Newbie Question

[Rick Connolly]

Re: Newbie Question

It found me I wasn't looking for it. An old timer mentioned he had it and at first I didn't believe him. Then he invited me to look at it...

This is the old 40HP flathead getting removed for the 65HP upgrade back in the day.

[Rick Connolly]

Re: Newbie Question

Funny story about the flathead. He rebuilt the motor, but couldn't find any pistons for it at the time. After some searching he found that a particular "Rambler", (yes the car) had the almost the exact same size pistons. It ran like a top once rebuilt. Also, claimed the overall engine design was weak because the crank only had bearings at either end.... nothing in the middle like most engines. Never trusted the design and yanked it in favor of the 65 HP.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Newbie Question

This is a very exciting story, yes I probably have your e-mails. I get about 150 e-mails a week and do the Taylorcraft stuff on Tues & Thurs's sometimes Fridays to catch up and NOW Sunday mornings before church.....WE answer the TF# guys first , two had BIG problems last week.
When I flew the prototype Model A to OSH in 2000 , we had a back-up plan of an A-65 on a mount ready for rescue in case the old A-40 took a dump.
We have a select group of A-40 folks out there, Doug Taylor & I have a guy to do the gaskets sets again. Bob Ollerton has need of A-40 stuff. I have 2 1/2 of them and getting more. YES there were problems with the design in the beginning having the thrust bearing at the rear was one of them, the crank would ALWAYS break just past 90 HRS. Chet Peek's Book on the A-40 is a good one. YOU have a rare find , grab it and play! Will try to do your research this afternoon, yes on Sunday!! Rick is back on the Christmas list...

[Rick Connolly]

Re: Newbie Question

I'm going to be able to sleep nights knowing I'm back on your Christmas card list I tried to call you last week to pick your brain a little more about this plane. Is there a good time to call ??

The owner still has the 40A and it was a runner when he took it off the plane. He told me he spent a lot time and effort balancing the motor during the rebuild. The motor shook the plane a lot prior to the rebuild. After the rebuild he claimed it ran very smoothly..... just a little limited on power.

Another story. The owner made a bet with a few friends that he could step out of the plane at the touch down point. The conversation went back and forth for a while and money started coming out of peoples pockets. He had a buddy and very good pilot do the flying. The plan was to bring the TCraft in as slow possible and stall it right at touch down.

It supposidly went exactly as planned. Stalled the plane right at touch down then was able to jump out and stay standing (?). Not sure how me missed the horizontal stabilzer. Anyway he won the bet and didn't get hurt. I've known the guy only for a short time, but he doesn't seem to be a BS'er or bragger.... so I believe his story.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Newbie Question

BS'r ; WHAT , in Aviation!! Heaven forbid... I land with no forward motion quite a bit and then back her up even ; IN a GYROPLANE I have landed a B model into about 35 mile wind and used about 50-75 feet. I do believe your description could have been done.. stilll at home this afternoon, big storms here last night. Going over tot he airport now, bye

[Tom Baker]

Re: Newbie Question

BS'r ; WHAT , in Aviation!! Heaven forbid... I land with no forward motion quite a bit and then back her up even ; IN a GYROPLANE I have landed a B model into about 35 mile wind and used about 50-75 feet. I do believe your description could have been done.. stilll at home this afternoon, big storms here last night. Going over tot he airport now, bye

forrest did they use some a 40 s in the b model airplanes. tom baker

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Newbie Question

Nope the B models started out with the single ignition Lyc , Cont. or Franklin engines of 50 HP... up exhaust on the Cont.. It was QUITE an improvement according to all!

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Newbie Question

Rick & I talked on the phone today, he ordered Chet's Book , I got the info I need, will be researching... I told him grab it and have fun!

[fearofpavement]

Re: Newbie Question

It would be money well spent to pay a mechanic experienced in vintage ragwing planes to look this project over. Even if you wind up not purchasing it. If it is really great then you can negotiate with confidence in what you are about to acquire and not hold back due to uncertainties. (just make sure he doesn't buy it out from under you.)