Tandem Seating?

[Woodchuk]

I'm a bit confused...Which model Taylorcrafts have tandem seating (front and back, not side by side)? I thought the BC-12D model was tandem (because of the D at the end) but am finding aircraft listed for sale that are D models and side by side seating. Is the military L-2 the same as a civilian BC-12D? Does that have tandem seating? What about the Model 19 and later? I'm looking into a Taylorcraft purchase, but am a big stick fan...Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[crispy critter]

Tandam or side by side

Woodchuk,
The L-2 is the military version of the BC12D.They use the same engine,tail,wings,etc. but have different fuslages....I think.The L-2 is a tandam seat(front and back),the BC12,BF12,BL12,BC12D,BC12D-85,model 19,F-19, and so on are all side by side seating.The model 15 and Model 20(I think,someone correct me if I'wrong on any of this)is both 4 seaters.
The L-2 was the only tandam T-craft made that I'm aware of.

[Woodchuk]

Thanks for the clarification

I've been looking over the technical specs on taylorcraft.org's website and I think you're right...The L-2 is the only model with two moment arm locations listed for seating leading me to believe that it's the only model with tandem seating...Still any other insight is welcome.

[Tcraft Classics]

It's a bit confusing, but let me try to help.

The L2F,G,J,K,and L models were a side-by-side Army liason version of certain BF & BL models. (the "F" and "L" after the "B" designate the Franklin or Lycoming engine if there's a "C" in there, It's a Continental)

The Army L2, L2A,B,C, D,E and M models were the miltary versions of the DC,L, F, DCO models. These were the Tandem models. Not sure which came first, L or D models.

The BC12D was never a miltary model, to the best of my knowledge. The "D" in the model number represents the use of the "D" (tandem) model tailfeathers, probably due to army surpluses aftr the war.

So some L2's were side-by-side (but not many!,) and some were Tandems. How confusing is that!

I hope I got this all right, but id I didn't, I'm sure I'll be corrected!!

[crispy critter]

Let the Mass Confusion Begin

I was told that the "D" in BC12D was for deluxe(second hand info).My 1946 BC12D taylorcraft is not a tandam and is indeed a "D" model according to all the original paper work,but I am definitly not an expert at the model numbers or there exact meanings.Where the H-E-double toothpicks is Forrest when ya really need him(HAHA).I'm sure he can define it all for us.I would really like to know,that way when someone ask me these questions I will know and won't have to wonder if I've once again steered somebody wrong.

[Tcraft Classics]

Yours is more importantly a "BC" model - the "D" is secondary. All "B*" models are side-by-side.

[paulnuss]

The "D" in BC-12D

Indeed the "D" in BC-12D refers to the use of "D" model tail surfaces; maybe some military surplus, but also because of the number of hinges, 2 instead of 3, made manufacture and installation quicker and easier. Also, the rudder size was reduced, and seemed to be still more than adequate.

[Robert Lees]

Paul, the rudder was reduced as you say, but the fin was also increased at the same time.

[paulnuss]

More fin, less rudder?

I'll be danged, I never noticed the fin size changing... I must look more closely at the derelict '41 in my hangar!

I remember my father talking about C.G. Taylor and someone else (his daughter?) having to land a Taylorcraft D model into a farm field near here, due to inclement weather, sometime before WWII. Dad and his buddies operated a flying school, with 9 Taylorcrafts, and were dealers of some sort. Of course everyone had to go see the new ship, and see what all the excitement was about. He and his buddies always referred to the tandem Taylorcrafts as "D" models, maybe because that must be what Mr. Taylor called them.

As far as fixed-fin area, and moveable rudder area, I get a kick out of my flying buddies, most of them trained on tricycle spam-cans. e.g. Piper Cherokees, etc. when I have taken them up for tail-wheel transition training in my Tayorcraft BC12-D1. The need for use of rudder, in appropriate amounts, at the right time, is something that simply has never been demonstrated to them before. I'd guess if the pre-war fin was smaller, and rudder larger, the possibility of over-control would be even gretaer. I've flown both and never noticed the difference myself. Except for some reason I can't hang my hat on exactly, I like the pre-war better. Go figure!

[Robert Lees]

I've got one of each type too, and either there is no difference in the handling, or I'm too coarse to notice the difference.

Rob

[Jim Baker]

I tried sending this before, but somehow it disappeared……..I’ll try again.

In a nutshell-

All B models are side-by-side seating. This includes pre and post war models BC, BF BL, BC12D, Model 19 and the F Taylorcrafts.

The D model is a tandem model. While evaluating it, the U.S. Army designated it the YO-57. After evaluation, it became the O-57. Later, the Army changed its designations from O (Observer) to L (Liaison). The O-57 became the L-2.

The L-2 looks basically the same as the civilian D model with a front windshield, side windows and a built up wooden structure behind the rear seat. This fairs the rear portion of the fuselage from the vertical stabilizer to the trailing edge of the wing. A fastback so to speak. Basically, with the L-2A (O-57A) the fairing was removed and replaced with Plexiglas giving it the full greenhouse look. It also replaced the rear seat with a swiveling rear seat and desk for the observer. The L-2B looks just like the L-2A but there are some internal changes one of which is a radio gear change. With the D, L-2, L-2A and L-2B the engine cylinders stick out the side of the cowling like the J-3 Cub. The L-2M has a fully enclosed engine cowl and spoilers on the wings.

So, Only the D model, L-2, L-2A, L-2B and L-2M are tandem.

Some B models were pressed into service by the Army - in a very limited number. Any L-2 with a designation C through L is a side-by-side B model.

The post war BC12D is a B (B model) with a C (Continental Engine) 12 (1200# gross weight) and D (D model tail). The D model tail differs from the prewar B tail in several ways most noticeably being a smaller rudder with 2 hinge pins instead of the 3 hinge prewar.

Hope this helps.

[paulnuss]

Models A, B, & D...

It's great to see all the info, of course. But, One must wonder, there was a Model A (side-by-side), a Model B (side by side) in all its variations, and of course the Model D (tandem seating), with all its variations, civilian and military. The missing model letter is the Model C. Was there something on the drawing board that never made it to production, or even prototype, that would have been a Model C?

[Forrest Barber]

C not used... CC would be a bit confusing. Go to Chets Book for the best explanation. Bye the way the Model 18 was tandem too!! ( Still a great job by Jim Baker, atta boy ) sooooo as it was told to me..... At one point they went to using a factory designation of " MODEL 12" right after the BC12-D there is a picture of one in a Flying mag that I have.

It was to be the all metal ship.... NO Model 13 ( superstition) Then I have owned or now own a Model 14., 15, 15A, 16 , parts of the 18, the 19, 20 , F-19, and F-etc.... Then there was the Low-wing IF the temps get up enough to make me want to move round today I will look up the Model # of that one.... I think I have done all this in the past ( make up a list)

[Tcraft Classics]

Is the C-2 of C.G. liniage?? I found this on Aerofiles while for the Taylor bird.

[Forrest Barber]

Taylor Chummy

that is a Taylor Chummy ; the C-2 was an Aeronca. All this is in "The Taylorcraft Story" by Chet peek