DR-1 (Sands): Builders Group - Page 16

29 September 2004, 10:48 PM

I’ve watched this engine for some time now, progressing from the low powered one it started as to its current higher powered configuration. Looks interesting, but I’ve never really seen one in person before so I will refrain from making any judgment.

Radials in general are a pain in the ass when they are running well, but many engine guys love the pain. I think I like it and it’s my cup of tea. My worry is that as a HOME BUILT ENGINE KIT in its own right, and a radial at that, the number of daily problems could be at a level where you never really know about its reliability. That means you’ll hardly ever fly it. Your Triplane is a lot of work; you’ll want to fly it all the time, too much work for a questionable engine. The HP is up enough on that engine now but at an acceptable rpm its still only 80 hp. The basic issue as I see it is this: if you are an engine type guy, then there are a number of acceptable radials for the job, you’ll love being up to your elbows in it, but if you are not an engine guy you need to listen to Ron Sands on the subject or you’ll never really have the confidence in it to just go have fun, and that’s why you are building the thing.

I know, I know, there are those in the community that will say “How dare you abominate that thing with anything but an original rotary engine.” I say FUXK those big mouthed engine hording elitists. They are not really interested in seeing you fly your plane and if you spend any time with them you’ll realize they spend most of their time tearing down other people’s projects. This is because they really see them as thunder stealers.

Take advice from those that can help you implement that advice and build your plane such that the only thing in question is your flying skill, which you can always bone up on.

worldcrusier · 30 September 2004, 01:47 PM

Other than the russian M14 non geared radial are there any other radial engines of european lineage which might work?? I'm aware of the US engines(warner,continental, lyc opposed four, etc.) but I'm really ignorant of european designs. What about the engine in the Polish Wilga??

worldcrusier · 2 October 2004, 02:16 PM

Vongrube,
You mentioned that you have working propane guns. Will you share more info please. did you wing it or base your guns on an exusting design?

Jim Bruton · 3 October 2004, 06:29 PM

Hi Everyone,

Well, I am halfway through my main full length ribs. I have made all my wing tip ribs and the related edges, and the 2 center wing cut-out ribs. Now I only need to make the other 21 full length ribs, the shorter ribs that go with the ailerons and the doublers. I hope to be done with these in the next 4 to 5 weeks!

Fritz and I went flying today over Connecticut, looking for grass strips to park our Triplanes at. Then we looked over a scaled down SE5a at Waterbury Oxford airport. Then I brough Fritz back to show off my shop and talk tripes!

We are planning to put together our spars over the winter in his heated

shop. At the same time, we will get his ribs going, and some more of my welded components going. Will be great to have 2 finished Tripes sitting side by side one day!

How's everyone's weekend?

Jim
=-)

kitfoxdave · 4 October 2004, 04:38 PM

I hoped to attached the SAE Ferrule Spec from 1918 Colvin "Aircraft Mechanics Handbook". The file is too large to post here... I will post to my website... Use this link [html]http://www.geocities.com/n267kf/saeferrule.jpg

I hope this helps answer some questions.....

Dave

worldcrusier · 5 October 2004, 06:38 AM

Thanks for the ferrule info. I've just finished cleaning up my fathers old south bend lathe and the ferrules are just the thing to work on.

kitfoxdave · 5 October 2004, 02:06 PM

Glad to be of assistance... I collect engineering technical books (design, structure, engines) pre 1940 pretty much. If you are looking for specific engineering technical information I'll try to help.

Dave

Jim Bruton · 5 October 2004, 04:19 PM

I can't imagine how we could do this- where you guys come together to make the wonderful contributions you do- without the Net. It's great!

Fokker210 · 5 October 2004, 06:03 PM

Been away for a little while but I'm now back at it ! Got a call from Wick's and some of my spar materials had to be back ordered

I have been promised delivery in a week or two.

During this down period I did have a chance to do a little more on the guns - I finished the vented front pieces for the cooling jackets. the pic shows my temporary mock-up.

I plan to go ahead and start fabricating the spar brackets as well so I can have them available when I get to that point on the spars. Has anyone here done these already ?

worldcrusier · 6 October 2004, 08:17 AM

I haven't done any of the brackets, but I've done the set up. I was told by a builder that the thickness of material I was needing to bend was beyond normal sheet metal breaks. So, I watched a local cheap tool store for a sale and bought a 12 ton press for about $100. I then went to Wholesale Tool and bought two 6" bench vise breaks. I built a mounting frame and for a total of about $140, I now have a press break. I then acquired some 1" keystock to make a jig. Using the mid wing strut bracket as a pattern I drilled and chamfered the keystock. Now I jus break the steel(shown is a test piece), trim out the excess, bolt to the jig, clamp the ends, and weld. Seems to work pretty well. Using the midwing bracket allows you to build one jig for all the strut brackets.