D.H.4 - I want one.

So...if I want a D.H. 4 for my very own, how do I go about starting? What are the pros and cons of 1/1 v. 7/8 scale? Where are plans available, either original plans or adaptations to modern materials and engines? Anybody building them on a contract basis? What logical questions am I not asking? Any and all suggestions, ideas, brainstorming or constructive criticism is invited. Thanks...

Hi! Why would you want D.H.4? My dad had his first 9 victories with them and they say he flew a "4" like a "Pup" but he told me he enjoyed the JN-4 better. He also liked the Bristol Fighter of course which he recorded most of his victories. He has his own web page on The Aerodrome if wish Alfred Atkey. I hope you get one! George

Why a D.H.4? Several reasons. One, I want a two-seater (figure it will be at least vaguely practical if I can carry a passenger or my luggage in the back). Two, it's the only aircraft that the U.S. sent to the war, at least in any significant numbers. Three, it is a strong, FAST bird...faster than most of its escorts during the war. After the war, D.H.4's were used to set speed records and altitude records for years. They were also used as mail planes, transports, ambulances, hearses, and (I believe) the first commercial passenger line. They were used as military planes by the U.S. Marines into the '30's. Plus, I just like'em.

[Billy_Bishop]

From what I understand, the difference between a full size and a smaller size is weight and horsepower needed to move that weight. In otherwords, if you want a full size DH-4 capable of moving as fast as the original, you're gonna need a good size engine in it, putting out horsepower comparable to the 400hp the original Liberty engine did.

With a smaller scale version, it will weigh less, and not need as big an engine, which all adds up to saving money. The thing is, if you have money to burn, I'd go for the full size version. But that's just my opinion. And I don't have the money, or a pilot's license, nor the money to take lessons. Wish I did though.

Hell, who am I kidding, I would rather not be diabetic. oh well.

Later,

Al Lowe 'Honourary Canuck'
'Semi-Official Billy Bishop Booster'

[Billy_Bishop]

By the way, ignore part of my ramblings. It's dangerous to let me near a computer when I'm depressed. I'll get over it, but it's just one of those silly things.

Best Regards,

Al Lowe

What kind of engine would I need to use? I understand that auto engines can me modified to use in homebuilts, and while they don't have as good a power/weight ratio as aircraft engines, it shouldn't be hard to find something lighter than the Liberty 12 (which, if I recall, was a 1600 cubic inch engine!).