DR-1 (Sands): Builders Group - Page 42

Jim Bruton · 25 February 2005, 01:16 PM

Thank your stars that you found this site- I wouldn't dream of trying this without the great network of fellow builders and scholars here. Don't let WolfenBill make you jealous with that great looking aicraft he is building!

You will find great comraderie here and lots of help. If you ever want to simply call, just let me know and we can chat by phone!

Which state do you live in and do you belong to an EAA chapter? I love in CT and do belong to the EAA but haven't really tapped into it yet. I started my project last summer and built my ribs first, then winter hit and I', just thawing out. Hope to build the spars next and so on. Tell us more about your building expertise- woodworking, machining, welding, etc.

Welcome aboard Joe!

All the Best,

Jim Bruton

joepilot · 25 February 2005, 06:02 PM

Gentlemen,

It is good to be here. Thank you Jim for the heads up on WolfenBill. WolfenBill thank you for the reality check - nice art work. I live in the DFW area and just joined the McKinney, TX chapter. I hope they will provide the necessary smarts. I have built many different things from floor to ceiling book shelves to a barn. I must say this project is daunting. I need to have an air-to-air fighter as I sorely miss my fighter days back in the USAF. The triplane seemed to be a true air-to-air machine that is a challenge to fly. When I was in the AF I studied the tactics of MvR and the others. So, it fits the bill.

I have to go fly a 4-day trip. C'ya then.

check six

kitfoxdave · 26 February 2005, 05:08 AM

Jim Bruton,
I was involved with the Hartford chapter in the late 80's ealry 90's. There were some great people in the chapter! very knowledgable and always willing to lend a hand. (I traveled 60 miles to go to meetings and it was worth it!)
Joe Gauthier is one resource you do not want to live without!

Dave

Fokker210 · 26 February 2005, 08:51 PM

Joepilot - Glad to see you here ! I believe you will find the builders here a great resource. One of the best things about the people contributing to this thread is the fact that everyone seems to be at a different stage of completion on their build and can add some really valuable insight and assistance to the inevitable questions that will crop up throughout the process ( and there will be many, believe me )!

Everyone here has been super helpful and their willingness to share is motivating ! So...Ask the questions and I'm sure you will get the answers you are looking for...If that doesn't do it, we'll provide photos...None of us have all the answers but we're collectively getting there !

My advice :
Get the plans and spend plenty of time going over them - the build is complicated but hey, you have your own "builder support group ".

Practice your welding - EAA's TIG workshop is outstanding.
Visit Old Kingsbury - I'm jealous

Then just go ahead and jump in the pool hip deep and get started - everyone here will be more than happy to toss you the occassional life preserver !

Good Luck !!

Dogtail2 · 27 February 2005, 06:30 AM

Hi all!

This is a fascinating forum. I am thinking of starting my first homebuilt aircraft and am leaning towards the Sands DR1.
My first problem will be to properly set up my workshop with a suitable flat building surface for wings etc.
What do you guys use, and how are they constructed. Any good links or books on this topic would be appreciated. It seems to me that without a perfectly flat surface, nothing on the aeroplane will be straight.

Thanks

worldcrusier · 27 February 2005, 02:13 PM

The Sand's plans give a good plan for a spar table. The other tables you can build almost any way that is easiest with what is available locally. Spend several hours and several days looking at the Sand's plans. Many of the questions you have are already answered here in this thread, and the forum members have been very generous with any additional information you need. We/I don't have all the answers but part of the fun of building is solving the problems.

Dogtail2 · 27 February 2005, 02:43 PM

Thanks worldcruiser.
I havent bought the plans yet as Im gathering as much info as I can before committing. Im also waiting to hear from the PFA (British EAA) if the Sands plans are on their list of approved designs.
At this stage its all pretty daunting. My previous building experience has been limited to balsawood models. Welding experience almost none.
Ive just imported a Pitts S1S and spent the last few months putting it on a PFA permit but there was very little to do apart from fitting a starter system.(Im ok with a spanner).

Its gonna be a steep learning curve!

Jim Bruton · 27 February 2005, 06:15 PM

Hi DogTail2,

Where in Norfolk? I used to live in Hethersett, right outside Norwich- at Thickthorn Hall. Welcome!

Jim Bruton

JMPD · 28 February 2005, 08:16 AM

Well, if you've never done any welding before, DogTail2, I highly recommend getting yourself an auto dimming helmet. This way, you won't have as hard a time making sure you line up your bead right, or accidentally arc with your helmet up, not a good thing to be sure. Get in a lot of practice and perhaps find someone who does auto body fabrication, theing like roll cages, and see if they can give you some pointers.

Jim, where are you in the Nutmeg state? I'm from the Middletown area, not to far from the guy with the Piper Cub and the grass strip behind his house.

Jim Bruton · 28 February 2005, 12:16 PM

JMPD,

I live in the Middlebury area, very near Waterbury Oxford Airport (OXC, if anyone wants to drop by). FritzKempf, who also appears "here" occasionally, is building his Triplane in Avon, nearer you. We go flying now and then. We are looking to keep our Tripes at N41, just north of Waterbury. When they get built, that is! If you like, you can tell me more about yourself off-forum by writing geonav1@earthlink.net !

All the Best,

Jim