Dream Airplanes

[Brad]

Mine is the FE.2b

It has been a dream for a couple of years, now it is a goal.

Reasons are significant:
1) Versatile as fighter, recon, bomber
2) 2 seater to share the fun
3) America's first WWI Ace, Frederick Libby, earned his reputation in it. (And he was from a ranch in my home state of Colorado *;D )
4) Used a straight 6-cyl water cooled engine - high potential for an auto engine conversion.
5) Ugly as can be and therefore beautiful in it own right.
6) There isn't one in existence!


this is my first post

Hmmm... interesting... keep in mind, that is a BIG airplane! 47 ft wingspan!!!! Yeah, it would be nice though. Maybe a 75% scale one?

Brad

[baldeagle]

FE.2b is fantastic! Then you can take us all for rides. Might need a pretty big auto engine to fly it, will a V-8 fit? Didn't the FE.2ds have RR V-8s or V-12s in them?

[Brad]

* * Nothing wrong with a composite fuselage, especially if that's what makes the aeroplane do-able. *Do you think it will really be that much less work and expense to go to 7/8 scale? *One of my goals is to end up knowing what it was like to walk up to the real thing, at least size wise. *The reality of some machines is striking, did you ever stand next to a Stuka? *You can't believe how big it is. *And to sit in something, and see just how far the wings seem to stretch out, and how long the nose is.

Yes, but STORING a full-size bird can be a hassle. There are 2 schools of thought here basically: Those of us (like me) who are interested in flying as a sport, and like the "charm" of a WWI bird, while being more concerned with flying characteristics and costs than with authenticity. Then there are the die-hard replica guys. They have my utmost respect! I can't conceive of the amount of work/money that would take... and the flight characterestics wouldn't be any better, if as good.

* * I grew up at Rhinebeck, and one of our favorite airplanes there was the Sopwith Dolphin, what a brilliant choice. *Cole considered building an SE-5a but decided he wanted something different (Not that I don't like SE-5s, great flying airplane). *Ditto the FE-8 instead of a DH-2. *How about a Vickers FB-5 Gunbus? *Dolphin with a 454 Chevy up front?

If you wanted a 7/8 scale Dolphin, I am pretty sure Graham Lee sells plans. His construction method is simple and proven, and doesn't require any special skills (like welding.)

* * I guess none of them are really common enough, except the Fokker Triplane, and I wouldn't mind having one of those either, when the lottery comes in. *A lot of the better known designs are very desirable, I think everybody will agree on the Pfalz D.III and D.IIIa. *I've been dreaming of that one since I was a kid, and still might have to start on one of those when the Nieuport is done. *My real reason for starting on the N.28 is that a 160 Gnome came up for sale, still in its factory crate, with all accessories, even the m/g synchroniser. *Buying it did require a partner, though, whom we now call "The Bank of Dad", very fortunate that he shares my interests.
* * Anyway, keep going with the ideas....


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AK

Hmmm... if I had access to an original type engine, I might be more inclined to consider building an "authentic" replica. BUT... I really think my path (actually an ultralight) is best for ME.

Brad

[Brad]

Sorry, my mistake. Graham Lee does plans for the Sopwith Tabloid and Sopwith Baby, NOT the Dolphin. Interesting, these are "1 1/2 seaters." With a proper powerplant, two people would fit. (If they were skinny or very friendly!)

As for the Dolphin, it looks easy enough. Weight and balance would be easy with the pilot right on the CG like the originial. This might make a good ultralight replica!


Brad

[AchimEngels]

Hi,

I would personally like to do a two seater, the Fokker B.I. As usually a relatively simply Fokker design.

As discussed in another thread, the Pfalz D.III would be one of the most challanging things.

...Or a Airco DH.2 would be a reall neat choice, too....I think should go back to my workshop now to continue our two D.VII´s before I dream of something else... :P

Achim

[DavidErrol]

Fee 2b:
There's a restored 160 hp Beardmore at Doug Champlin's Fighter Museum in Mesa, Arizona. It's probably been sold, along with the airplanes to the new owners in Seattle but maybe someone should suggest a F.E. replica. It sure would be a fantastic project. If the idea of the F.E. is shot down, how about a Martinsyde G.100?

DE

[baldeagle]

Fee 2b,
First off, you should build a rudder and hang it on the wall, they always have a unique shape and I find it helps me from an inspiration point of view to see that Nieuport rudder in my shop, and think, "Have to build some more Nieuport parts..."
The most important thing in building something like that is not necessarily skill but persistance.
Now who's going to build a DH-5?


AK

I hope no one considers this off topic, but has anyone, anywhere, ever seriously considered a Gotha G.IV or G.V replica? Naturaly it would take intitutional funding of some sort, but to see one fly, wouldn't that be something! All that lozenge camouflage in the air....

[Lufbery]

I would dearly love to build either a Bristol F.2b or a Hansa-Brandemburg CC flying boat. An American Liberty Powered DH-4 would also be an awesome plane.

Regards,

[baldeagle]

Frank,
That is right on topic, and in fact Ron Bloomquist in Tennessee is building a repro Gotha G.IV, with steel tube fuselage, full size. I think he's using Lycoming IO-540 engines. He expects to be flying within a year, the project is quite far along.

Luf,
Start making Brisfit parts.....

AK