My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

[M Towsley]

Hello all,

After a three year hiatus of not having a Taylorcraft I couldn't hold out any longer. I found this one in northern Mississippi for sale recently and purchased her on 'Black Friday", flying her home in a little over four hours.

I have been putting together a list of things I have been wanting to do and going over the parts I already have and will need. Unfortunately, we are going through a bit of a blizzard right now which looks to be going through Barber Airport as I write. (How are things out there, Forrest)? So, it is somewhat miserable working out in the hangar right now. A friend of mine built his dream of a home, hangar and airstrip not far from me which is where I am keeping her.

I have missed talking to you guys and have been reading up on all things 'Taylorcraft' on the forum of late and getting to 'know' some of the newer names.

Anyway, it is good to be back owning and flying one of the finest vintage airplanes ever made. If any of you have a set of hubcaps that you don't need please, please let me know. Thanks!

Cheers,

Marty

[Pearson]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

Marty,

Welcome back! You have a very nice airplane there, congratulations. Can you post more pictures; interior, panel, engine?

[Howard Wilson]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

Hi Marty Glad you are back! Yes, more pictures. What red is that? h

[M Towsley]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

It is Aerothane, Christen Eagle Red #187 and Dakota black #215.

I will post a few more pictures when I get a chance. Thanks!!!

[Dano"T"]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

Red planes look beautiful...Congrats

[M Towsley]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

Thanks for the kind comments, I have to agree that red planes do look nice, and I was told I was easy to see in the air.

[M Towsley]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

And some ones of the interior and engine. These are the spots that need the most attention.

[Pearson]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

Ooooo.....aaaaaaah, nice! I like all of it except the unshielded ignition. Makes the hand held noisy. But still a VERY nice airplane! Take good care of her.

[N96290]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

That is a nice one and I know how you feel, a new toy and the weather is lousy. I am also in that phase of what I want to upgrade, fix, and the other half uses the eye to subdue those ideas. Enjoy

[M Towsley]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

Yes, the unshielded ignition was a bit loud and tiring on the trip back. I kept the radio on so I could talk to my buddy who flew me down to pick her up. I picked up a magneto switch cover off of Ebay and am looking at some other options. I cannot bring myself to cut the cowl, it is too nice.

My first BC-12D had shielded harness/plugs and some prior owner had made some very nice, (and small), cowl bumps that barely stuck up from the surface. Nothing like you see nowadays.

I'm torn between wanting to redo the instrument panel, clean her up and powdercoat her, but then I am waiting for a good day to fly. The snow has been flying sideways all day today, but maybe next weekend???....

[Pearson]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

I heard somewhere that some manufacturer IS NOW making the short plugs that will accept a shielded harness. Maybe someone here can tell who makes them or where to get them. Or you might just give AC Spruce, or Univair a call and ask them.

I think you may have a non Taylorcraft tach in your panel. But if it works, that is what matters.

[M Towsley]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

Lots of non-Taylorcraft instruments in her. I already replaced the A/S indicator, it was stuck on 20 while on the ground. I have an AC counter-clockwise tach and a US gauge oil pressure gauge, though the last two items need to probably be serviced. That's half the battle, finding somewhat correct items to put in her.

I want to change out the yokes, I really liked the pretzels I had in my first one, though mine would probably be cast as it was built in August of '46. I have a small want-list I will have to post to see if anyone can help.

[mulwyk]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

pretty girl!

[partyofone]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

I have a really nice tagged Waltham tach if you're interested.

Erik

717-248-011Five

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: My 'New' Taylorcraft Miss Scarlett

You can clean up a lot of ignition noise by going to shielded plugs on the lower plugs and using the metal cups on top. Next step is to put your antenna for the radio behind the cockpit on top or out the belly. The "rubber duckie" antenna is close to the worst for ignition noise, especially when it is in the cockpit close to the top plugs. All the connectors and coax wire you need is available at the neighborhood Radio Shack (if it isn't permanently installed you can get away with it, use ties and Velcro to hold the wires). Double the distance from the closest plug and you cut the noise in half.
You are on the right track with the mag switch shield, but the mag wires should also be shielded and the shielding needs to be grounded to the switch shield and the airframe.
I'm with you, the cowl is just TOO NICE to cut holes for blisters. If you just can't stand the noise let us know and I am positive someone here will trade you for one with holes already in it. Keep this one beautiful!
Hank