Fokker DVII

dtenney · 15 November 2001, 05:37 AM

hey guys!

Im looking for yet more support information regarding plans for a 100% scale replica of a Fokker DVII. I need all the information i can get about engines, plans, shop space required etc.. Also, I'd like to know if anyone out there has built one and if so how was the experience???? let me know what you think!!!! thanks

wolfenbill · 16 November 2001, 07:25 AM

As I've stated on other posts I am involved in building a D.VII as well as an SE5a. The D.VII is far simpler to build. You have to know how to weld 4130 chrom-moly steel in order to do the fuselage, horizontal stabilizer, elevators, vertical stabilizer, rudder and ailerons. The wings and turtledeck are made of aircraft grade birch ply and spruce. The floorboard and instrument panel are made of plywood, the seat made of aluminum and either leather or imitation leather. The controls are made of tube steel. You'll need a flat table at least a couple of feet longer than the longest structure (which will be the top wing) in order to build everything. I suggest you contact the EAA for suggestions/books on welding, woodworking, table setup, etc. Once wings are built they'll need to be sanded, varnished and stored until you're ready to install internal bracing wires, fittings, aileron wires, etc. They can be hung on a wall temporarily to get them out of the way. We use a forklift to lift them. They're big and relatively heavy. The D.VII wings are one piece each, unlike the SE5a wings which are in approx. 12 foot sections. The SE5a wings are very light relatively but need the external bracing wires that the D.VII doesn't. Once you get wings attached, etc. you'll need a storage/work area longer and wider than the a/c is long and wide. This could turn into quite a long posting. If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact me by email at ................... wbroussard@mdanderson.org

dtenney · 16 November 2001, 03:00 PM

thanks wolfenbill, ill do just that... send email.. thanks for your support..

Dan_San_Abbott · 17 November 2001, 08:35 AM

Dtenny;
* *Wolfenbill answered your questions much better than I could. *With the upper wing 29.2' long, you will need a room as a minimum about 35-36' long and about 25' wide, I would suggest 30' x40' for the construction table for the upper wing and machine and storage as you progress. *You can use this table as the jig for welding the fuselage sides and every thing else, constructing the one piece spars. It will get crowded as you progress.
* *I can probably help you with detail marking and colors,etc. Ross Waldon has the lozenge printed fabric.
I can refer you to some builders who have built the Fok. D.VII that have the data you are looking for and can provide advice about the D.VII. *If my young friend comes up with the engines, an enormous problem is solved. You should plan for an effort that might take a great deal of you time for four or five years. *
* *I would suggest you acquire the the equipment as needed to lessen the impact of costs.
* *I'll get back to you in a few days with the names and address of some people that may help.
* * * * * * * * * * *Bluer skies ahead,
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dan-San

dtenney · 18 November 2001, 12:58 PM

Dan,

thanks for your help in answering these questions. Also, many thanks to wolfenbill as well, I tip my hat to both you good sirs! Please let me know the contact names and addresses of those who have successfully built DVII's so I may contact them for guidance and support. Also, Dan, do you know what set of plans some of the other builders have used??? Also, how is your young ( and un-named ) friend progressing about those motors? I am eager to know.. thanks again!!!

Dan_San_Abbott · 18 November 2001, 01:43 PM

Dtenny:
I called my young friend yesterday, he had not heard back from this foriegn trade commission as yet. He is also going to try some direct contacts. He is pleased in the interest in his project, the more engines he can line up the cheaper they will be for everyone. He is going to monitor this thread, I think he might jump in himself, when there is more to tell.
Bluer skies are coming,
Dan-San

dtenney · 19 November 2001, 05:24 AM

Dan,

thanks for the info. Regarding your email that you sent to me, i do thank you for that info as well. HOWEVER, right now I am looking for specific information/advice on PLANS. Any help out there?

dtenney · 21 November 2001, 04:14 AM

I have been doing some digging as far as EAA support in my local area. It's slim-to-none at best. It seems no one does this type of project and the only guy here in Tucson that does, only builds nieuport kits. I am a little dissapointed, but not discouraged!! Anyhow, does anyone out there have any contact information of people/persons that have built or are building a Fokker DVII?? If so, please let me know.. thanks..

dtenney · 25 November 2001, 07:32 AM

Just got back from the champlin fighter museum in mesa, az. I got some good pictures of a full size DVII replica..

2 December 2001, 02:40 PM

I forgot to ask if you'd seen this dtenney:
http://home.pacbell.net/fraze/replicraft.html

I've seen a plans set from Replicraft, the HD.1. They were very nicely done.