Hey Walt, you putting that triplane together yet? Hope you'll post pictures of the build as you go. Interested to see how it's built.

I should have some photos to post on Tuesday. I kitted it last Friday and have the fuse 85% done; the horizontal stab built, but not sanded and the bottom wing ready for the trailing edge material.

It's been a bit of a tough build as there are no, none, nada instructions. You have to really study the plans and think about what you're doing to figure out what the designer intended. A real (but very enjoyable) challenge.
Walt

P.S I know it's the wrong site for this, but I maidened my Direct connections Sea Fury (finished as the Reno Racer Furias) today. 8.25 lbs, Axi 4130-20 on a 9S2P LiPo pack, 14/12 APCe prop. Real nice flier.

Where are those photos Walt??? Don't leave me hangin'!!!!!!! Post a thread for that Sea Fury too!! I'd like to see it.

Okay, Okay, I finally got a couple of photos of my progress on the DR.1. I've never posted photos before so i don't know what will happen.
there will be on of the rib template (I recut some bad ribs from another project) and on of the "kit". Nearly everything else is sheet or sticks.

I now have the fuse, all three wing and the horizontal stab framed. Unfortunately my digital camera is kaput so I'm using film which delays things.
Hope this works
Walt

Attachment 1132

Attachment 1133

Okay you asked for build photos: here are the results of eigh days of buildin (20 hrs)
#1 framed fuselage nopse view
#2 framed fuse vertical view if top
#3 vertical view of bottom
not simple formerless construction; light, but very strong. Partial bottom sheeting was added to stabilze the fuse until the top was fitted. Much strength gained frin the motor bulge.

#4 mid wing under construction, Bags are lead shot .
#5 top wing. Note simple 1/4 square jig undr rib trailing edge.
#6 three wing minus tips and ailerons for top.
#7 sophisticated engineering tool for scalloping trailing edges.
#8 tail group
# 9,10, 11 what it's all about <VBG>

Don't know what I did wrong, but I'll try again. maybe too much data for one post so I'll try breaking them into groups
Walt

Okay they're telling me the files are too big. Don't understand as the other pics were accepted. The difference is that I scanned these myself and the others were from a Walgreen's floppy. Guess I'll go back and re-scan at a lower rsolution and see if that works.
sorry about this.
WT

Dri
 

Walt please post your pics ASAP. I'm burnin to see the build. Marty

Now they're telling I need to manually resize. I've no idea and it's a beautiful day for flying. I'll fiddle with things later.
sorry,
Walt

Third time didn't work; going for four.

Anybody out there who can help me with my problem?

I resized the photo in photoshop. Followed the instructions under Advanced Post Manage attachments and didn;t even get an error message, but no photo on post. )-:

photo try
 

got 4 minutes left. sixth try.

I give up )-:

Come on Walt!! You've got to figure this out!! Don't kick out a couple of "teaser" pictures and then leave me hanging again. Gosh, if it's "Top Secret" how you build it just say so but don't tease me. It's not fair!!! Seriously though, it looks like a great build so far. You are very talented!! If you get it figured out post some pics. If not while your building, at least figure it out and post some finished pics, or even better a video!!!

Trying something differentfile:///Users/walterth/Desktop/Tripe...tos/Untitled-1

Okay something else[IMG]file:///Users/walterth/Desktop/Tripe%20photos/File_01.jpg[/IMG][IMG]file:///Users/walterth/Desktop/Tripe%20photos/File_01.jpg[/IMG]

do you think if I fool around with this long enough the moderator will speak up?

right now the only option I see is to have Walgreen's make me a floppy. It seems to be the only way to get the file size down to RCU's limits. Too tired to do it tonight.
Walt

Still trying

OOps; hit "send" too fast. anyway the pic of my Direct Connections Sea fury finished as Reno Racer "Furias" has given me the answer --- go to Walgreen's and get a floppy made. Will do tomorrow.

Furias info: Span 64" area 791 wt 8.25 lbs. Power Axi 4130-20 on an 8S2P TP 4200mah pack. Prop APCe14/10. B&D mechanical retracts. No flaps as full scale has flaps removed. Excellent flyer. Smooth and fast.

