Ok Now what should I build

I dont see the difficulties in doing the Albatros actually, u need a good level of wood working capabilities, but u would surely obtain a superb and unique warbird replica!

Alex

Hi All,

Thanks for all the sujesting now a few questions, does anyone know of the Fokker Es which was the better one also Flood I like the Siemen been doing some reading on it it looks to be a hot little machine.

I like the lines of the Albtrose V but not to wild on doing the steam Fusl parts.

So I’ve revised my ideas has to be German fabric covered non Flying Circus yes I like their colors but everyone does them. I was think of something either along the lines of the Med. or Eastern Front just to be different(Like we didn’t know I was already :p ) or if that can’t be done then something from the early days.

Cheers
Baron Von Rohr

😀

My copy’s at sea. I don’t believe they ever saw front line service.

I stand corrected…my book “US Military Aircraft since 1909 by Swanborough & Bowers” didn’t have it listed under S.E.5 in the foreign-built section, or in the index….but did have it listed under Curtiss.

Seems that Curtiss assembled 57 British built planes. and Eberhart rebuilt 50 as trainers in 1922-23.

(Seems to me if they were British built they’d be in the foreign section…that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. 😀 )

But no indication they were used in combat by AEF forces.

Wouldn’t trust him, even if I’d heard of him.

I believe some Putnam book or other has a pic of a Post W.W.I US starred SE-5, John. US Army A/C, or whatever it’s called?

(info from: Classic Aircraft of World War One – Melvyn Hiscock)

Never heard of ‘im.

Sorry, I can’t find any record of the Air Service (not AAC) flying SE 5s.
Nieports & Spads…even a squadron of Camels…but no SE 5s.

Until recently there were two aiworthy S.E.5as in Britain – the Shuttleworth Collection’s S.E.5a and the S.E.5e belonging to the estate of the late Patrick Lindsay. The S.E.5e was built in England as an ‘a’, but was rebuilt in the United States by the Eberhard STeel Company, hence its new designation. The United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) used the S.E.5e for a number of years, and following their eventual retirement a number of them found their way into the Hollywood epics of the 1930s. The Lindsay S.E.5e was no exception, and it was flown in at least two major films when owned by the legendary Hollywood pilot, Frank Tallman

(info from: Classic Aircraft of World War One – Melvyn Hiscock)

SE5 – Replica Plans. Quite a lot around, and they were also used, I believe by the US Air Corps post-WW1.

.

Sorry, I can’t find any record of the Air Service (not AAC) flying SE 5s.
Nieports & Spads…even a squadron of Camels…but no SE 5s.

142 Foker D.VIIs were shipped over to the US at the end of the war and used as hacks (some converted to two seats) and advanced trainers.
How about a D VII in US markings? That should confuse some people.

SE5 – Replica Plans. Quite a lot around, and they were also used, I believe by the US Air Corps post-WW1.

An SE5E is still around – used to fly, too.

I think it’s just a common belief, but untrue. Expecially in ww1 the fighter pilots wanted to distinguish, and since the various armed forces uniforms were pretty similar they tried to look different, as in every other country.

Alex

I think it was something about the look, u know like the RAF pilots having the uniform button unbuttoned or the USAAF pilots wearing their hats inclined on one side. THe Albatros V was better than the III and had less troubles with the wing spar breaking. What ppl usually dont know is that Manfred Von Richtofen had most of his kills made with the Albatros, not the Fokker Dr.I.

Alex

It seems out of place with the impression always given of the German military; dressed neat and by the book. RAF and USAAF aircrew I’d heard about, but not the Germans. Thoroughly tautonic…
In fact it would have been mainly out of character – wasn’t there some suspicions raised when Germans dressed as American troops were sat stiffly to attention whilst being transported behind the allied lines around the time of the Battle of the Bulge?
Or maybe I am thinking too much.

Flood

edit:
Kissenberth wasnt the only ace with glasses, there was even Walter Kypke, who ended the war with 9 victories.

I think it was something about the look, u know like the RAF pilots having the uniform button unbuttoned or the USAAF pilots wearing their hats inclined on one side. THe Albatros V was better than the III and had less troubles with the wing spar breaking. What ppl usually dont know is that Manfred Von Richtofen had most of his kills made with the Albatros, not the Fokker Dr.I.

Alex

Did he always sleep with his hat on?:confused:
What were the handling characteristics of the Albatros like?

Flood

U guys know this pilot?

he’s Otto Kissenberth, the one and only ace with glasses!!
He flew an all black Albatross with a huge edelwiess on both sides, really elegant!!

u can find more info about this pilot here
http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/germany/kissenberth.html
http://www.greatwarflyingmuseum.com/aces/germany/otto_kissenberth.html

I’d say we have a winner here! 😀

Alex

Just out of interest – does anyone know what the availablity is like for original WWI engines? I understand that stuff like the German inlines, and Bentley rotaries are pretty difficult to get hold of, but it seems like there are a reasonable number of replicas using original Clergets and Le Rhones…? If I was dong a replica, I’d be interested in looking for original engines…

Try and use something that doesn’t use a Warner Scarab. The prices of these are through the roof as a result of replica building and it is just as easy, and no less ‘inaccurate’ to use a flat-four, which will also be cheaper. Robin Bowes had one with a false front on his triplane and it looked fine.

I laugh up my sleeve when I hear people say they have built a replica with a Warner as it looks ‘more authentic’. No it doesn’t a ROTARY is authentic a static radial is not, and its use is probably causing problems to someone that would love to use it in a Monocoupe!

There are some fine replicas around, as well as some dogs it must be said, but as someone who had to stupid money for the right sort of engine for his aeroplane it annoys me when those prices are the result of people using the wrong sort on theirs.

Here’s an idea….The NMUSAF is having its WWI replica fly-in this September. You might stop by and see what’s there and speak to the pilots/builders.

In a small miracle of common sense over bureaucracy, the Museum lets planes fly from its huge front lawn for demonstrations and events. Last time there was a full scale Fokker DVIII there from California. It was almost finished after 40+ years and was powered by an original Mercedes engine complete with brass radiator.

I had my antique car there in 2003 and it was a lot of fun..they also assemble a nice selection of WWI era cars.

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/

Hey Rob,.

Have you seen the www.kcdawnpatrol.com website ?
These guys build 7/8 scale Nieuport replicas and have a sh*t load of fun with them !!

This is the type that I was telling you about a while ago that I’m seriously considering building myself.
(Also check out my Nieuport clocks for sale while you’re on there.. 😉 )

Just my 2c worth..
Cheers
TNZ

http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/aircraft/WWI/siemens/siem_info.htm/siem-info.htm

Flood