Plans using tube fuselage

nieuport fan · 1 October 2006, 02:52 PM

I was wondering what full scale plans were available for any WWI fighter using a welded tube fuselage instead of wood?

Jim Bruton · 1 October 2006, 03:35 PM

other than Fokker?

nieuport fan · 1 October 2006, 03:59 PM

Jim,thanks for the reply. Yes and even including Fokker.I am wanting to build a fighter replica using a welded tube fuselage, whether it was originally constructed that way or not. I just want a very authentic looking aircraft.I want the plans to be as complete as possible.Is it possible to derive a tube fuse from wood drawings?

1 October 2006, 06:14 PM

I'm of the opinion that there is no reason most any WWI design could not be built in steel tube in lieu of wood. For myself,I don't think I would bother with anyone's plans if I had original data. But then I grew up around early replica's by Joe Phiefer (steel tube fuselage Sopwith Pup). There is not much constructionally different than a Piper J-3 and such a one off WWI type. Square tubing is heavier than round, but can comes out as light as a trussedwire/ wood if used properly. It is certainly easier to cut and fit! There are a number of projects using wood in the wings and steel for the fuse. Pup, Camel, and others used mixed construction in wings and tail feathers.
Rozendahl was the fellow's name I meant earlier. I"ve seen the three pages you mention, and would use them to build from. IIRC- Hardesty's drawings show all the wood members.
We here at Dawn Patrol Aviation can be of any assistance you may need.
Contact me at
visaliaaviation@sbcglobal.net
We're in the Southern Central Valley of California

Prop Nut · 2 October 2006, 07:09 AM

Charles, where can I find more information about Dawn Patrol Aviation (CO?, Inc?, Lt? I am assuming from your statement that it is some type of company dealing with early aviation)

2 October 2006, 08:22 AM

Have you tried Airdrome Aeroplanes ? ( www.airdromeaeroplanes.com ). He built the Nieuports used in the "FLYBOYS" movie. Very realistic. Torque tube ailerons, etc.
Cher'o,
Lt. Dwight Rudder, RFC
Former Nieuport Pilot , hopeful DH-2 pilot.

Jim Bruton · 2 October 2006, 09:40 AM

http://www.ronsandsreplicas.com/

Here you go. Welded steel fuselage. Full scale. And lots of us to help.

Jim

nieuport fan · 2 October 2006, 07:53 PM

Thanks for everybody's response. Charles, I have emailed you and I hope there is a way to build the 11.Rudder, I have looked at airdromeaeroplanes and I don't think they would have the authenticity and detail that I'm looking for. Jim, that plane looks great. How difficult is it to build?It seems there are a few people on here building it. I was curious about the wood work, and the authenticity.I appreciate all the input

Jim Bruton · 3 October 2006, 08:08 AM

Honestly the plane doesn't seem all that hard to build- certainly easier than some others. For starters, all wings use the same rib pattern, except for the aileron areas, and those are the same ribs, just chopped off at the back. The Spars are pretty straighforward too. The only thing "hard" is making sure you accurately visualize what the plans are telling you do, and that's only in a couple of places. For those, plenty of documentation can be found in the DR1 (Sands) Builders forum here.

Jim

gipsymoth236k · 3 October 2006, 09:36 AM

These are all FULL-SIZED reproduction airplane plans:

I have John Schuler's fine Nieuport 28C.1 plans (eBay find) that uses a steel tube fuselage and tail. Javier Arango owns this Nieuport 28 today, and replaced the 145hp Warner radial with the correct and original 160hp Gmone rotary. It's the 'loudest' running engine on the planet - all agree!

Also, Walt Redfern has not only his Fokker Dr.I, but also Nieuport 17 plans available that use a steel tube fuselage and tail.

Ron Sands also has Fokker Dr.I plans available.

Regards, Gary Sewall