Finished the ailerons, elevators and Rudder on the Dr.1. If tomorrow is as windy as they say I'll be fitting the lower and midwings and horizontal stab and checking for incidence. May start bending some music wire too.
Walt

I think this'll do it. I'm posting them in the same order as my original attempt (see above),

Question: my measurments show that my plans are set up +2 degrees for everything. This goes against my Bi-plane experience where you want the wing ahead of the c/g to stall last. Based on that I'm thinking 3,2 0 bottom to top wing, What say you?
Walt

One more for drooling (-:

Whew!!!! The secret was getting a Walgreen's low res floppy made.

I've got all the movable flight surfaces framed up and will try to get some photos later. The plans call for throwing 1/4 in balsa at them, but I chose to build them up for a more scale appearance. I also re-aligned the scallops to match the rib spacing. Got to start thinking about the pull/pull systems.

Oh yes, some of you purists will be unhappy, but I've discovered that my old reliable Astro 40G will do a perfect job powering this baby and I may stay wih NiMh for cost and balance reasons (did I mention that I built up a 20 cell round pack for the Camel that fits in the cowl?).
Walt

I am drooling Walt!! The wait for the pics was worth it!! You are qiute the builder. If you ever decide to "kit" one out, let me know. It would take me forever to cut all those ribs!! What do you use to cut them out? I have looked and looked for a 36"-40" wingspan tripe kit and can't find one. Have you decided whose plane your going to do? I would like to build either Werner Voss' tripe or maybe the all flat black tripe of leading tripe ace Joeseph Jacobs. You have to keep us up to date on this build. I can't wait to see the finished plane! As far as "exact" scale outline, I don't see a problem with fudging here and there to get a better flying plane. As long as it doesn't get too carried away. I thought about buying the ARF tripe from Polkshobbies but it seems like alot of people have a hard time getting them to fly right on an electric conversion.

Man O Man Walt!! What great building!! I can't wait for the flight report. Seems like everybody does the same old red tripe. Do something different. I have some great ideas if you would like. My "other" hobby is researching WWI aviation history, particullary German fighters. Say the word and I will provide. BTW guys, I have a set of tripe plans for Depron in e-mailable format. If anyone wants them, say the word and it's yours!!

Hey Scalercflyer, I would be interested in a set of those plans if you have time!!!

If you check my earlier post I used a ply template for the basic ribs (about 40) and then a second for the ribs that are sheeted over. Making the templates does take time, but after that I only needed to make four sets.

Sorry, but I have no intention of "kittng" these plan. since they are from
"Model Builder" I assume they might be available through bill Northup.

Scale Flyer, as I indicated earlier,I found an authentic color scheme that I had never seen before buried deep in a "google" search on the Dr.1.

Fitted the bottom wing today. It came our dead on at 2 degrees +.

I was asking about what tools you use to cut them once you have the rib patterns? I think you misunderstood my question. Sorry, sometimes I don't make myself very clear.

Ace,
Here is another one for you, this one is NOT scale.
I'll attempt to attach 2 photos.
Bear

Hmmmm. . . . .
Aparently only one uploaded, another one. . . .

I'm not doing something right I guess . . . I'll have to
read some . . . . .
Bear

OK, I have found the key. . . I guess.
On my screen I am getting a long horizontal box outlined in blue
for the attachments.
In the previous posts you guys have made there have been small
dash blue lines inside the box. I have been able to put my
cursor on and click to open when it gives me "the finger" . . .
maybe I should say "the hand". It then opens the file.
I also found that the boxes with no dash blue line in them
would give me the finger If I moved the cursor very slowly
inside the box. Click and it opens a file.
Is this what is taking place with everyone else, or do I have
some setting screwed up?
I did see that there were actually two files loaded in my first
post although there was only one blue dash line showing.
Bear

Ace: once I have the templates done I roughcut the ribs on a Dremel equivalent saw, then I finish shaping then on a Demel sander with a fine grit (180-220) sandpaper. he fine grit keps me from over-sanding the blanks..

If I still haven't answered your question ask again.
Walt

PS fitted the mid wing today; lots of sanding. Have to start bending wre next.

walt...I notice you are using a fairly symmetrical rib section....any particular reason??

