Sopwith Snipe Project

[Nick]

Originally Posted by greatwarpilot

Nick,

I haven't commented in a while because I've been so busy with my own research project lately, but I've certainly been keeping tabs on the thread. Stunning work. Keep at it, and I look forward to seeing the in-flight shots of you and your machine one of these days.

Can't compliment you enough for the lengths you're going to in order to produce an accurate replica.

Cheers,

Hi Edward,
Thanks for your comments, the photos of Barkers Snipe you sent me have been a constant reference source. This is yet another example where they have been invaluable. Often the plans say one thing but actually find that it was done differently and the plans not amended.
Many thanks again

Cheers, Nick

[Machinbird]

Nick,
A search for the term "snaphead" produced a likely result. See the following linkSapphire Products - Large Solid Round or Snap Head Rivets - BS 4620 Table 2: Metric Sizes The term Snaphead may have originated in the mining industry according to another link. Basically a hemispherical head drive type rivet.
Sid

[Nick]

Originally Posted by Machinbird

Nick,
A search for the term "snaphead" produced a likely result. See the following linkSapphire Products - Large Solid Round or Snap Head Rivets - BS 4620 Table 2: Metric Sizes The term Snaphead may have originated in the mining industry according to another link. Basically a hemispherical head drive type rivet.
Sid

Hi Sid,
Many thanks. It appears thats its just another term for the same thing, a round round head or universal rivet. I wonder how it got it's name.

Cheers, Nick

[j ferguson]

Any chance that "snap-head" means frangible? Is there any condition involving the location and purpose of these rivets which would suggest they might be wanted to fail under some circumstance.


This idea is entirely speculative, but maybe a frangible design is implied by the name.

[Nick]

Originally Posted by j ferguson

Any chance that "snap-head" means frangible? Is there any condition involving the location and purpose of these rivets which would suggest they might be wanted to fail under some circumstance.


This idea is entirely speculative, but maybe a frangible design is implied by the name.

Certainly sounds like thats what it means, but don't believe that to be the case. In this case it calls for the rivets, then it is also welded after.

Cheers, Nick

[US95Damiani]

Nick,

Don't confuse round head with Universal rivets, Universal rivets have a "flattened round head" and sit lower when bucked than normal round head rivets. Universals are more modern and used in current production airplanes. there is a distinct difference between the two.

Keep up the good work!

Mike

[Nick]

Originally Posted by US95Damiani

Nick,

Don't confuse round head with Universal rivets, Universal rivets have a "flattened round head" and sit lower when bucked than normal round head rivets. Universals are more modern and used in current production airplanes. there is a distinct difference between the two.

Keep up the good work!

Mike

Hi Mike,
Thanks, you're absolutely right, there is a difference. No confusion though, none of yer modern fangled rivets in this machine!

Cheers, Nick

[Nick]

Progress has slowed down a bit this last month, too many other distractions.
Have been making the flight controls and will post a few pics when I eventually finish them but here’s a few of making the Rudder & tailskid control horn. I don’t know how these were made originally and probably there’s an easier way to do it but this is what I did.

Initially machined up a die to press the shape into



Then made up the shape of the horn out of bar, but allowing for the thickness of the steel.
Drilled and tapped some holes to hold the sheet in place. Then finally pressed it up.



You end up with these which I’ll cut out and weld up.



I now have to do it all again for the Elevator control horns which of course are a different size. Does anyone have an easier way of producing these?

Also the other day I received a PM from someone regarding Colour schemes. When I went to reply to it half an hour later it had disappeared off into cyberspace. Whoever it was that sent it must think I’m a rude S.O.B for not replying. My apologies to whoever it was but if you send it again I’ll do my best to reply.

Cheers, Nick

[Joe Perkel]

Originally Posted by Nick

I don’t know how these were made originally and probably there’s an easier way to do it but this is what I did.

Nick,

Something Bill (brisfitworks) once said sticks in my mind. "...Two guys separated by 100 years, are likely to come up with the same solution..."

Lining up the shopping list for the new shop!, hopefully will be joining you soon!

Spectacular work as always!

[Nick]

Still plodding away with the flight controls. Cut out the rudder horn pieces that I pressed out and then edge welded them.



Then added a saddle at each end. Went through the same process for the Elevator control horns which are slightly larger than the rudder horn.

Then had to bore out the holes for the respective tubes to slide through. . Don’t have a boring bar at home so took them along to trade school and did them there.



The rudder horn had the added complication of the hole being bored at 8 ½ degrees so had to make up a jig to hold it at that angle.