My Fokker DVII Project

Jeff Brooks · 15 March 2006, 03:36 PM

Ok all,
at the urging of Achim & Maximum08, I am attempting to document my Fokker DVII project.

My progress has been spotty. I bought a frame from Brian Coughlin back in 2000. It was a basic frame.

this picture shows the frame with the gussets and engine mounts I added after I got it.

here is the rudder & elevator I made during my 1 1/2 on an active duty deployment.

Jeff Brooks · 15 March 2006, 03:41 PM

Here is the hinges I made with the guidance from Achim. Boy was this tough with 4130 Crome Alloy!

I was happy with the way these turned out. Thanks Achim!

Later, after my deployment was over, I added the upper wing mounts & somemore stuff to the frame.

Jeff Brooks · 15 March 2006, 03:52 PM

I have been recently working on the landing gear parts. I had the attachments machined. here is the parts.

These were made out of 4130 Crome Alloy, and cost me $2100 for all the pieces. They were made using a EDM and lathe.
If anyone is interested in getting these made, email me & I'll pass along his number.

Jeff Brooks · 15 March 2006, 04:03 PM

I made the axle boxes using a jig I got from Franzkait off the Sands Building site, post #1076.

here is what it look like before crunching them out. it is tricky using 4130 ...

and I pressed them at work using a mechanical press ...

and after pressing it ...

Jeff Brooks · 15 March 2006, 04:07 PM

here is the opening on the axle box ...

other side ....

and the sstreamlined tubing ...

Jeff Brooks · 15 March 2006, 04:11 PM

here is the pedals ... no brakes ...

the control colum ...

Major Larabee · 15 March 2006, 04:17 PM

Thanks for posting Jeff, looking good. What drawings are you using? And what engine are you planing to use?

Jim Bruton · 15 March 2006, 05:53 PM

nice work Jeff! when you have it finished, you will have to fly over to CT to visit Fritz (Ed) and me! Look forward to more pictures.

Jim Bruton

Jeff Brooks · 15 March 2006, 07:51 PM

I bought the Herb Kelly plans from Loe Opdyke, and the replicraft plans. I't difficult to start in the middle of a project, I wasn't sure which ones the frame was started with. If I run into conflict with the two plans, I often email Achim for his opinion.

I recently visited Roger Freeman in Tx too, now that I have met him, I will keep more contact with him on building ideas. He (like everyone on this forum) has been very generous with their skill & knowledge.

I have been Gas welding the parts so far, but I am planning to buy a TIG machine after this (Army) school.

I am looking for others who are also building DVII or DVIII/Dr1 that might have compatible parts. If it is possible to double up on building certian parts & swap them, to speed up the project. If anyone interested, drop me a post!

AchimEngels · 15 March 2006, 09:53 PM

Great images! I be looking forward to see more of your work.

Keep them coming.

Cheers!

Achim