Fokker DVII

Brad · 2 December 2001, 03:56 PM

Ok... first, to give you something to think about...

An airplane is an airplane. Wood airplanes all use similar construction tools, methods, and materials. Ditto for metal, or fiberglass, or whatever. Don't worry if your local EAA chapter doesn't have anyone building exactly what you are... I bet some of them have done aircraft with VERY similar construction methods.

Go to Oshkosh, and sign up for the workshops! Also, the Alexander Aeroplane workshops are great (from what I hear... I haven't attended one.)

JOIN THE EAA! If nothing else, the motivation and "moral support" of local chapter members is worth it. Besides, it's fun!

Subscribe to Kitplanes magazine. It's worth it! Also Custom Planes magazine. Not AS good, but good still. (Hmmm... maybe as good, but not as big...)

Brad

3 December 2001, 06:44 AM

Brad,

Thanks for the advice... I have joined the EAA recently, within the last few days, as well as AOPA. I have made a few contacts within the Tucson/Phoenix area that have build similar projects.. Thanks for the encouragement...

3 December 2001, 07:38 AM

dtenney, did you catch my post above about Replicraft? Check them out, they seem to have a pretty thorough D.VII plan set.

3 December 2001, 12:39 PM

yes,

I cought your post about Replicraft. thanks again. I have narrowed it to them or World War 1 Aeroplanes for plans. I am evaluating both on strengths and weaknesses.. Hell, maybe i should get them both.

Brad · 3 December 2001, 01:36 PM

If you want a REALLY ACCURATE replica, I'd get them both and compare to whatever other sources you can find... and ask Dan San about anything that doesn't make sense!

Brad

wolfenbill · 4 December 2001, 04:55 AM

Get as many different sources of information that you can. Invariably there'll be something on one plan that you don't understand that can be easily clarified by another.

4 December 2001, 11:50 AM

Ditto to what Brad and wolfenbill said. I even use multiple plan sources when scratchbuilding R/C aircraft, If I'm gonna put my own butt in an aircraft you can be doubly sure I'm going to cross-check as many resources as possible!

4 December 2001, 12:01 PM

Thanks guys! In accord to this I have ordered today a set of plans from WW1 Aero AND Replicraft. I am checkng other sources through the vintage aviation site I posted a while back. I'm gonna see what they have in terms of drawings etc.. Ive taken the plunge!!

4 December 2001, 04:32 PM

It might not be a bad idea to contact Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, since they are one of the few places in the country that regularly fly a Fokker D7.

Also, the Smithsonian has an original one ("U.10"), so I'm sure that there is probably someone there who may be able to answer some of your questions. *The guys at the Paul Garber facility in Silver Hill, Maryland would probably be your best bet there.

You're actually lucky, dtenney. *Your "dream plane" still has surviving original examples. *OTOH, we poor Pfalz DIII fans...

VBR,
Dean

4 December 2001, 04:38 PM

Dean,

thanks for the info. I have contacted Old Rhinebeck and submitted questions to them.. I am waiting for replies. I will contact the smithsonian and see what i can find. thanks.. Is the Paul Garber facility in Silver Hill, MD apart of the smithsonian?? How can i contact them? do u have an email address or website link? Thanks again!!