tabs.

Hank

[CaptainJon]

Hey Mark, how's it going?

Spoke to Jim Zannger the other day and he pretty much convinced me that I should bring Traci T-Craft up to Oshkosh this summer.

Would be nice if we could get regional groups to fly up together. Anybody coming from Florida? We could start a Florida group from our airpark, FL10, Flying Little River, in Mc Alpin.

A lot of us Floridians are "Snow Birds" and not normally here in the summer, but I'll make an exception, and come down and get Traci. There must be some others who would like to go from Florida..................

Jon

[Mark Bowden]

Sorry to have been away from the forums for so long, there were some pressing work and family demands that had to come first.

While it is the 75^th for the BC12-D, I encourage all of us to bring all Taylorcraft makes and models. It will help educate the community and build our brand. Which helps preserve the value of our aircraft!

The EAA states there has never been a Taylorcraft event at Oshkosh, ever. This is likely our absolute best opportunity ever to celebrate what we all know is one of the Greats of generally aviation aircraft.

I have been coordinating with both the EAA and VAA on this starting at the last show in 2019 with help from Jim Zangger. We have support from Susan Dusenbury (Pres. VAA) to do this and she has assigned a single coordination point of contact on their end that has authority over all EAA show parking. I have volunteered to be the same single point contact on our end.

We’ll have to coordinate our group efforts on the following: arrivals, parking, publications/promotions and special events we can do during the show.

The EAA is ready to start active planning and coordination for this now. ANY AND ALL ideas are welcome and we can figure out what we want to do here in the forum and with calls.

I’ll start a couple independent topics for parking reservations, arrivals, group show events, etc.

Let’s make this a great show!

[Mark Bowden]

Hank, to your question on the proto I had an initial conversation with them. Parking wise they have open to having it in our group tie down area. There is a bit of logistics concerns going into that area with truck and trailer as well as timing of arrival and departure that they want coordinated beforehand.

Their could be a bit of a challenge if the desire is it to leave it on the trailer vs. some sort of set up in our parking area. The parking area they want to keep focused on flyable aircraft and camping space so we have to have an idea on how we would fit it in among our group. The thing they wish to avoid is complaints about non-flyable aircraft or trailers taking up parking & camping space. We just need to work with them to help them do their job as best they can.

They are open to having it in a more public display area with a couple things they would want to review which include:

• A set of clear, in-focus photos of the current status as to how it might be displayed.
• A desire to have it manned to answer questions.
• Some supporting book or poster board documentation to help explain and support it, both while it is attended and when it is not attended.
• Documentation should give history and show what it was like when flyable, plans for the future, i.e. what is the project plan. Relate it to the the show attendees.
• A preferred arrival time for placement and set up sometime on or before Friday prior to the show.
• Set a tear down and removal most likely on Sunday, post-show.
• Not too keen on just a tube airframe, the more systems in it the better chance to get a more well-traveled public display area.

From their perspective this is among the many competing display ideas so it has to be shown how this adds to the appeal of the show to the visitors/members. An interesting story, interesting display would be key to approval.

[Mark Bowden]

A couple thoughts I would like to emphasize as we get going.

We’ll only succeed as a group. While I might have gotten Susan’s ear and kicked this off a year ago as just an idea, this will only go forward if we all work on it in whatever way we can. Even if that is just getting to the show.

Everyone has some sort of personal EAA/VAA connections and show ties, some go really far back. We should all use them in any way to help make our Anniversary a success. It will take that kind of effort to put that “polished spinner” shine on our Taylorcraft community and aircraft.

If you see something go for it. Keep the ideas coming!

Their big concern is as they begin nail down details for the show and we begin to organize is a common point of contact mostly focused on the arrival/departure, parking coordination. Which I’m happy to push on that rope on with your help and communication.

Even though we might be a smaller community I think we can have a better event that a lot of them. Ideas like Hank's will make that possible.

Cheers, Mark

[LostnSpace]

Hey Mark, how's it going?

Spoke to Jim Zannger the other day and he pretty much convinced me that I should bring Traci T-Craft up to Oshkosh this summer.

Would be nice if we could get regional groups to fly up together. Anybody coming from Florida? We could start a Florida group from our airpark, FL10, Flying Little River, in Mc Alpin.

A lot of us Floridians are "Snow Birds" and not normally here in the summer, but I'll make an exception, and come down and get Traci. There must be some others who would like to go from Florida..................

Jon

Not Florida, but just North of Atlanta, working on anidea to fly my BC12-D "up there", Gary

[Mark Bowden]

Well Everyone, Air Venture was cancel for this year. Not unexpected, I was hoping they might slide it some but that wasn't realistic either. Rats!
I'll check in with them and see about celebrating the 75th on the 76th.

Maybe we can think of something smaller and local for this year, lets let everyone think of ideas as things progress.

Everyone please stay well.

[Robert Lees]

We'll all just have to celebrate the 76th in 2021 instead! Perhaps make an issue of it....there's no point hiding from the present facts. Perhaps we could combine it with a 1776 shindig! Everyone turn up in 1776 costume? (I'd get shot, so that's not such a good idea!)

It's sad but not unexpected that Oshkosh is cancelled (I understand their reasons). So we've got to look ahead and make the most of what we have.

In the meantime, take care all.
Rob

[3Dreaming]

2021 will be 85 anniversary for Taylorcraft. We can celebrate all models, not just the BC12-D.

[3Dreaming]

With Oshkosh being cancelled is there any interest in having a small Taylorcraft only fly in around the same time? I manage a small airport in Southeastern Illinois, and would be willing to host an event. Lets use this as a sounding board to see if there is any interest.

[Mark Bowden]

Tom, I would be interested. It could be good subject matter for next the calendar !

In feedback from VAA/EAA they are ok with and will support the anniversaries that will be missed this year at next year's AirVenture.

I was all about celebrating all Tcraft models this year but that is a good idea. Perhaps we can promote both, the missed 75th and the 85th birth of the Company.

[astjp2]

My airplane will be 80 next year...