Rib stitching vertical stabilizer

[Hank Jarrett]

Are there any photos or drawings of that? I have never seen it before, but it could explain some old photos!

Hank

[3Dreaming]

The bottom one wasn't stitched. They had a 3/8" metal strap that pk screwed at the front and wrapped around the vertical post with pk in it. Then it was taped over.

They did that for the 41 deluxe, but I have not seen it on other models.

[Ragwing nut]

They did that for the 41 deluxe, but I have not seen it on other models.

Could have been a prewar thing only. Need to look at a postwar vertical.

[3Dreaming]

I found this picture of the A model assembly interesting. Notice the fully covered vertical fin being installed.

[N96337]

The other thing worth mentioning here is that rib stitching doesn't necessarily have to be pulled down tight to the rib. It can be used with just enough tension so as to prevent drumming in instances such as this. I learned that from none other than Ray Stitts.
John

[Mark Bowden]

Kinda like putting a stitch in the middle of the gear leg as another example of a stitch not tight to structure.

[PA1195]

To which Ray Stits in the video would snap his finger on the covered and single stitched landing gear - thump!

Gary

[otrcman]

The mention of Ray Stits reminded me of another consideration in regard to "how it was done at the factory".

The factory airplanes were covered in cotton and dope. With a dope job the tautness of the final finish is due primarily to the dope. With (at least Stits) a synthetic fabric/finish, the tautness is due primarily to the dacron fabric. A dope job is much stiffer and less prone to drumming than is a Poly Fiber job. I don't know about any of the other finishes.

So the large, open area at the base of a Taylorcraft fin may be worth a second look if you are contemplating the use of a modern cover system, factory configuration
notwithstanding.

Dick