Looking for detailed D.V/Va construction drawings

[Mark_Miller]

The Mikesh book on the Smithsonian's restoration of the Albatros D.Va. is a good reference, but bear in mind that the book has the wrong set of Bob Waugh's blueprints. *The in the book was a draft set and the final set never made it into the book, which is much more accurate, according to Bob. *

The Mikesh book is an amazingly complete reference.
There is very little that is not defined or photographed
My digital model is about 80% out of this book.

I was wondering -
If you made a flying replica would you use construction methods from the original or something modernised that looked like a DVa from the outside?
building it the way they did originaly might be .... difficult

The Waugh plans are pretty complete
you can find some that were revised after the Mikesh book in WW1 Aero no128 May 1990. - Better drawing of the wing,
and a plan for the radiator

Mark Miller

I was wondering -
If you made a flying replica would you use construction methods from the original or something modernised that looked like a DVa from the outside?
building it the way they did originaly might be .... difficult

The Waugh plans are pretty complete
you can find some that were revised after the Mikesh book in WW1 Aero no128 May 1990. - Better drawing of the wing,
and a plan for the radiator

Mark Miller

Thanks for the additional info Mark. *8)

I have been a carpenter/woodworker/cabinetmaker/model builder for more than 17 years, so working in wood is second nature for me. However, that does not mean that I won't use modern techniques on some of the hidden structures in the aircraft to save weight, improve durability, or simplify the construction. I intend to use all the modern instruments and radios necessary for VFR cross-country flights of course, but as long as it looks 1917 on the outside, I'll be happy.

As an amateur gunsmith, I'm also considering building a couple of SKS rifles into (blank firing only) machine guns to be dressed up in Spandau guise so I don't have to fly around yelling RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT all the time. * *I'm still unsure about the legalities of this though!

[Mark_Miller]

The kit being mentioned was produced from Wylam drawings. It is not very accurate in the fuselage cross section. I have seen several models produced from these drawings and they always give the plane what liken to the look of a 50lb over weight man. I have seen the model in the adds and doesn't look so bad do to the lack of skin. Just wanted to tell you of this fact though.

The Wylam drawings although beautiful to look at are grossly innacurate. I hope they didn't use any of the internal stuff on these plans because it's mostly fictional
I suspect that several of the older WW1 scale models were based on Wylam plans.


Mark Miller

[Mark_Miller]

I have been a carpenter/woodworker/cabinetmaker/model builder for more than 17 years, so working in wood is second nature for me. However, that does not mean that I won't use modern techniques on some of the hidden structures in the aircraft to save weight, improve durability, or simplify the construction. I intend to use all the modern instruments and radios necessary for VFR cross-country flights of course, but as long as it looks 1917 on the outside, I'll be happy.

I thought this might be the case - good decision
I would think that building it exactly as it was built originaly would be incredibly difficult.

It's also good that woodworking doesn't frighten you. The things those guys did to plywood frightens me.

is fiberglass an option?

Mark Miller

[Mark_Miller]

As an amateur gunsmith, I'm also considering building a couple of SKS rifles into (blank firing only) machine guns to be dressed up in Spandau guise so I don't have to fly around yelling RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT all the time. * *I'm still unsure about the legalities of this though!

Rex
Sounds cool - but you probably want to look into that legal thing - I think the FAA goes a little nuts on weapons in AC. Can you REALY make it so that it will only shoot dummies?

I was driving by the local airport one day and I noticed a mig17bis sitting on one of the tarmacks. I talked to the owner for a while and he said that the Mig was not registered with the FAA but the DoD - as a weapon of war.
guess he wouldn't have to worry about that no weapon thing

What a beast of a plane to own - need a 2nd mortgage just buy enough gas to get it off the ground

Mark

[Brad]

Hmmm... modify SKS rifles to fire blanks (easy) make them full auto (also easy) make them belt fed (OUCH!)

I personally would like to build a slightly smaller (7/8 or 3/4 scale) D III. I'm not worried about authentic construction, just light and strong.

It's also good that woodworking doesn't frighten you. The things those guys did to plywood frightens me.

is fiberglass an option?

