Plans

CodyPaul · 30 August 2003, 02:41 PM

I've noticed where a lot of people are using plans from Replicraft to build full size aircraft. *I was wondering about this as they are plans for model airplanes.

Replicraft does not have the plans I am looking for however. *Preferably an Albatross D.V or Roland C.ii. *Arizona Models (http://www.arizonamodels.com/arizona_models.html) does have plans for a D.V * Does anyone know anything about this company? * If, like replicrafts, *they might be used for full size planes? *They have plans for 1/3 scale aircraft and some of the plans listed seem to be fairly detailed

Anyway, *I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts and appreciate any help.

Cody *

Langdon · 30 August 2003, 08:57 PM

Hi Cody,

Apart from the Fokker D.VII drawings, my understanding is that all Replicraft plans are drawn from original constructors drawings, they are not simply model aircraft plans. A friend of mine has nearly completed a magnificent fullsize, authentic Sopwith Camel using these plans and they represent excellent value for money.

Langdon

CodyPaul · 30 August 2003, 10:04 PM

I just read an article in "Custom Planes" about Jack Kearby. *He built an SE-5a from plans obtained from Jim Kiger.

Replicrafts site though shows the plans sets as being just a few sheets. *For example 3 sheets for a Hanriot HD-1, 5 sheets for a Sopwith Pup, or 9 sheets for the SE-5a.

He only shows copies of original plans for 3 planes though, *all Sopwith Aircraft. *They have considerably more drawing and sheets. *The Pup has 149 drawings on 70 sheets, the Triplane 133 drawing on 85 sheets and the 1 1/2 Strutter shows 234 drawings on 79 sheets.

Is there really enough information on these sets to build a full size plane, *or does he sell plans through another source?

Langdon · 31 August 2003, 03:09 AM

I only have a copy of the D.VII plans and there is enough there to build an aircraft but these are not from original plans rather they are from various researchers and Jim Kieger makes that quite clear on his web site. Certainly there is enough information in the Camel plans to build an authentic replica because it has been done. I have some of the original Sopwith plans and most of the sheets are silghtly larger than A4 (I think this is called fulscape?) and each sheet shows a certain piece, The D.VII plans are on 6 sheets about 30" wide and 6'6" long and are covered in detail.

The photo below is an old one of Fred Murrin's Camel built from Replicraft plans, it is currently being covered and should be flying soon. Fred is a perfectionist and it is my beliefe that he would not be using these plans if they were not the best available.

Langdon

CodyPaul · 31 August 2003, 11:21 AM

Beautiful airplane, *what engine is he going to use? *Would love to find a rotary engine to put in one *radial just won't fit without changing the looks. *

Thought about a Sopwith Pup *maybe a rotec radial would fit in it? *Anyone know where a rotary can be obtained?

Langdon · 31 August 2003, 12:36 PM

I'm not sure which engine Fred will use, he has both LeRhone 110 hp and 160 hp Gnome.
Rotaries are hard to find, it took me years to find my Oberursel so you have to just keep looking.

Best of luck,
Langdon

retread · 31 August 2003, 04:10 PM

Does replicraft still have a website? I cannot get their page to come up. A new web address perhaps?

William · 31 August 2003, 07:06 PM

Weldboy,
Jim's new URL is http://www.replicraft.us.fm . His drawings are well done and have most if not all of a complete plans set set in multiple "windows" on the very large sheets. They are worth more than what he charges. My only note of caution is that sometimes dimensions are left off here and there. Jim is very happy to provide them though if you ask. We have found him extremely helpful, generous, and a true gentleman. I again encourage use of multiple plans sources where at all possible. Some "original" plans sets are made up of drawings from different contractors and subtle changes often exist in them. Always compare everything for fit before you waste wood, metal, time. Rotary engines are a struggle to find and with wealthy competition who collect multiples may be very expensive. Sometimes you get lucky though. Ask around, be patient, hide $30,000 from your accountant so that you can act fast, and keep your fingers crossed. Hold out for the rotary, if nothing else it gives you plenty of time to build your airframe. Good luck and let us know if we can help.
Best,
William
Canvas Falcon Engineering
www.canvasfalcon.com

CodyPaul · 31 August 2003, 08:55 PM

Although William has already done it. *Mr. Kiger asked me to update his website address for everyone. *I wrote some questions to him last night and recieved a reply this evening. *Was really surprised to hear so quick. *Especially on a holiday weekend. *He did say that the original plans didn't have everything on them either. *For example, small fittings that were probably made by outside contractors. *Since they were supplied somewhere else, *the factory didn't think it neccesary to include the drawings for them. *He said he has included them though.

If I could figure out which one I wanted I think I'd buy a set. *The romantic, *famous Camel, *the more forgiving and practically vice free Pup, *Stable and practical SE 5....

Any way, *hers the url and e-mail:
My Email should show sopwithace@comcast.net
My URL is www.replicraft.us.fm

wolfenbill · 2 September 2003, 12:05 PM

Kiger's plans are compact, thorough and 1/5 scale which is part of the explanation of why they are only on 6 to 9 very large sheets. I have copies of original Sopwith Triplane drawings (about 150-200 sheets). Usually only one part or group of components per sheet and the sheets are small (relatively). Kiger puts a lot of stuff on one sheet. The drawings are 1/5 size but the dimensions are full scale. Always a good idea to cross-check, though, from other sources. And sometimes things are hard to visualize. He's working on SPAD-XIII plans right now. It will be another complicated aircraft like the SE5a. The Sopwiths are far simpler in construction, but they do require rotaries or a similar substitute. If you want to build a full-scale aircraft to fly and you are not a very experienced pilot then your best bet would be a Fokker D.VII. The plane flies like a Cessna on steroids. Gentle stall, very few vices, and much simpler to build than any British plane.