Fokker DVIII of Unknown Make

anulledreflection · 29 December 2009, 07:22 PM

Hello everyone.

First off let me apologize if this is posted incorrectly or in the wrong place; if it is please let me know where this should be posted and I will immediately move the topic.

That being said, here is my dilemma; my grandfather got a Fokker DVIII at a estate auction and wants to build it. Unfortunately, the kit has no manual or plans and the box has no label to help us discover the maker. Written on the box is "Henry Haffke article". The model appears to be quarter scale; wing span of about 83 inches and a length (fuselage) of about 57 inches. My grandfather says it is a "Short-built" kit as opposed to stick-built or scratch-built. I am attaching pictures of the pieces set out on a table. Any input would be very much appreciated; I've been trying to find plans and or a maker since mid October.

Thank you for any assistance anyone and everyone.

A.Reflection

Bookmaker · 30 December 2009, 04:46 AM

Here is a thread that will give you a start.

Henry Haffke Fokker D-VIII?

stefanP · 30 December 2009, 06:53 AM

That would be known as a "Short Kit" .This means all the hard parts have been cut.The builder supplies the sheet and stick wood.
stefanP

Martin Irvine · 31 December 2009, 10:23 AM

Hafke did a 1/6 scale version for RCM many years ago - perhaps yours in a blow up of that plan.

I would look to rebuilding the fuselage sides - they look like 1/4" ply!! You don't want that kind of weight behind the CG with such a short nosed plane. Frankly, such construction suggests to me that the design may be not worth considering - I question the experience of such a designer. But it is hard to determine from just some photos of the parts.

My 2 cents,

Martin

stefanP · 31 December 2009, 11:39 AM

Martin,I thought henry just drew up all the geebee planes.I don't know if henry does the internet but here is his postal information.Don't wait to long either,as he is 86 yrs old

.
Henry Haffke
2560 route 9 #48
Mallta,NewYork. 12020
USA
Info below from rcm plans

FOKKER D-VIII
$12.00
56" span, 500 sq. in., .35-.40, 4 ch., built-up balsa, plywood, and spruce, one sheet 34-1/2" x 58-1/2"

Model: pl-1135
Designed by: Henry Haffke
Featured in issue: RCM 1-93

Good luck,stefanP

greenknight · 31 December 2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Irvine

Hafke did a 1/6 scale version for RCM many years ago - perhaps yours in a blow up of that plan.

Here's a link to the page for the Haffke-designed Fokker D.VIII at the RCM plans service:

FOKKER D-VIII [pl-1135] - $12.00 : RCM Plans, Construction plans from RCM Magazine

The plan being soldd by RCM is 56" span, so 1/6 scale. I concur with Martin Irvine's concerns about the ply fuselage structure. If this short kit is indeed based on a Henry Haffke plan (enlargeed) I rather doubt that this plywood arrangment would have been part of the original Haffke design. Might be worth seeing if you can get a scan of the original construction article before buying the plans.

It also appears that several of the formers in the kit are made from ply as well. I'd check that feature against the original plans too, particularly for those formers that fall behind the CG. You really want to keep these short-nosed subjects light aft of the CG. The VK (now Proctor) Fokker Triplane was very well engineered in this respect.

anulledreflection · 14 January 2010, 04:06 PM

I'd like to extend my thanks to everyone who offered their input and information. My grandfather is also extremely grateful. As for the concerns that some of you addressed regarding the kit's viability as something that can fly; to be honest my grandfather mostly just wants to build it (for now), so the plans are still very helpful. But I will certainly relay that concern to him.
Once again, I sincerely thank all of you for your kindness and generosity for your time and assistance.

Reflection.