does anyone know of a repo of a sopwith 1 in half strutter?

does anyone know of a replicar of a sopwith 1/2 strutter in the UK?

Von:
There is a replica of a Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter built by Jim Appleby and it is in the Javier Arango Collection in Paso Robles, CA.
Blue skiers,
Dan-San Abbott

Hi,
Take a look here,
they seem to restore one to flying condition:
www.memorial-flight.com

Regards

[PeterL]

There is a very complete Sopwith collection at the RAF Museum Hendon. As well as a faithful replica Strutter there is a genuine Camel and Triplane, and a Pup built from a Sopwith Dove. Last I heared there was a Dolphin in the pipeline.

hth

Peter L

thanks guys

[stevedrew]

Peter, I believe the Pup you refer to in the RAF Museum Hendon was not built from a Dove as you suggest, but is in fact "Lady Maude", Serial No N5182, first flown by E. Grange, then handed over to Robert Alexander Little, who scored the first four of his 47 victories IN THIS VERY AIRCRAFT. It was restored to flying condition, and has been certified to be at least 85% original (or contemporary parts) by none other than T. O. M. Sopwith himself. I recently had the ultimate pleasure of inspecting this aircraft at very close quarters for over an hour. (BLISS!, JOY!) Steve Drew

Correct me if I am wrong,and I just know you will!,but doesn`t the Shuttleworth collection have a Sopwith Dove that they fly quite regularly?

[PeterL]

That's right Andy. I had the two of them confused. I must say though, I had no idea that the Hendon Pup had such a distinguished record. The things I learn on the Forum.

Peter L

I'm rather surprised that no one responding to this thread mentioned the ORIGINAL Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter that is currently in posession of the Kermit Weeks organization in Florida, USA.

Abotu 10 years ago someone uncovered a complete and original 1 1/2 Strutter somewhere in South America. The photos I saw of this machine shortly after its transport to Florida showed a bare, but complete frame work plus engine, prop and metal cowling panels. Allegedly this machine is being restored. I would appreciate further details regarding the current status of this aircraft.

The One-and-a-Half Strutter in Florida is, I believe, an original airframe. Furthermore, I understand it may be a French-built example, but as far as I can establish, this is the only original airframe in existence (until someone finds one in an overgrown hangar in France).

As for the Pup N5182, now in the Royal Air Force Museum, this is indeed an original aircraft and is the machine first flown by Flt Sub-Lt E.R. Grange of Naval Eight. Before Robert Little took it over, it was also flown by Flt S/Lt "Ally" Shaw, who had an interplane strut almost shot through in a confrontation with a "Hun". After the repair was carried out, Little took it over and scored three of his victories on N5182. But his time with the Pup was not long, for the Sopwith Triplane came to Naval Eight in February 1917.

Little scored 23 of his total 47 victories with the Triplane, the first four with N5469 and nineteen of them aboard airframe N5493, before progressing to the Camel in July 1917.

Incidentally, Aerodrome Webmaster, I think you have a mistake in your biography of Robert Little, in that he remained with Naval Eight and its successor 208 Squadron until his death (not 203 as quoted).

After all that, I hope you find your One-and-a-Half Strutter.

Cheers.