DR-1 (Sands): Builders Group - Page 18

Jim Bruton · 21 October 2004, 02:53 PM

Hi Funfdekker,

I would still get the parts and price list from Wicks- take the prices off the list and shop it around anyplace in the UK or Europe that sells aircraft building supplies- see what it compares to anyway. You might have an easier time of finding an engine than many of us here- let us know how you get on- we have people here from as far away as South Africa.

Jim Bruton · 24 October 2004, 07:28 AM

Just inquired with Ron Sands Jr. about the possible fabrication of parts. Doesn't look too good! The family has had some interest by people interested in perhaps purchasing the jigs and carrying on the work, if you know of anyone who could step to the plate and make this happen, then let Ron Jr. know!

here is the email:
------------------------------------------------
Hi Jim,

I doubt that we would be in a position to fabricate any parts. My Dad was
teaching my step brother all of that but unfortunately he passed away back
in 1998. My job didn't afford me much time to work with Dad a great deal to
learn all of this fabricating. I've always wished that I could have spent
more time with him to have learned this.

Dad has many jigs that he built to produce parts. We're hoping that someone
will buy the jigs and materials and keep this work going. It is something
that needs to work out in the future. There was some interest expressed
some time ago but we haven't heard from that person recently.

I will let you know if this changes as I hope someone will step up to cover
this needs.

Thanks again for your good wishes to all of us.

Ron

Fokker210 · 25 October 2004, 09:19 PM

While continuing to wait on my spar materials, work is progressing on the Spandaus. I have finished the muzzle boosters but still have the gland nut to go. This should be a pretty easy part to complete and will be located between the booster and the jacket face piece. I will probably go ahead and complete the sights and that should take care of the guns forward of the receiver. The gun work will more than likely be put on hold at that point so I can concentrate on finishing my spar brackets so they will be ready are the spars progress - that is, if my spar materials ever arrive

Hope everyone's build is going smoothly and the workshops are warming up for the Winter !

Jim Bruton · 27 October 2004, 09:55 AM

...What are you all planning to power your planes with?

Can anyone say if the Rotec or HCI radials cannot or should not be used? I am not ready to rush out and buy one, but I like to think forward to the end of the road too, in this case, probably the last thing I'll just about decide with regards to the aircraft.

Rex, you still out there?

worldcrusier · 29 October 2004, 07:38 PM

Engine is still up in the air--so to speak. I've started a new job and have slowed down some. Still hope to get the fus tubing on order soon. Thought I'd mention a couple of shop items I've found indespensible. first is a foot switch on my drill press. Although somewhat pricy for a good one it really a makes using the drill press much easier as it frees a hand and quick stops are easy. Second is a Sears DEhumidifier. I've had an issue with moisture in the shop so by piping the drain outside I can leave the unit running all the time. some days I get close to a gallon of water out of the shop. Thew unit has a control for how humid you want it and maintains the same level very well.

jumpinjan · 30 October 2004, 06:44 AM

Jim Bruton,
I don't see much of a comparison between the two. To me, the HCI is more for someone that wants to have some fun building his own engine. Some detriments are: 1) needs to only run on fuel injection (more expense), 2) No prop speed reduction unit integrated into the engine case (unless you design & build it yourself), 3) lower volumetric efficiency - flat head combustion chamber (vs. a hemi for the Rotec).
Advantages? 1) uses common VW cylinder barrels & pistons. However, I'm not sure this is really an advantage. I believe the Rotec has aluminum finned barrels w/cast iron sleeves, while the VW barrels are just solid cast iron. So the Rotec has better/faster heat distribution to the cooling air, I would think.
The costs are almost the same too, so to me, there's not much of a comparison.

Jim Bruton · 30 October 2004, 11:37 AM

....JumpinJan,

which one would you use? think the Rotec would work?

jumpinjan · 30 October 2004, 11:50 AM

On all these WWI replicas, you need a PSRU to swing the big stick. Otherwise, you don't get the performance that you should be getting. So that throws the HCI right out of there.
I think you can have a Rotec shipped to your door for about $13k. Look at this link:
http://www.hevleaviation.com/hevleaviation.htm

Jim Bruton · 1 November 2004, 03:57 PM

Here is how my wing tips are shaping up- trying to figure out how to finish off the trailing edge of the upper wing tip!

Been about 2 months since I began...

Jim Bruton · 2 November 2004, 02:54 AM

Does anyone here have a finished wing tip from the UPPER wing?

I am trying to figure out how the trailing edge finishes off. Since the edge follows the end rib's median line, I assume that the wing tip edge finishes in the middle of the trailing edge of the end rib. The only shape/profile I can imagine for the fabric to handle would be a triangular gusset right at the trailing edge of the end rib, for the edge to attach to. The only hint I get from the drawings is on the wing tip edge template, where the dotted line is in FRONT of the aileron trailing edge dotted "cut line".

Does this question make sense? If you have, or can take, a photo of the trailing edge corner of your finished upper wing tip, with the wing tip edge in place, then it will probably answer my question, or at least visually baseline a followup.

Thank You!