[DamianL]

Hi John

One of my interests is learning more about how the aircraft were manufactured, how designers approached solutions to light-weight / high strength assembly or other problems, & executed these solutions. I am also planning to build replica aircraft & am trying to collate as much information on building as possible.

I love the amount of detail you are going into. The smaller fittings illustrated so far, that the eye skips over when looking at the complete aircraft, are works of art. With wood/wire construction they no doubt form the most critical part of WW1 aircraft fabrication (apart from some basic woodworking skills).

This is a great thread & even more detail would be great. Some "how-to" info & tips for the mere mortals who are not master craftsmen would also be wonderful. I would be interested in hearing about the processes & methodology you used in creating some of these parts, whether cast and machined or fully fabricated from billet, reverse engineered or from factory drawings etc., and I'm sure some of the other constructors or budding builders would be interested in this level of detail as well (presuming that you have the time & patience of course).

I find the details on assembly jigs very interesting, which serve to document a critical assembly process which is not apparent when looking at the finished aircraft.

Love your work

Damian Latimer