Nieuport 23 Update
 

Hello all Forumites,

As you know already, I'm the owner of Philippe's Models site. A week ago, I added 13 new photos of our Nieuport 23 during its restoration :

http://users.skynet.be/fa233213/En/R...ort/Nie23.html

I added mainly new photos of the synchronization gear and the ammunition box.

After a meeting with a member of the restoration team, I can tell you that in a few months (maybe in mid 2005), this beloved aircraft 'll be shown again to the public.

Best regards from Belgium

Woah! that is some impressive work going on there. The whole thing looks brand new, right down to the nuts and bolts. That is a restored origional plane not a replica, right? I imagine some replacement parts would have to be used, especially if it is to be flight worthy.

I see you have a synchronization gear. Does that mean it will be equiped with working machine guns? He, he.

What are you going to cover the frame with? Some kind of fabric? I have read that the origional doping process was almost toxic. Do you have a work around for that?

I presume it will be taken for a test flight when it is done, or is it to valuable to risk flying it?

Thanks for posting. It is very interesting watching the restoring process develop.

Hello Toadvine,

Effectively, this aircraft is a restored original plane. The sole in the world in my knowledge, even if it seem that a Thai museum have a fuselage in bad condition. A lot of parts have been rebuilt using same materials and techniques as original. When the restoration team (I'm not a member of this team but have good friends among them) dismounted this biplane, he find a lot of parts in bad condition or even missing. As example, the right fuselage side is entirely rebuilt using same technique as original. It is made up of two layers of wood strips (IIRC birch), externally covered with a layer of linen fabric.

The entire fabric of wings, ailerons, rudder and back of fuselage was entirely renewed. IIRC, the first coat of dope was diluted with acetone and it's really a toxic process. The engine was totally dismounted, cleaned, repaired and remounted. It was tested on an engine bank and I can tell you that it work perfectly. But, as this beloved aircraft is valuable, it's not planed to risk flying it.

AFAIK, we have the choice between two Vickers. During my last visit, I seen one in perfect condition, the second ( its original MG) must be restored. As you can understand, it was not planed to test the MG in the museum area . :D

As I said on my page, the restoration team plan to remount it in the MRA WWI gallery in a near future (maybe in mid 2005).

If you have any other question, I'll have a meeting with a member of the restoration team these 18 december.

Best regards from Belgium

Philippe (aka Raymond)

Philippe
This restoration, and your photos of it, are an incredibly valuable resource.
Definitly the best information available on this aircraft.
I have refered to your photos constantly while modeling my virtual N17.
My sincere gratitude to you and the restoration team :cool:

and, if you don't mind...
I'll make up a list of open issues for your visit on the 18th ;)

Dear Mark,

Thanks for your kind words.

I'll tell you that I refer to your virtual N17 while modeling my Revell 1/72 N17 (in fact, your rendering are better than anything to do this job).

Only few photos are really mine and I host only them on my site. Many are provided by Frederic Liefferinck and Yves Duwelz. Many thanks to both them for their kindness.

Send me your list and i'll make my possible to cover open issues. But 18 december is a Saturday and I doubt that the workshop should be accessible. In this case, I'll taken photos during my next visit.

Best regards from my little Belgium

Philippe

Philippe
I wonder if MRA would like some artwork
I could send them some high res files that could be printed out at display size.
if they are interested in that sort of thing

at 7000 pixels across - output size could be pretty darn big
I'll bet it would hold up ok @ 4 or 5 feet across.
although 120 dpi isn't exactly optimal - but you can get away with a surprisingly low resolution on displays as the viewer is rarely closer tha 3 or 4 feet away.
Maybe I could try an 8000 pixel render :unsure:

in any case - I figure it's the least i could do ;)
perhaps you could see if they are interested when you next meet

BTW - have they chosen a paint scheme yet?

Hi Mark,

Take a look on the rudder and you have the answer. :D

I'll forward your proposition to the museum. I hope that they must be interested. If it was only me, I'll answer : 'Yes, mate, send us them ASAP, pleaaaaase' but, unfortunately, I've none power in the Museum :(

Imagine educational works that we'll make with your fabulous artworks. :cool:

Thank again and my best to you and yours

Philippe

Nieuport 23 in Switzerland
 

Hello!

As you remember perhaps we did hundreds of pictures of your Nie23 in your museum in brussels. Now you may see the first results on our page www.nieuport.ch !
They will be a fully original rebuild of the Nieuport 23!
We also have already the original-engines!
So have a look at www.nieuport.ch
Many greetings!
Nieuport Memorial Flyers Switzerland
Dani