Mark Miller

Do you mean make the external skin of the fuselage from fiberglass? If so, no that isn't an option for me.

Hmmm... modify SKS rifles to fire blanks (easy) make them full auto (also easy) make them belt fed (OUCH!)

That is the kicker, working up a belt feed system! If all else fails, I can convert the SKS rifles to feed from AK-47 magazines and use 75 or 100 round RPK drums.

I personally would like to build a slightly smaller (7/8 or 3/4 scale) D III. *I'm not worried about authentic construction, just light and strong.

If the FAA Sport Pilot proposal goes through, it would really open up the homebuilt aircraft market. I wouldn't be surprised to see many more 7/8 scale WW I fighter replica kits available.

Have you seen the 80% SPAD XIII offered by www.cliffordaeroworks.com? I think the D.III in a similar scale with the same converted Geo Tracker powerplant would be a blast!

[Dave_Watts]

Hey Rex,

What part of the country are you from?

We should be able to come up with someone in your "area".

Make sure to contact Fred Murrin and ask for a contact for Al Celvebar.

Al is making his Albatros out of wood and it is full scale. He has the fuselage done, and as I said, it was on display at the Dawn Patrol in the tent with my stuff. His plane looks really good! I know he built one fuselage that he had to totally scrap having followed somebody's plans. After that he used some fuselage measurements as known givens, and formed the design for the other "O" formers from there. Al will give you the full low-down.

Yeah, FAA will not want any "live" firearm on something that goes up in the air.

As far as converting machine guns to fire blanks, thats easy to do. "Doggie" Cline used "salute" rounds in his Vickers gun at the air show with no problem. He is in violation of carrying a functioning MG onboard, but at his age he probably figures, "Who gives a damn!" He sold the plane.

Brad mentioned wanting to build a 3/5ths D.Va. Frank Ryder had the dream of coming up with a "cheap" WW1 fighter plane, and developed a 3/5ths D.Va made from steel tubing and fiberglas, using a Tigre engine, and he flew it around quite a bit at the last Aerodrome air show. I don't know what happened to the whole project, but Joe Gertler (on the list periodically and I have his e-mail address), would know the details on this project.

Rex the one most important thing, (in my opinion), is the choice of powerplant. The Ranger sounds good, but if you are going full scale, the weight differential and cubic displacement between it and a water-cooled Mercedes is considerable. Look into this before leaping, as your center of gravity and other factors are major considerations. My advice would be a Gypsy Queen 30 series mark II engine of 260 hp (they have a reduction gearbox and the prop turns at 2000 rpm, the engines are 10.2 litre and weigh about 313kgs). I have one of these for my "fun flyer", D.7 project and believe it will be the best choice that is out there. Remember that you need large displacement, not just horsepower. If you are serious in persuing one of these motors, I could assist you in getting one.

Best,
Dave W.

Rex
Sounds cool - but you probably want to look into that legal thing - I think the FAA goes a little nuts on weapons in AC. Can you REALY make it so that it will only shoot dummies?

Sure. The SKS is a gas operated weapon, the bore would have to be restricted by partially welding it closed to maintain enough gas pressure to cycle the action when firing blanks. A chamber insert would prevent a live round from even being chambered in the weapon.

I was driving by the local airport one day and I noticed a mig17bis sitting on one of the tarmacks. I talked to the owner for a while and he said that the Mig was not registered with the FAA but the DoD - as a weapon of war.
guess he wouldn't have to worry about that no weapon thing

What a beast of a plane to own - need a 2nd mortgage just buy enough gas to get it off the ground *

Mark

I know a guy who imports and referbs Aero L-39 Albatross jet trainers, and is looking at getting into Mig-21s. He told me even the explosive charges that power the ejector seats have to be removed to get the FAA stamp of approval.

He also claimed that when flying the Migs, about the time you complete take off and get settled into cruise, you call the tower at your destination and declare a low fuel state. Apparently, at low altitude they burn fuel FAST, and you shouldn't plan on having enough left to loiter in the pattern once you get where you are going!