Post updates on your replica projects here

[dtenney]

thanks for the link, I will have to contact Dave and ask some questions. Anyhoo, Does anyone know of a power plant that is reccommended for the Fokker DVII? Im looking for reliability as my Number 1 priority as i intend to fly this project, when finished, quite frequently. Also, any speculation on final cost breakdown and total time in building?? thanks...

I'd guesstimate total building time at around 3,000hrs.

Ranger L-440 engines (6cylinder 200hp) converted to run upright seem to be a popular powerplant for Fokker and Albatros replicas, but they develop power at higher RPM than the original engines, so they swing a smaller prop. Dave Watts is going with a geared down Gypsy Queen 260hp 6 cylinder and plans to swing a prop close to original size, IIRC.

[dtenney]

3000 hours doesnt sound too bad.. hahahaa.. What kind of reputation for reliability does the Ranger motor have? I want total reliablility from the powerplant i choose, as close to bieng "bullet proof" as possible. *also, does anyone know where i can find ( web-links etc) Aviation clothing of that era, including uniforms?? *thanks again...

The Rangers are fairly reliable engines (for being 60 years old), they were used in PT-19 trainers during WW II. Like any old engine, they do require a bit of maintenance, and parts are beginning to get fairly scarce.

I'm looking into converting an auto engine right now, I'll post any valuable info about conversions I get here.

If Dan-San's friend manages to get newly manufactured Mercedes engines into production and certified airworthy, all the above will be moot, I'll be going that route for sure! * B)

[dtenney]

a newer mercedes type engine?? wow that'd be cool... Has Dan-San's friend thought about advertising in Kitplane magazine?? How much would these mercedes engines cost?? what auto engines have you thought about converting? I have given a brief thought to converting a ford 289cid engine over, simply because they are easily buildable for any kind of power range.. from "mild to wild" so-to-speak and parts are very easily available for them at any autoparts store that is worth its salt. I do question, however, whether or not a Ford 289 could fit within the airframe and lines of a Fokker D7.. what do you think??

a newer mercedes type engine?? wow that'd be cool... Has Dan-San's friend thought about advertising in Kitplane magazine?? *How much would these mercedes engines cost??

A bit more info here:
Dan-San, about those new Mercedes engines...
*

what auto engines have you thought about converting? *I have given a brief thought to converting a ford 289cid engine over, simply because they are easily buildable for any kind of power range.. from "mild to wild" so-to-speak and parts are very easily available for them at any autoparts store that is worth its salt. *I do question, however, whether or not a Ford 289 could fit within the airframe and lines of a Fokker D7.. what do you think??

I haven't looked too deep into the auto engines yet (I'm clueless when it comes to engines that drive wheels *:-[ ). I am currently checking out existing conversions, many seem based on Subaru and Geo Tracker 4 cylinder engines. The Ford 289 is a V-6 isn't it? I don't know how well a V type would fit. I suspect an in-line 6 of some sort would be the best bet, I'm not sure who makes an in-line 6 these days.

[dtenney]

Ford 289's are a small block V8. Ford also produced an inline 6 cylinder motor in those days that fairly easy to acquire, they put out about 200-260 cid. anyhoo, auto conversions sound good.. im thinking about that as well...

[dtenney]

hey, can anyone give me a confirmation about the original type of engine that the fokker DVII's used?? Ive got a crazy idea that maybe i can manufacture one... with CAD software and CNC type tooling... hmmm... any ideas?

Ford also produced an inline 6 cylinder motor in those days that fairly easy to acquire, they put out about 200-260 cid. *anyhoo, auto conversions sound good.. im thinking about that as well... *

I thought I recalled an in-line 6 in my father's old Ford Grenada(sp?), I would guess it only put out about 100hp though. *

hey, can anyone give me a confirmation about the original type of engine that the fokker DVII's used?? *Ive got a crazy idea that maybe i can manufacture one... with CAD software and CNC type tooling... hmmm... any ideas?

There were several different engines used in the D.VII, contact Dan-San, he's the guy that can give you the detailed lowdown.