ribs...ribs...ribs

[n6346m]

Now that it's time to re-cover the wings on my L-2B I have decided to install the larger fuel tanks in the wings. This is a project that I've had in the works for three years and time and finances has finally come around to where I can proceed. I've been working with Terry Bowden on this project for quite a while. The project involves moving the most inboard wing rib which is now next to the current fuel tank outward a couple of inches. I will need to make new ribs.

Question 1: I have located a pattern board, and possibly a couple of new ribs. They are for an L-2M restoration. Are the ribs for the L-2M the same as those for the L-2B, or are they different to allow for the mechanism (torque tube or cables) to operate the spoilers?
Question 2: Does the B series Taylorcraft use the same airfoil as the D series?
Question 3: Are the stamped aluminum ribs used in the B series aircraft all one piece and need to be assembled by sliding them down the spars to their respective positions.
Question 4: Based on the answer to questions 2 & 3, do the stamped aluminum ribs come in separate sections such as leading edge rib, center section rib, and trailing edge rib?
Question 5: How are the stamped aluminum ribs attached to the wood spars?

Answers to any or all of these questions will get me started on the right path. I'm sure I'll have more question as this project progresses. Any help is always appreciated.

Bob Picard
N48923 Taylorcraft L-2B
N6346M Stinson 108-3
Anchor Point, Alaska

[kauaicuda]

1. Same per blueprints
2. No

not sure if answers to 3,4, and 5 matter because you can’t use stamped aluminum ribs on your L2.

[kauaicuda]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/189w-gh2wwwPXDbc44Rjee4iFc6pb-TgA/view?usp=drivesdk

[Ragwing nut]

Now that it's time to re-cover the wings on my L-2B I have decided to install the larger fuel tanks in the wings. This is a project that I've had in the works for three years and time and finances has finally come around to where I can proceed. I've been working with Terry Bowden on this project for quite a while. The project involves moving the most inboard wing rib which is now next to the current fuel tank outward a couple of inches. I will need to make new ribs.

Question 1: I have located a pattern board, and possibly a couple of new ribs. They are for an L-2M restoration. Are the ribs for the L-2M the same as those for the L-2B, or are they different to allow for the mechanism (torque tube or cables) to operate the spoilers?
Question 2: Does the B series Taylorcraft use the same airfoil as the D series?
Question 3: Are the stamped aluminum ribs used in the B series aircraft all one piece and need to be assembled by sliding them down the spars to their respective positions.
Question 4: Based on the answer to questions 2 & 3, do the stamped aluminum ribs come in separate sections such as leading edge rib, center section rib, and trailing edge rib?
Question 5: How are the stamped aluminum ribs attached to the wood spars?

Answers to any or all of these questions will get me started on the right path. I'm sure I'll have more question as this project progresses. Any help is always appreciated.

Bob Picard
N48923 Taylorcraft L-2B
N6346M Stinson 108-3
Anchor Point, Alaska

1. ribs are the same
2. yes same airfoil
3. stamped are 3 piece, built up are 1 piece
4. yes
5. nails

[n6346m]

1. Same per blueprints
2. No

not sure if answers to 3,4, and 5 matter because you can’t use stamped aluminum ribs on your L2.

True, but this is being done under field approval/STC. All the original wood ribs will still be there, I just want to add an additional aluminum trailing edge rib section to be able to have a removable aluminum panel to give access to the tank straps for tank installation and removal
Regards,
Bob

[astjp2]

There is a letter out there somewhere that says the prewar built up ribs are interchangeable with the stamped ribs. The aileron cove is a different shape between the 2 types though. Look at D&E, the sell an experimental stamped rib. Tim

[n6346m]

Ok guys, It's back to the place where I started by showing my ignorance of the Taylorcraft B series wings. Bear with me because all I have reference to is the all wood L-2 wing. My area of concern is the series of stamped aluminum ribs that are between the aileron bay and the wing root, not including the two ribs at each end. Is there a left and a right rib (mirror stamping) or only one rib orientation? That said, I am looking to purchase two of each complete (all three sections). Please PM or call me at 907-399-7437 ( remember the time zone differences), if you have something available.
Bob Picard
Anchor Point, Alaska

[Robert Lees]

Bob, I.m confused. You refer to the "all-wood" L-2 but you wish to add aluminium ribs for the benefit of larger wing tanks. Am I doing OK so far?

If so, why not use wood ribs?

There was a Canadian L2 that received approval for large wing tanks. The old Bruce Bixler (bless him) Taylorcraft Newsletter had a report of that back in the Nineties...is that what you are trying to do with your L2?

Or am I getting it wrong that some L models were wood ribs and some aluminium ribs?

Rob

[Hank Jarrett]

Same concern as Robert except I wonder if you are planning to build a stamped rib wing. If so, there is a drawing to show which ribs are open inboard and which are open outboard. Left and right wings are mirror image on the stamped rib wings.
I guess what we are asking is exactly what are you trying to do? Either way I think we can get you the information you are looking for. What are you building?

Hank

[3Dreaming]

What I got from Bob's post is that he is moving the rib just outside of the tank further out, and replacing that rib with a new wooden rib. I think he is also installing a new wooden root rib. I think he is wanting to make an access panel behind the rear spar for access to the tank straps. He is wanting to use a trailing edge section of an aluminum B model rib for attachment purposes for the panel. Probably so he can install plate nuts for the panel screws.

[Ragwing nut]

What I got from Bob's post is that he is moving the rib just outside of the tank further out, and replacing that rib with a new wooden rib. I think he is also installing a new wooden root rib. I think he is wanting to make an access panel behind the rear spar for access to the tank straps. He is wanting to use a trailing edge section of an aluminum B model rib for attachment purposes for the panel. Probably so he can install plate nuts for the panel screws.

the l-2 root rib is steel

[3Dreaming]

the l-2 root rib is steel

Didn't know that. I have never messed with any L-2's except for a stuck valve on Marty's old L-2B.

[Bigdog]

The L-2B should have a notched wing unless it's been converted to a fastback instead of observer. The notch is going to further complicate any trailing edge panel.

[n6346m]

What I got from Bob's post is that he is moving the rib just outside of the tank further out, and replacing that rib with a new wooden rib. I think he is also installing a new wooden root rib. I think he is wanting to make an access panel behind the rear spar for access to the tank straps. He is wanting to use a trailing edge section of an aluminum B model rib for attachment purposes for the panel. Probably so he can install plate nuts for the panel screws.

3Dreaming hit the nail on the head, almost. The root rib remains the same. The L-2 wing "notches" are made of fairly stout aluminum. I'm just toying with the idea of adding nutplates to that semi-conical part and adding an additional aluminum trailing edge rib section and installing nutplates in that as well to screw down an access cover.

Bob, I'm not familiar with the Canadian L-2 with the larger wing tanks. I am however, familiar with the tanks that Terry Bowden got approved several years ago. The difference between that installation and this one is that the tank is not installed under the fabric, it is airfoil shaped and will be installed after the fabric is put on the wing. It is very similar to the tank installation of a Stinson. I need access to the holding straps to install the tanks and I don't wan't to have to make holes in the fabric for installation and removal of the tank should that be necessary. I'm not sure if what I'm thinking will work, but I need to get some sample parts to see if it can be done. If not then I'll have to think of something else. It may just be simpler to put small access holes in the fabric just big enough to gain access and patch up the fabric when I'm done. Right now I'm just exploring my options.

Bob Picard

[beaverbill]

I have two partial ribs, trailing edge, marked 1403-1R and -1L. They don't appear to have ever been installed. I will gladly pass these on to someone who can use them. Maybe a little something for postage, only.
Bill