DR-1 (Sands): Builders Group

[Jim Bruton]

good thought Pete!

1 - the Wicks steel tubing module has been updated from some previous errors, but i believe they are still shorting you on the 7/8" .035 - as it is still listed as only 10 feet total! i would need to double check how much extra i had to order, but i think it was nearly an extra $180 or so...

http://www.wicksaircraft.com/links/W...inks/FK-16.pdf

also, really get them to confirm module pricing- i went to order my steel sheet at $129.95 and they admitted it was wrong- and it still is. i took off the welding rod and it still cost over $200!

i'll check over the weekend and see where my shortages were.

jim

[vongrube]

Dogtail,
Thanks for the article. I print out every pilot report I find for future reference since there are no pilot manuals on this aircraft.
My goal is to extrapolate the data from these various sources, and create a usable Fokker Dr1 flight manual.
Thanks again!

[greatwarpilot]

Vongrube,

I would bet that your best resource for putting together a flight manual is going to be flying your own aircraft. The pilot reports I've read on the airplane vary wildly in certain areas. I don't know if this is due to the varied tailwheel experience of the people writing the reports, or to differences in construction in the particular example they were reporting on. Each could have a significant impact.

I may be mistaken in this, but is G-BEFR not the fatal in the UK that resulted from a failure on the rudder hinges? If thats the case then I understand it to have been caused from using an "improved" rudder hinge that more resembled a large piano hinge than the original Fokker strap hinges. CamelPilot in the other forum, that Dogtail kindly linked to, claimed it to be a "meticulously researched Fokker Dr1 Triplane, (G-BEFR)". However if they were using the style of hinge I've described, then for me it brings into doubt his claims regarding the authenticity of the aircraft.

That being said, still an interesting read and I look forward to comparing my own triplane flying experience this coming year to the various accounts out there.

Cheers

Edward

[Dogtail2]

Jim, thanks!

Vongrube, I will keep an eye out for any more Triplane experiences and pass them on.

I believe GBEFR was the fatal, but I didnt know it had non standard hinges. The Sands plans show a U shaped tube reinforcement of the upper rudder hinge probably as a result of that accident.

Talking of hinges, how have you guys tackled making them. They look tricky to produce. Any tips would be appreciated!

[Jim Bruton]

i could suggest one source for them- USD$30 each was the going price last year, and you need 11. we stopped mentioning things like this because there seemed to be an unspoken cosmic "$50 rule". if it is over $50 total, no deal! still, i can check if you want- i have them and they seem perfect.

[Dogtail2]

Jim,

I'm talking to a local engineering outfit to see if they can make them. If not I'll get back to you.

[Jim Bruton]

Looky this!

Ed and I have the tailpost on my fuselage now, and attached the rudder, after shaping the wood insert that the fabric attaches to and placing it in its proper position at the front of the rudder. We also coiled the corner gusset tubing, cut it and tacked it in place at the various stations along the fuselage. This week, we will finish the full weld of the gussets, tweak the horiz stab trapezoid (before beginning those ribs) and perhaps start on the landing gear. we are awaiting some more epoxy for the spars- about to box in the last ladder, then the 1/8" trim on all. i am also ordering my turnbuckles this week, as well as the wheels. Ed has his wheels and aluminum box already made. we are crankin'! you can also see my rudder bar laying next to the "see through" of the fuselage.

i can't tell you what it has meant to have someone else to work with on this project.

[Jim Bruton]

Recently i mentioned researching different sources for our materials. i mentioned that Sirius Aviation had some items cheaper than Wicks, such as the 90 degree 1.5 mm 50x50 ply and epoxy. I had spoken to them before, about a year ago, and felt everything would be OK- so I PayPal-ed my money for 1 gallon of T-88. That was over a week ago, and not only have they not responded to 3 email queries about my order, but their phone number doesn't work either. So I am contacting PayPal to try and get a refund, and warning everyone to stay away from there.

[Dogtail2]

Jim and Ed

Fantastic progress. You are making me feel like Im wearing lead boots or something!!!

How have you been bending your tube, especially those small corner peices for the bracing. I have been trying unsuccessfully to bend that small loop at the top of the tailskid. I get tube distortion/kinking every time.

Pete

[AAC Cadet Leader]

Gonna sneak in here and grab the #1000 post.
Still watching you guys from the sidelines as you build your crazy tri-planes. Go guys, go!