Fokker Fan

Are there any Fokker Dr1 fans out there? I Would like to know if there are any more nuts like me who love this plane. What is it about this machine that attracts the attention? Is it the aircraft itself, or the mystique surrounding the aces who flew it?
After years of drooling over this machine, I still can't figure it out! Even went so far as to build a full size replica. Now THATS what you call obsession!

[PeterL]

Seems like perfectly rational beaviour to me..

Peter L

Absolutely!Is the aeroplane only for static display?Instrumentation?My personal preference for the First War is the Albatros and the Hurricane for the Second.Regards.Mukund.

No, its a real full size replica built from plans designed by Ron Sands. I have waited 25 years to have the combination of money and time to do this, and things finaly clicked. Well sort of. I have more free time on my hands than money. But its amazing how much can be done if you are patient!
The triplane is sitting on its gear with tail feathers completed, cockpit, guns, fairings, and cowling mold.Ribs for the wings have already been started, and we anticipate completion in about 2-3 years. I already have 3 years into it.
You cant imagine what a thrill it is to walk out and see it sitting there every morning! Even if it doesn't have wings yet. I do have to admit though, I do alot of hanger flying with it when no one is looking. This is a life long dream of mine, and I really have a hard time finding someone to share it with. Most people nowdays don't have the slightest notion of what WW1 was about, let alone what a Fokker triplane is!
Thanks for writing back.

I want to have access to this Forum when you finish the aircraft and tell us what it is like to fly your Fokker for the first time. I can't imagine what you'll be feeling the first time you take off in your "obsession" and start climbing to the wild blue. I can't think of anything more satisfying than actually flying an aircraft that is: 1) your alltime favorite war bird 2) that you built yourself. Good luck to you!

The Fokker DR-1 is the second favorite airplane. My first is the Albaros D-2.
Jeni

[Shooter]

I'm not much for the Tripe, but if you ever build a D-VII, you'll get my attention REALLY fast.

I would love to fly a replica D-VII, and it is my ambition to own one of them.

Good luck with your Dr-1. Tell me, what power plant to you intend to install within it?

r/s

Bill

Thanks marco and jeni for your reply.
I have contacted everyone I know about the flight characteristics of the triplane. Right now I have three separate pilot reports / flight manuals on this a/c. I also have a friend who owns one, so you know I have really picked his brain. I dont mind telling anyone that I have some real concerns even though I've been flying taildraggers most of my life. I would just really hate to bend this one. Its my baby.
If you would like copies of the pilot reports / flight manuals, I can point you in the right direction if you like. Check out avhistory@rwebs.net and click Fokker Triplane Flight Characteristics. It makes for fun reading if you never plan on flying one of these. Kinda scary if you do though.

Bill,
You would just love the June "87" issue of "FLIGHT" magazine. Jeff Ethell does a pilot report on Byron C. Peterson's Fokker D.Vll. Great article with some really cool pictures. I don't know anyone who has plans for the D-7, but if you will settle for a D-8, contact Ron Sands (610)682-6787.
They sell for about $300.
Powerplant? I have a choice of an original rotory ($30,000), a Warner radial ($12000), or a lycoming opposed ($3-5000). Guess which one?
If your heart is set on a D-7, Im sure I can scare up some plans. Let me know.

Hey man, I'm a dedicated Fokker DrI fan!!! I have the plans for a full size and am making the Spandaus right now. I help these guys at Chandler Airport, AZ, with their Nieuport 17s, they think I'm crazy loving the German plane

I think us Fokker Tripe lovers should have a mailing list or something so we can chat, what do you think? E-mail me if you want to talk, I dont look at this board much.