Construction

The Thorp T-21 1 is a completely metal aircraft, and assembly is simplicity itself. All parts come pre-cut and pre-drilled, and the construction method is to pin the various sections together using Cleco temporary fasteners, then check the alignment and fit before "pop-rivetting" the panels in place.

Cleco pins hold the sections together before they are rivetted into place.

Space Requirements

The Thorp can be built in a large domestic garage, although when the wings are to be attached, access to hangerage on an airfield is preferable! Plenty of storage should be allowed for, as when the complete kit is purchased as a whole, it will be delivered in a large crate. Some of the panels are actually quite big and demand careful assembly. While the various sub assemblies are being worked on, a wooden framework should be erected to allow easy access, and to save damage to the skin. We have suggested a design for this in the manual. Final painting should be carried out in a large well ventilated area.

Tools Required

All tools, and a selection of Cleco fasteners are included in the optional toolkit, and all the required rivets are included within the relevant kit.   If you have a good basic toolkit the only non-standard tools required are a hand rivetter (air tools will save you a lot of time and frustration here), and Cleco pliers. Even the engine only weighs 2001b, and so can be man-handled without any sophisticated lifting gear.

Time Needed

While it is obviously preferable for you to have as much time at your disposal as possible to make the building of the kit Thorp both enjoyable and safe, we also understand that you want to have your aircraft flying in the shortest possible time. The construction of the aircraft, using Avdel blind rivets, is such that you will find the aircraft "growing" before your very eyes. The recommended construction time for the Fin, which is the first sub kit for you to assemble is only 7 hours! Our constructors here at the factory took time to assemble the parts and to plan the assembly work, which you should do too, and still managed to have the Fin finished in time.

Factory Support

AD Aerospace offer full factory support from our Manchester offices. Any problems in the construction of the kit, or any difficulties understanding the Assembly Manual, can be quickly and simply resolved by a phone call or fax transmission. Our Engineers are fully briefed and always ready to help. Why not come along to our factory to meet the "faces behind the names", and take advantage of our offer to test fly the production version of the Thorp T-211.

The Assembly Manual

The Assembly manual has been written for AD Aerospace by Solvera Information Services Ltd of Handforth, Cheshire. It is our belief that much of the success of the Kit-Thorp will be due to the excellence and clarity of the assembly manual. Considerable time and effort have gone into the writing of the manual, which is well supported by high quality illustrations and photographs. The Thorp T-211 will make a simple and compelling construction project.

The Thorp T-211 fuselage in build.

	PRODUCTION MODEL

Share your build experiences on our MESSAGE BOARD

[Return to Thorp Homepage]  [Production]   [Kit Details]    [Building the Kit]   [Club Thorp]  
[News]    [Pictures]   [Contact Us]