Ron,
as I mentioned earlier this plan is optimized for aerobatics. It is fun scale. The airfoil is fully symetrical and the stab has a diamond airfoil.
Walt

Thanks Walt. That was what I wanted to know. I just didn't ask the question correctly. You'll have to excuse me. I am trying to learn about this scratchbuilding thing. I've built plenty of kits, but now I would like to try to build a plane with my own two hands!!!

Hey scalercflyer!!! I got the plans for the depron triplane. Is there only supposed to be two pages? I have a page with the wings, top view, and profile. The second page is the wing jigs. Are there any pages for former patterns? It's a cool set of plans!!! Have you built one of these? I would like to see some pics of a built plane. About what wingspan would you recommend? Sorry to "hammer" you with all these questions. I just want to be sure that I have all the information. I hope your family is well!!!

Bear. That's one crazy looking little triplane!!! Does it fly well? It looks like it would be fairly aerobatic. What power system do you have in it? You don't have to have a scale plane to post here. All you need is a WWI plane. Did you come up with this plane on your own or is it a kit? How about a video?

Dr. 1 build update. should ahve some more photos mid-week. landing gear and cabane struts all bent. Sprung tail skid test fitted. Interplane struts test fitted.
Thinking about the cowling: should I just throw balsa at it or try to make a fiberglass one over a foam mold.
Walt

Plans for the DVIII
 

Hey WWI ace! Look to the post my son! Plans on the way! Of course you will keep us informed about the build won't you? I got bit by the FOKKER DVIII (Peter Rake 400 size, 36" WS) bug because of your inquiry and I think I will build one this winter. Watch for further developments Guys. BTW, WWI Ace, I'm adding ailerons to mine. After all, I don't want Anthony Fokker turning over in his grave!!! I have a really cool idea for you guys to comment on if you would be so kind. What do you think about me copying my coat of arms and applying to the fuse when I finish the camo scheme...sorta like a personal signature. I got the idea from the movie The Blue Max (one of my favorite movies BTW). Klugermanns DVII had his coat of arms on the fuse. Any of you Guys going to the NEAT fair this week in New York? I am. Are any of you guys building any WWI aircraft this winter? I would love to hear about it. I'd bet the others here would too. Boy this thread keeps going! You gotta love it. Keep in touch all. WWI scale rules! Martin

I can't wait to see the plans Martin!!! When I get them I will see if I can figure out a way to make ailerons also. That would be too cool!!! I plan on this plane being my Winter build. I have the Blue Max movie on DVD. Great triplane footage!!! I think it would be cool to put your "signature" on the side of your plane. I say go for it! Look at all the crazy paint schemes the real Flying Circus guys had. I just finished building a Revell 1/28th scale Fokker triplane in the all flat black with white rudder scheme of Joeseph Jacobs. I'm sure that you have heard of him! When I don't build RC planes I build plastic warbirds. I've gathered quite a collection of WWI planes. I also have alot of books on WWI German planes. It's been so windy lately, (15-20mph) that I haven't been able to fly. I am building a Sig Fokker DVII parkflyer that I've had for about 2 years. I have a Hitec 3 channel radio that was laying around along with a old brushed 5amp ESC so I thought, "What the heck, I need a relaxing Sunday plane!" I know it isn't exactly scale but it looks okay for what it is. Let me know how you decide to put ailerons on your DVIII. Again, Thanks for the plans!!!

Oh yeah Martin. I guess that your going to make the losenge camo pattern on your DVIII. How are you gonna do that? That's a pretty complicated pattern with alot of colors in it!!!

Walt!!! I think that as good as that tripe looks so far it would be a pity not to try a fiberglass cowl! I'm just not sure how well a balsa one would look, even with your expert building abilities. Besides, if your tripes are like mine, sometimes they become a handful after landing and like to flip up on their nose. Too much of that and the balsa might not fare very well!! But it's your plane and you do what you want. I'm just giving you the 2 cents from me that you asked for. Can't wait for more pics!!! Keep us posted. You and Martin are my inspiration to even attempt to build from a set of plans. I expect you two to keep me motivated and I'm sure I'll have more stupid questions for you guys to answer.