New to hobby.

21 July 2002, 09:54 AM

I'm new here and anywhere else the topic of replica building might be discussed. I'm just deciding on which plans to purchase and must say that Graham Lee's full size Nieuport 17 has my attention. I'm able to drive over to the Air Force museum and drool over their's. The main thing about these plans is that there isn't any welding involved. And although I've been to a couple a service schools involving the study of mechanics, I've never learned to weld. So in the interest of having a full size replica and not having to learn a new trick, I thought these plans sound as if they would fit the bill for me. Does anyone here have any information, good or bad, about these plans. Remember I'm a newby to this so don't take for granted that I know even the slightest detail. In other words, give me all you got.

21 July 2002, 06:31 PM

Jimm,

Welcome to the family! ( so to speak) Well, I am like you, building a replica but of a different feather. I myself am building a Full-Scale Fokker D.VII. All the advice I can really give is this: Make sure this is the plane you want to build. I've realized that this project is going to take years to complete and lots of resources to do it, so I want to be involved and satisfied all the way through. Not to scare you off, but if you want to build something else, then do it! I wouldnt reccomend building a plane that you like, when deep down you really wanted to build something else instead. Go for what really excites you, because building ( as I am finding out) is a long, long process. If the Nieuport is what you want.. then go for it!

Do as much research as possible, as questions etc.. You can never know too much. That's about all I can suggest.

Goodluck..

dtenney

22 July 2002, 05:11 AM

Thanks dtenney, if I may, can you tell me which plans you are using, or are you working on something of your own contrivance? I'm prepared for the long haul, anything that is of value is the result of much patience. But I am most concern with aquirring the most complete plans that I can. One which will nuture questions. I have learned it is good to ask questions, but there must be knowledge of the question first. Being new to this I probably don't even know the questions to ask. I need a set of plans which doesn't take for granted that the builder has any knowledge of the building process. I aint got a clue of the clue

And of course, I'd rather avoid learning to weld, just more time spent doing something other than building.
As far as the Nieuport goes, I like the plane. It lends itself to going a long way to replication. As I have seen on the net there are some radials being built out there. I think it was a rotory originally, but the radial has the same configuration. Not like the boxes used on others.
Perhaps when you finish your Fokker and me mine we can meet over the skies somewhere. BTW I was looking at the Fokker, nice plane.

22 July 2002, 03:08 PM

Jimm,

As for myself, I am doing the scratch built route of a Full Scale Fokker D-7. I am using as many sources for plans as I can lay my hands on. Replicraft has a great set, as well as there is a set from World War One Aeroplanes Inc. I'd suggest contacting them about plans for your nieuport, as it is a journal that dives into all things WWI. I am in the "studying" phase of this project, that and I am procuring adequate space for the project as well as learning a few new skills ( learning to weld!). If you want, feel free to email me through my private email address thats listed on my profile here. I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

Dtenney

fltmech · 27 July 2002, 05:59 AM

Welcome Jimm,
I have a set Graham Lee's plans for the FULL Size Nieuport 17. This like the 7/8 replica are aluminum tube construction, with gussets and pulled rivets. The plans are in a "book" format and are very good. The plane can be built as an 11 thru 27 or the Seimens-Schukert D-1 ( My Personal favorite

)
No matter what aircraft you decide to built take you time, It will be well worth..

Lufbery · 2 August 2002, 06:03 PM

Fltmech,

Has anyone built a full sized GL N-17 replica yet? I know there are a bunch of 7/8th scale ones flying, but I haven't heard of any of the full size ones flying yet.

Of course, as I understand it, the full sized plans only came out a couple of years ago.

Regards,

-Drew

fltmech · 3 August 2002, 07:30 PM

There several in the process of being built, I far as I know there are none flying yet.

Brad · 6 August 2002, 08:43 AM

Note that the "plans" for the Graham Lee aircraft are actually the text. The drawings are to illustrate the instructions, the TEXT is the important part. I suggest getting a yahoo account (free) and joining the Nieuport Builder's List on there. Lots of folks on there with experience building, including Graham Lee himself. I WILL warn you that there is a lot of off-topic chatter and "hanger flying," it's not just a tech list. Lots of fun.

Brad