Flying DR-1 Rebuild Process

greatwarpilot · 22 October 2005, 05:58 PM

Our full scale Warner powered DRI replica has been flying every year for almost 25 years. However its fabric finally came to the end of its useful life, and we've started the process of recovering and generally overhauling the aircraft.

If any of the DRI builders are interested in seeing how certain problems or design issues were resolved on this aircraft just let me know and I can provide more detailed photographs.

At the moment the aircraft is disassembled and stripped of its covering except for the tail feathers. As you can see from the photographs below it’s a good time to get a close look at most parts of the airplane.

FliegerJG1 · 22 October 2005, 06:16 PM

Just curious...is the old fabric going to be recycled in any way? Looks too nice to throw away.

VBR...FliegerJG1

greatwarpilot · 22 October 2005, 06:23 PM

Well, our paint and fabric man asked us to save because I think he wants to use it as a bit of a template for getting the new fabric ready. However beyond that we don't have any firm plans yet. The idea had been bounced around that particuarily the sections with markings on them may be sought after by some. Hard to say at this point what will end up happening to it.

Jim Bruton · 22 October 2005, 07:05 PM

GWP, thank yo ufor your offer for close up photos detailing construction- i am sure they can be helpful to us! Just curious, from the use of tube cross bracing instead of using wires and turnbuckles, is this a Redfern design?

Thanks!

Jim

greatwarpilot · 22 October 2005, 07:14 PM

Hello Jim,

It was built well before I was involved with the organization, but this particular tripe seems to be a bit of a mix between Sands and Redfern. At least so I'm told by those who are a little more familiar with the differences between the two sets of plans.

Hearing the opinion of both Sands and Redfern builders out there is part of why I thought this might yield some interesting questions or discussion. This has pretty much been the most reliable bird in our fleet over the years, so based on that I'll go out on a limb and say that the results of this mix seem to have worked out pretty well.

Cheers

Edward

Jim Bruton · 23 October 2005, 05:23 AM

i agree! i am a realist, just as those in WW1 aviation were.

RFC Pilot · 23 October 2005, 06:11 AM

I think you should take pity on those two fellows holding that wing up. Looks like they are pretty tired.

You should buy them a drink for all their hard work.

Anyway, just thought I would let you know I am here now.

Maxim08 · 23 October 2005, 07:54 AM

RFC Pilot,
I suspect that they are tired beacuse they expended too much energy holding up bottles prior to holding up the wing.
Regards,
Maxim08

greatwarpilot · 23 October 2005, 11:25 AM

Here are a few more assorted parts at various stages in the rebuild (tail feathers covered, top wing ready for cover, gear waiting to be stripped, etc).

Any comments from other DR1 Builders out there?

Fokker210 · 23 October 2005, 06:43 PM

Hello !
Thanks for posting these great pics !
It does seem that the trailing edge of the wing is quite a departure from the Sands plans....unfortunately, I do not have the Redfern set to compare to as I am adhering to the Sands version. Is this the way the trailing edge is on the Redfern drawings ? I just haven't seen it done that way. Same question for the little blocks at the front of the spar that the leading edge is attached to.

Regardless, the craftsmanship is outstanding !
Glad to hear she's the workhorse of the stable !