Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

[mhorowit]

Here's a Tcraft, SN 10073 described as a BC-12D1.
Reading thru Mr. Peeks's book (next to last page) 10073 is a BC-12D.
Any idea why the disconnect? - Mike

[lktiller]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

note from TC a-696:

Model BC12-D1, (Same as Model BC12-D except for elimination of left hand door (item 601), parking brake (item 204) and 6 gal. R/H wing tank) (Model BC12-D1 eligible as BC12-D when items 601 and 204 and 6 gal. right-hand wing tank are installed)

Log books, if available, would have to tell the story.

Larry Tillery

[mhorowit]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

note from TC a-696:

Model BC12-D1, (Same as Model BC12-D except for elimination of left hand door (item 601), parking brake (item 204) and 6 gal. R/H wing tank) (Model BC12-D1 eligible as BC12-D when items 601 and 204 and 6 gal. right-hand wing tank are installed)

Log books, if available, would have to tell the story.

Larry Tillery

Larry - Right; I've looked over the STC. It looked like a 12-D if Peek is correct. I can't imagine someone removing the door, wingtank and brake (well, maybe the handbrake ) to roll themselves back to a D1 - Mike

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

Why not, makes it a better airplane.... lighter. Yes Mike that is hand brake that NO body used anyhow.. The N number will tell and the original data plate too! I agree, never saw one "rolled back". Chet's sources did not get the ser's correct . they were built also in Sept, Oct , Nov. 1946 Most D-1's had an N number of NC444xx note 4 is not entirely correct on page of Taylorcraft Production.
You might go to page 157 and make that a Taylorcraft TG-6 there are a few others. I recall Chet headed out on a vacation or something prior to proofing the book and sent it off to be published. However it is one of the GREATEST things that ever happened to Taylorcraft " The TAylorcraft Story" by Chet Peek. He is doing one on Pietenpohl right now.... Love you Chet

[mhorowit]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

Oh, this is getting even more exciting. See attached annotated pic. This a/c DOES have a left door and a parking brake. For some reason it doesn't have the wing tank. So what we have is high-time BC-12D, with a little ringworming, without a wingtank. I'm pumped. - Mike

[paulnuss]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

I currently own NC44274 s/n 10074. It is a BC12-D1, or Taylorcraft "Ace", with one door, manufactured in October 1946. I have owned it since 1978, and purchased it from the original owner, who bought it new in early 1947, though it had been registered to a "dealer" at a local airport. Many years ago I used to also own s/n 10076, which also was a BC12D-1, and which had been "converted" to a BC12-D by the addition of a door on the left side, etc. Of course, the airworthiness certificate calls/called both of them BC12D-1's, as well as the registration certificate. Chet Peek's book excludes both of the serial numbers I own or have owned that are/were BC12D-1's, so there is some error in the book. Besides having only a door on the right side, and a boarding step also only on the right, mine left the factory with nose tank only, no cowling grills, no lift handles on the rear fuselage, and short metal stringers on the fuselage top and sides which made both top and sides appear more slab-sided than a BC12-D. The paint scheme was also very basic, although mine came with one stripe on each side of the fuselage. I understand some came with color only, no stripe of any kind. Take away the drag-producing steps and lift handles and extra gas caps, add lightness, and the Ace's performance was usually a bit better than the BC12-D, all other things being equal. And we all know things are seldom equal!

[mhorowit]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

..., no lift handles on the rear fuselage,...

Paul - do you find no handles to be a problem? - Mike

[paulnuss]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

Having no lift handles has never been a problem to me. I push the airplane into the hangar with the tailwheel on the ground. I do have one of the "newfangled" full-swivel tailwheels, which weren't always used back in the old days. And if I owned a non-swiveling tailwheel, the first thing I'd do is replace it with one that does swivel. I know, I know, a non-swiveling tailwheel won't break out and exacerbate a ground loop! The few times I must lift the tail of the airplane otherwise (e.g. tailwheel maintenance or something else back there) I lift with care at the inboard attachment of the horizontal stabilizer.

[Vasey fan]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

In my experience, using the handles positions your upper arm or shoulder right where it will break a stringer (happened on my Champ) or damage the birdcage on a Stearman (happened to my buddy). Don't use 'em.

[N96337]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

I always thought they should be on the upper longeron... hate to bend that far and lift.. not good for the back.
John H.

[VictorBravo]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

a/c DOES have a left door and a parking brake. - Mike

The parking brake on a Taylorcraft (and probably a Cub, Champ etc) is just about useless. Furthermore, it is just one more place where something can get caught, or broken, or interfere with something else you do want. On all my T-crafts, it was either removed or not used ever. A set of lightweight wheel chocks is a much better thing to have, for the same weight and less complexity..

[mulwyk]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

So the BC12-D-1 is lighter, simpler, faster...what's the downside? Less range? My bladder seems to have a 2 hour timer anyway. I think the D1 sounds like a winner!

Bob Gustafson

[VictorBravo]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

what's the downside? I think the D1 sounds like a winner!

Bob Gustafson

Uhhh... A Taylorcraft that is even more clumsy and akward to get in and out of than a normal Taylorcraft. Rumor has it that at the time of the Taylorcraft bankruptcy, C. G. was designing an "improved model" where the pilot got in and out through one of the removable round access covers under the wing.

[peerlesscowboy]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

Awww, T-crafts aren't so awkward to get in & out of? Ever try to squeeze a six foot 200lb plus in & out of the front seat of a J3? THAT's awkward!
John C. Saubak

[VictorBravo]

Re: Sn: 10073 = Bc-12d-1???

Awww, T-crafts aren't so awkward to get in & out of? Ever try to squeeze a six foot 200lb plus in & out of the front seat of a J3? THAT's awkward!
John C. Saubak

Actually I owned a J-3 for a year. Flew it out of the back mosto f the time, but I did actually have to squeezze my fat ass into the front seat to play with the instruments once. Not fun at all, and yes it is definitely worse than a T-craft! Old C. G. Taylor was improving his designs with age