SOPWITH 1 1/2 STRUTTER REPLICA

I have began the process of building a 80% replica of the SOPWITH 1 1/2 STRUTTER .
A source of technical help in the early stages would be much appreciated.
Could you please let me know if anybody would be interested?

I am currently the business manager of an aviation company
http://www.cobraaviation.com.au however my fellow directors are not as enthusiastic over ww1 projects, although they would help with construction, if pushed.

PROPOSED SPECS FOR STRUTTER.

80% replica built from REPLICRAFT plans.
Chrome molly construction covered by fabric
power supply a ROTEC OR HCIAVIATION radial or possibly a homebuilt radial.
If this fails fall back to SUBARU EA81 100HP or MAZDA 12A ROTARY 120HP.
I will manufacture or acquire as many replica parts as practical

MAJOR HURDLE

I will register the aircraft under EXPERIMENTAL ULTRALIGHT in Australia. The MTOW limited to 544kgs.
Could this MTOW be achieved in a 80% replica where the original strutter loaded weight equals 975kg.

Early technical advice would be appreciated.

I hope somebody joins me in what will be an exciting adventure.

I am located in Melbourne Australia

BOB LOTHIAN
COBRA AVIATION
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA

[Brad]

Actually the MTOW should be easy to reach. Moly tubing is much stronger (and therefore lighter to be as strong) than the original types of mild steel available in that time period.

Alternatively, aluminum (riveted together) is a light alternative.

I'm working on a US ultralight eindecker in 7/8 (87%) scale. US ultralights can only weigh 254 lbs. I think that is about 115 kg (empty weight.)

Good luck on your replica!

Brad