WW1 Replicas

I've been seeing all these 1:1 replica World War One aircraft in flying magazines that enthusiasts have built to fly themselves - like a Nieuport 17 in Fullard's colours, a Sopwith Triplane etc.

Just wondering, if time and money were no object and you could build one yourself what would you do? Personally, I think I'd go for an Albatros D.III - loads of different colour schemes you could paint it in! and fun to fly as well, as long as you didn't go diving in it

If I could afford a second(!) I'd go for a DH2.

Vince
money is no object when you are really keen!!
I'm beginning the moulds for my Albatros DVa fuselage tonight!
If you think in terms of a WW1 Aeroplane being a collection of small fairly inexpensive bits then the pill is easier to swallow.
If you spent an hour each night (intead of watching the news?)on your project you would be surprised how quickly it would begin to take shape.
Again you might be surprised how few WW1 replicas are owned by millionaires!Doing some rough sums for the DVa,a lower wing panel will cost less than 400$US (without fabric and paint).Thats no kings ransom!!
If you used a V8 chevy for a motor at 10% the cost of a comparable Lycoming the project is soon a reality.
See...Ive convinced myself already !
There are quite a few AIDS sufferers(Aircraft induced divorce syndrome)builders who started building with a wife ,and a living room.They finished with a plane and half the living room,yet very few seem to regret the decision.Ha Ha Ha
Chris S

it would have to be a nieuport.11 in the colors of the lafayette escdrille.

leon

Vince,
I agree with Chis, you don't have to spend all the money in the world to build a replica ( I prefer reproduction) The tubing for my Dr1 is only a few houndred dollars. A complete airframe less engine and such is only about $8000.00 dollars. Way cheaper than a light plane. Now the engine is another thing all together. For the Dr1 if you use the RIGHT engine the Le Rhone it's between 20 and 25 grand. That starts to make some of the planes that you could use a engine from a street car look better as cost go. But I don't think for my plane a v-8 would work. But with unlimited money the Oberursel is mine then a call to a friend with some Spandau's and my project is finished!

Mark

[Vigilant]

These may not be accurate replicas (or is it reproduction?) but they look a lot of fun to me!

I quite fancy the D.VIII Flying Razor

Vigilant.

[Barrett]

WELL! If money really is no object, how 'bout a Zep? Take your friends for long, leisurely sight seeing trips to interesting places--and bomb them.
There used to be a site for repro Dr.Is: $250K a pop, get 'em while they last!!!

[Richard_Schrader]

I would have to have a Albatros D-2. A very pretty plane and the wings don't fall off.

Barret,

I know the DR 1 site your talking about. The first thing I liked was the "authentic" plans, and how about the FAA cert. They never returned my calls. I'll build anyone a tripe for WAY LESS than 250K. This was just another internet rip-off.

Mark

I am building a Nie.23 and I have a Nie.16b . I really love the Sopwith Pup also. As far as German planes go, I like the Albatross DIII and the Pfalz DIII. OH the planes Vigilant was refering to The Fokker EIII looks the Best and can be built as a ultralite. I have seen all of them.

to all

Did I say replica?? I meant a reproduction!!

Everyone seems happy to bag the DIII,DV,DVa series Albatros about homesick lower wings but those nieuport merchants didnt exactly dive with confidence either!
Seriously though,does anyone know of any french /US /Brits performing a Von Hippel (getting back with 1.5 wings)?
The DVIII is next on my wish list.(100%scale,???engine)

Chris s