Phil's Albatros Project

Der Grüne Flieger · 29 June 2007, 03:11 PM

Dear Forum Members,

As some know, I am just starting a project to build a full-sized replica of an Albatros D. Va. I live near Jeff Brooks, whose passion for his D VII project has reignited my desire to build my own plane. Besides that, he is a great guy and a good resource for asking dumb questions of. I'm writing this open letter to solicit opinions as to starting a thread.

Sounds simple, I know, but I will need to do a lot of work before any sawdust starts to fly. I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread early so as to get good guidance from everyone. I'd like to build as accurate a replica as possible, but I realize there will be many concessions made in the name of safety, engine and plain lack of knowledge.

So, here is where I stand as of now;

1) Plans
As far as I can tell, there is no definitive set of plans out there for a D. Va. I have the NASM book and they have the Bob Waugh plans in them. A couple of member told me to be careful, there are mistakes in them.

I've ordered from Leo O. all the info. he has on his site. That will include dwgs and photos from WW1 AERO #128, as well as 15 sheets including rib sections, all dimensions. He thinks these may have some Bob Waugh drawings included, but I've got to take a chance and get all the info I can.

I am getting a CAD program this weekend and will begin the process of assembling the construction drawings. This is the part that I know will take a very long time. I have a contact that is going to help me scan the drawings I already have and to try to put it into some sort of construction book.

2)Visit other builders
Fred Murrin was kind enough to put me in touch with a gentleman from PA who is building an Albo. He has the fuselage done and is working on the wings. I will stop down to see him after the July 4th holiday and will bring pictures back for the members to see.

I've got a couple emails out to Jim Appleby, but so far no reply.

I received a couple of great emails from Koloman Mayrhofer and Spadmaker on their projects. Both are wood intensive and can serve as a sort of pattern for me.

That's it so far. What do you think? I am a good woodworker, who probably has enough tools (don't tell my wife) and a small shop with which to work in. I am not a pilot, although I took some lessons years ago. Do you have any suggestions, plans, or construction tips. Is there anyone else out there building an Albo?

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Phil

Butch · 29 June 2007, 04:04 PM

Phil,
Jump in and get started. I do think Franzkait has a valid point as to the engine question. But you have a great resource in Mr. Brooks and other experts such as Achim and Spadmaker on the thread. There is no reason not to begin.

I did learn one very big lesson when building my Skybolt. If you want an aircraft, buy one. Only build if that is your objective, the building of an aircraft. I thought it would be an easy way to get into the air and I was wrong. I'm glad I did it though.

Get started,
Pete

Bookmaker · 29 June 2007, 04:07 PM

Have you contacted anyone at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome on what info they may have on their D-Va?

Dale

jumpinjan · 29 June 2007, 06:27 PM

You should continue with research on developing the drawings and understanding all the details in fabrication, but I wouldn't start any building until you have secured the powerplant first. Just as Franzkait mentioned.
Al Cvelbar is the person that Fred was talking about. We spoke many times and he rebuilt the wrecked Avro 504 of Rhinebeck's.
Jan

Der Grüne Flieger · 29 June 2007, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butch

Phil,
Jump in and get started. I do think Franzkait has a valid point as to the engine question. But you have a great resource in Mr. Brooks and other experts such as Achim and Spadmaker on the thread. There is no reason not to begin.

I did learn one very big lesson when building my Skybolt. If you want an aircraft, buy one. Only build if that is your objective, the building of an aircraft. I thought it would be an easy way to get into the air and I was wrong. I'm glad I did it though.

Get started,
Pete

Pete,

Thanks for your reply. BTW do you still have the Skybolt, that is one good looking plane.

Funny you should mention building versus flying. I am not in a hurry to fly and building the plane is really what I want to do. Sure it will be a blast to fly, but the idea of figuring out how to build it and the historical aspects are what fires me.

Koloman Mayrhofer's experience is very relevant for me, he spent 4000hrs on researching plans and estimates 8000hrs for an accurate replica. That is not for the faint of heart.

Phil

Butch · 29 June 2007, 07:14 PM

Phil,
It is similar to what model ship builders go through. If you think you are interested, start the research. You will probably find either it is all consuming, or you will put it away in a few years. But starting is the key. There is nothing to lose but time, and much to gain. Change your thread to "your project" and let us know how it goes.
Pete

Der Grüne Flieger · 29 June 2007, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bookmaker

Have you contacted anyone at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome on what info they may have on their D-Va?

Dale

Bookmaker,

Good point, Didn't Cole and Gordon Bainbridge built it? I think they have both gone West. I will send over an email tonight and see if I can get any info from the current group running the ORA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumpinjan

You should continue with research on developing the drawings and understanding all the details in fabrication, but I wouldn't start any building until you have secured the powerplant first. Just as Franzkait mentioned.
Al Cvelbar is the person that Fred was talking about. We spoke many times and he rebuilt the wrecked Avro 504 of Rhinebeck's.
Jan

Jan,

You are right, the powerplant is my first hurdle past the plans. The NASM book will be indispensable, they cover the restoration of their D. Va. step-by-step.

Al is the guy in PA. I didn't know if I should bring his name into the forum. He mentioned the Avro to me, that is one of the reasons I didn't plan a visit earlier. He is busy putting the finishing touches on it.

Phil

AchimEngels · 29 June 2007, 11:54 PM

Phil,

just my two cents...

If you wait to have the engine question solved and all the research done, you may have all the answers one day, but yet not a single hole drilled.

Just get into it and grow with the project. If anything turns out done wrong, what is the point in not doing it again?

There is certainly no problem that can not be overcome...and I agree with some of the earlier posts. There are certainly many great guys in this scene who will help you either with inspiration or knowledge.

What´s the hold up?

Cheers!

Achim

ulpilot · 30 June 2007, 05:00 AM

True, not having decided on an engine should not prevent you from at least starting the project. There are lot's of things that can be done before an engine is found, wings, tail, control fittings, and a lot of cockpit stuff. That list should keep you busy for awhile, and you'll be that much farther ahead when you do find an engine.

What kind of CAD program did you get? I'm running Solidworks myself, and MasterCam for programming the CNC.

Der Grüne Flieger · 30 June 2007, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butch

Phil,
It is similar to what model ship builders go through. If you think you are interested, start the research. You will probably find either it is all consuming, or you will put it away in a few years. But starting is the key. There is nothing to lose but time, and much to gain. Change your thread to "your project" and let us know how it goes.
Pete

Butch,

Thanks for the reply, I have had the thread name changed and am moving forward. Get ready for lots of questions.

Phil

Quote:

Originally Posted by AchimEngels

Phil,

just my two cents...

If you wait to have the engine question solved and all the research done, you may have all the answers one day, but yet not a single hole drilled.

Just get into it and grow with the project. If anything turns out done wrong, what is the point in not doing it again?

There is certainly no problem that can not be overcome...and I agree with some of the earlier posts. There are certainly many great guys in this scene who will help you either with inspiration or knowledge.

What´s the hold up?

Cheers!

Achim

Achim,

Your two cents is worth four!

I'm not one who has to have all the answers before starting. I'm going to do it and am looking forward to the journey.

Two questions (Everybody, please add your opinion here!):

1) In my eyes, you are an expert in all things Fokker. Besides Koloman, who is my hero, is there anyone else you could recommend for all things Albatros.

2) Spadmaker made it a point to visit every source he could to gain info on his SPAD projects. Is there any museum or place in Europe that you might recommend I visit for Albatros info? I'd like to get to a level of background knowledge that is similar to yours.

Regards,
Phil