WolfOfBadenoch......Alex.....All these replicas I made some 30 years ago (from memory ) or more ....At the time ,when I did the first gun (sic) , was for a Fokker DrI which I had started a little while previously . Initially I used Redfern plans which were soon superceeded by my own , these being a compilation of all the historical reports, drawings and photos etc. that I could find , along with dialogue with the few interested people known to me ,ie,Paul Leamon...just up the road near Farnborough, and the late George Ballinger near Bristol .During this time , an ongoing Stress analysis was carried out (a requirement for a new type under the PFA register...now LAA )by the late Ray, Hillbourn at Winchester ....A total lack of any workshop space (appart from kitchen table ) caused "realisation" of circumstances , and subsequent sale of project .(Leisuresport /Thorp Park..via late Viv Bellamy )......Just realised how many that I knew are now dead ........To keep in touch , with project , I aggread to complete the Guns for it ......I did carry on with same facilaty but at same time commenced construction of my present small workshop ,in "the back garden" , with the help of my Dad .......To cut a long story shorter , I had to put plans for Fokker EV on hold to make guns full time for a living (JUST ! ).....I did "Spandau"..08.(ground)...LMG 08/15 ....Vickers Mk I,2 and 3 ...along with Sop Pup Screens ..Scarrf rings..and a variety of metal fittings for Sopwith aeroplanes...All here & USA ......Artist friend Jim Dietz had a Lewis along with Ron Kitchen (for N17) , who also later had a couple of LMG 08/15 's for his Pfalz DIII......In the UK, sales included Guy Black ...and RAF museum....along with some private sales to people (Who may prefer anonymaty )..........
..Well , thats the History bit done........As to the drawings........I started off with a set (50usd) of 3 drawings by Ray Holling..USA...Very detailed and the best and only available at the time..sold through WWI Aero....(Very early days even befor when No33 or so.)...I was able to get other dimensions for others incl,. 08 from "Royal Greenjackets museum" Winchester ....etc......Also similar for Vickers..From this I made up my own drawing as necessary....I did manage to get almost full set of original s from BSA for the Lewis and Vickers sent what they had left ........Well I think that just about covers it all,....It has all been over 30 years ago , so , if I've missed anyone out here , then I appolegise now.....Regards to all..
John