Warbird Information Exchange

Any ideas as to where I might locate a forward lift strut for a Taylorcraft L-2?

I'm finishing up a rebuild and would like to get rid of the Frankenstein-looking forward strut on the port side. The aircraft suffered a hard landing in the 1950s which broke the gear bungees and threw the gear leg into the strut, causing a nice dent/deformity. Apparently, the repair chosen was to weld a large gussett/doubler over the damaged area. While structurally sound, it's a hideous looking repair for such a fragile-looking airplane.

The aircraft is ex-USAAF, ex-Fort Sill artillery spotter school trainer.

For those note familiar with the type, it's from the same family of L-birds as the Aeronca L-3 and Piper L-4. I've flown all three types and the L-2 is somewhat faster but far less well behaved at slower speeds than either the L-3 or, particularly, the L-4 (Cub).

You might check with some of the other guys from the Alamo Liaison Squadron. We have, I think, three or four L-2s based there at Cannon Field, one of which (for sure) is a squadron aircraft and one of which is currently being recovered. The website is http://www.als-cannonfield.com

Ryan

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

Col and Ryan:
Thanks for your replies. I appreciate it!