Replica Project

5 February 2003, 01:27 AM

I am interested in building a replica SE5a but I have no eperience in such projects.
Can i get hold of drawing plans?
And can I get an identical Hispano Suiza engine made?
And approximatly what is the total cost involved?

5 February 2003, 03:10 AM

Rich,

Plans are available. A fellow had copies of originals for sale on this site, some time back. IIRC, asking about 2 thou. Perhaps there's another source???Engines costs will vary as to the condition and rebuildable qualities, but again available.
The size of the SE5 is comparable to that of more modern Great Lakes ('29) biplane and these do flywell with modern opposed engines, so I would think an SE with ) an alternate would be viable. Perhaps someone can quote a few flying SE5 examples?

How about board, Let's find some answers for this guy??!! We all can benefit with a little more information exchange. If theres's not a plans listing on htis site, how about starting one?

wolfenbill · 6 February 2003, 01:19 AM

Rich, check the following:
http://home.pacbell.net/fraze/replicraft.html
Their plans are 1/5th scale drawings with full scale dimensions. I know of 3 full-scale SE5a's being built using these plans. Yes, you can find Hisso engines. Perhaps you can contact me offline about that. I don't have full information but can get suggestions. If you want a full scale aircraft it will take several years. I don't know the cost, but you could amortize it over those several years and it wouldn't be too bad. It would also depend on how many of the fittings you make yourself and how many you have to have made by an outside source. Big difference in costs there.

If you don't have the time and patience (and $) for full scale the following offers a 7/8 scale aircraft which uses a modern powerplant.
http://www.historicair.com/replicaplans/
I've sat in the cockpit of both. This one is quite small feeling but I think goes together more quickly.

Personally I lean towards full-scale but it's more of a commitment as well. Stick around this website and www.Canvasfalcons.com and you can learn a lot. Also find places that restore old aircraft and make friends. You'll learn even more.

William · 6 February 2003, 03:50 AM

Rich,
WWI AERO is the bible for restorers and builders.
http://www.aviation-history.com/ww1aero.htm
It is expensive to subscribe but well worth while. I believe Leo has a set of SE5 drawings from the PRO in KEW available there through the master materials list. Bill very kindly directed you to our webpage which isn't quite finished but coming together finally. There are some posts on the forum there including one fellow who is interested in the SE5. Actually the link isn't quite correct although very interesting, it should be http://www.canvasfalcon.com .
Good luck and best regards,
William

baldeagle · 9 February 2003, 04:56 PM

I flew a full scale SE.5a repro with a steel tube fuselage and 200 Lycoming, and it was a nice flying airplane, and practical. That's the way I'd go, although if you ever fly behind a Hisso you'll be enchanted by the sound it makes. Of course you'd probably spend $30,000 to $40,000 getting a good Hisso in overhauled condition. About 6 years ago I knew of a 0-time since new Hisso for sale for $25,000, haven't seen any for sale recently though.
If I was going to build one I think I'd buy the replicraft plans, go with a steel tube fuselage and Redfern-style simplified wing construction, and use a 6 cylinder horizontally opposed engine like a Continental 0-470 or Lycoming 0-540. It's one of the few WW1 machines with nice long nose so you don't have to worry too much about tail heaviness.

AK