Replica DH-2 Construction Process

greatwarpilot · 24 June 2006, 07:30 PM

Hello Everyone,

Since the "Flying DR1 Rebuild" thread went over so well, we thought it might be a good idea to start a thread following the progress of the Great War Flying Museum's newest project. Namely the DH-2 project we recently purchased.

The story begins with a bit of a road trip from Brampton, Ontario to Kentucky to pick up the project. Along the way we couldn't resist stopping to visit a few folks, and do a little research at the WPAFB archives (thanks Jumpinjan for setting us up with a contact in the archives!).

Here are Brisfitworks and I outside the Museum of the USAF. Maxim08 also joined us on the trip, but happens to be the one taking a number of the pictures.

As many of you have guessed this project is the one that was advertised on the www.vintageaerofabrics.com website by Ross Walton. The GWFM has long discussed building a DH-2 and when this opportunity came up it seemed to good to turn down.

Here are a few pictures depicting the parts that were included in the project (minus the Sopwith Camel forward fuselage... we brough that along for show and tell). It is perhaps notworthy to compare the length of the trailer with the length of the competed wing section...

continued...

greatwarpilot · 24 June 2006, 07:38 PM

This picture is interesting in that it illustrates just how big the bloody rudder is on this airplane.

And of course what thread would be complete without Maxim08 being his regular witty self... Just add engine noise, a little imagination and you've got a DH-2 in flight! Well... sort of....

Finally a few more images showing the loading of the various bits.

After a long drive they arrived safely back in Brampton and work has begun in earnest to turn these bits and pieces into an airplane. The first order of business has been completing the 3 unfinished ailerons. Work is moving along well, and more pictures will be on the way to share our progress with the forum.

Cheers

Edward

Fritz Kempf · 24 June 2006, 08:36 PM

This is great; I can’t wait to see this project progress.

Good Luck
Ed

RobW · 25 June 2006, 04:32 AM

This is great, looking forward to the upcoming pictures & stuff!

snipe · 28 June 2006, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greatwarpilot

This picture is interesting in that it illustrates just how big the bloody rudder is on this airplane.

The rudder only looks big because Our Fearless Leader, Brisfitworks, is about 4'2" tall...

RFC Pilot · 28 June 2006, 02:14 PM

Oh wait. He reads this forum.

RFC Pilot · 30 June 2006, 07:21 PM

It did not take long before the eager workers at the museum started working on the DH-2 project.

But first, some other work was also being done.

Here, one of our propellers is being balanced.

Now back to the DH-2

The first thing to be worked on an completed are the ailerons.

Here is the first one, completed and varnished.

Here the wood wedges that reinforce the trailing edge have been added.

The horn for the aileron cable is being fitted to this one.

Jasta 5 Von Muller · 30 June 2006, 07:59 PM

saaaaaaaaawwweeeettttttttttttttttt!!!!

wolfenbill · 8 July 2006, 09:33 AM

Glad to see this bird being resurrected! Keep up the great work. Sorry we're so far apart. Thank goodness for the internet.

RFC Pilot · 10 July 2006, 06:29 PM

That is one of the great things about the internet. It allows all this communication and assistance across the vast distances we are spread out over.

The DH2 is still moving along. All the ailerons as done, except for the trailing edges, the material for which is currently being ordered.

A plan of attack is being worked out for the sequence of work, so we will know what is next on the list.