Calling all 438XX Registration Numbers

[Jim Herpst]

I could and probably should use serial numbers but know most folks at least can readily ID their Tail number. I am trying to see if March 46 Builds used the trunk latches or not on their cowlings. 43831 currently has these but was in a nose over accident in the 50s. Nor sure if the cowling is original with the trunk latches. Any one have a Taylorcraft BC12D close to this number on here.? If so what do you have? March was a transition month for Taylorcraft.

[Robert Lees]

Jim,
I'm a late March 1946 built BC-12D (first flew April 1st) but I'm in the 436** series, and to the best of my knowledge it was made with Dzus fasteners.

Rob

[Jim Herpst]

Robert the Family Taylorcraft serial number is 7490 . I was always told it was a March Build. I am suspicious that it may supposed to have the DZUS cowling which I would prefer however only change if it was not orginally meant to be the trunk latch type.

[Jim Herpst]

Also note that I remember the CD from the FAA shows a Mid March build ? I need to go back and look again.

[Ragwing nut]

ours was a feb 46, 43345, and had a dzus cowl and wood door frames. I always wondered when they changed over to the metal door frame

[Jim Herpst]

43831 is a bit later than yours it does have wood doorframes also. I really want to keep this thread on the DZUS vs Trunk latch cowling . I am very aware that parts at the factory were basically what was on hand... that said if I find enough that are really close to 43831 serial number 7490 with builds immediately (or there abouts before and after ) I will make an assumption on what was in the line in process at that point in time. Ya a "bit" nuts

[Robert Lees]

Robert the Family Taylorcraft serial number is 7490 . I was always told it was a March Build. I am suspicious that it may supposed to have the DZUS cowling which I would prefer however only change if it was not orginally meant to be the trunk latch type.

Jim, mine is 7299. On the basis that they were building 20-30 a day at that time, ours were (at worst) 10 days apart and (at best) six.
Rob

[Jim Herpst]

Thank you Robert. Will hopefully get some others to step forward.

[3Dreaming]

I have 43328. the cowling is not original, so I'm not much help.

[Scott]

I seem to remember from Chet Peek's book that the latches replaced the Dzus fasteners as part of the cost cutting effort that also saw the removal of the pilot side door.

Most if not all were subsequently retrofitted to two doors but the latches remained.

CF-CLR was manufactured in May 46 and left the factory at the end of June 1946 and has latches. The upper cowlings had the original TAC stamp and no record of them being replaced or an incident wherein they would have needed to be replaced (not that this means much).

Anyway, all this I guess to point out that the Dzus fasteners came first, factory went up in smoke July 46 and bankrupt 4 months later.

I think it's entirely possible that both types were available Spring/Summer 46 depending on which options were fitted.

[Jim Herpst]

I seem to remember from Chet Peek's book that the latches replaced the Dzus fasteners as part of the cost cutting effort that also saw the removal of the pilot side door.

Most if not all were subsequently retrofitted to two doors but the latches remained.

CF-CLR was manufactured in May 46 and left the factory at the end of June 1946 and has latches. The upper cowlings had the original TAC stamp and no record of them being replaced or an incident wherein they would have needed to be replaced (not that this means much).

Anyway, all this I guess to point out that the Dzus fasteners came first, factory went up in smoke July 46 and bankrupt 4 months later.

I think it's entirely possible that both types were available Spring/Summer 46 depending on which options were fitted.

Scott, Thank you for the reply. Yes the latches were added as a cost cutting measure. I recall reading that as well. The door removal was on models that they cheapened for a time called the "Ace" The registration on the family Taylorcraft shows early April of 46 By the factory. I am really curious about the the builds right before and after this ship.Not many reply here I may sigh try the facebook page (some millenial there MAY understand what I am asking......) It was delivered with wheel pants and the Dealer at Alleghany County Airport added a venturi to go with with a turn and bank and a rate of climb indicator (The full IFR package) !! Yes really called that . Both doors "glass" is solid and appears a factory install as well...though oddly screwed from the outside but matching exactly in spacing and on both sides

[Robert Lees]

...Dealer at Alleghany County Airport added a venturi to go with with a turn and bank and a rate of climb indicator (The full IFR package) !! Yes really called that . ....

I chuckled at that!

Rob

[Scott]

I have a 46 ad that lists the options of the "Bank and Turn" and rate of climb. Also talks about adjustable winshield ventalators which appear to be installed in the upper winshield under the wing leading edge.

Other options include portable vhf receiver package for the map box and my personal favourite "Streamlined Chrome Banded Wheel Pants" (they weren't chrome of course but polished aluminium)

[Hank Jarrett]

My 41 had pants, two doors, rear "D" windows, "Duo-Tone" paint scheme, fancy stainless cowl grills and trim and shows "IFR " package of T&B and ROC from the factory. Robert and I are all set for hard IFR now! Mine even shows the OPTION of a wet compass!!!

Hank

[Jim Herpst]

My 41 had pants, two doors, rear "D" windows, "Duo-Tone" paint scheme, fancy stainless cowl grills and trim and shows "IFR " package of T&B and ROC from the factory. Robert and I are all set for hard IFR now! Mine even shows the OPTION of a wet compass!!!

Hank

Hank,

Yes 43831 was delivered new exactly that way (do not know about the paint scheme however) Still trying to figure out the solid door glass. Probably never really know. Will go looking for some past owners descendants and see if they have pictures is all one can do.