How long to reassemble a F.I Fokker Triplane

[Taz]

Tom- You have your dates a bit mixed up. F.I 102 and 103/17 were ordered on 11 July and definitely did not fly on that date. Even Fokker V.5, F.I 101/17 was not ordered until 5 July, 1917. If you are getting those dates from Barry Diggens' book, most of his Triplane history is wrong. Use Alex Imrie as the source for written dates and most Triplane history. Only his "modified V.4" references are wrong.

There is no mention of the Triplanes in Jan's translation until 28 August when it was reported Voss test flew one of the newly arrived Triplanes. There is no such thing as official and unofficial flights. A flight is a flight. A combat sortie is another whole thing.

The visit by von Lossberg and other dignitaries is listed by Ed Ferko as 31 August, as is Fokker's test flight. Fokker also took movie film of MvR on that date, and MvR can be seen clearing and safing his LMG 08/15s before take-off. MvR flew his first combat sortie on 1 September, when he shot down an R.E.8, which undoubtedly mistook him for a Sopwith Triplane being chased by Albatros scouts.

Dan-San- It is always easier to take something apart than it is to find and align parts, find and thread bolts and reassemble. I have taken many things apart I could never reassemble.

Phil- Jan hit that nail directly on the head. Watch Fred and learn. He never would let me help him, though. Good judgement. Most of what I outlined just comes from knowing how the aircraft was put together and what order pieces would have had to be removed to reach all the attachment bolts and also looking at photos of Dr.Is being rail shipped or car-towed. The process would have been very similar for a D.VII, I just do not know much about D.VIIs.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[pmirl]

Jumpinjan,

Where can I find more photos of Fred's triplane?

Thanks!

Paul

[jumpinjan]

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Taz:
I agree it is always faster to undo something than it is to assemble. The interplane struts were not secured with a long bolt and a nut, but with a long pin and safety clip, very simular to a safety pin.
Blue skies,
Dan

[tcrean7828]

Outstanding folks,

that pretty well answers all of my questions.

cul

tcrean7828

tom

[pmirl]

Jumpinjan,

Is there a web site with any photos? I find his tripe the most accurate repro I have ever seen!

Thanks!

Paul

[Taz]

Paul- No web site that I know about except the Great War Aircraft Association (GWAA), of which Fred Murrin is president, web site. Fred's aircraft is based on Ron Sands' drawings, but has been continuously updated to continuously make it much closer to the two F.I Triplane prototypes assigned to JG I. This includes a real LeRhone rotary, with which F.I 102/17 was originally fitted, markings to reflect the newest research and photographs, and curved leading edge surfaces on the tailplane. The cowling will also be updated to duplicate the cowling only fitted to the four Dr.I prototypes.

GWAA's web site is shown below and their newsletter is only $14/year.

http://www.gwaero.org/homeframeset.html

Fred's new Gnome 9N powered Camel is even more accurate than his Triplane, since original drawings are available. The Camel will be on display and flying at this year's National Museum of the USAF fly-in at Dayton, OH.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[Maxim08]

pmirl
Posted once before, but heck, it's the closest I've come to decapitation.
Fred's home airfield.



Regards,
John

[pmirl]

Maxim,

Glad you ducked in time! Great photo! Thanks!

Paul

[tcrean7828]

So that is what the pilots, that were strafed by Voss, saw?

Outstanding vantage! That is unless you were on the other side of the wire.

cul

tcrean7828

tom