Engels Eindecker for sale
 

The new 'Classic Wings' arrived today. Herr Engels' Eindecker is advertised sans engine and cover. It looks amazing in the small accompanying photo.

I understand that all his aircraft are for sale. Info via the aeroforum. Isn't
Classic Wings from Australia or New Zealand?
Regards
John

New Zealand. Need I say more?:D

John,

I subscribe and can bring it to the hangar if you want to see it.

j.

I was told that Achim was using a glue that was correct for vintage, but not allowed to be used on modern built craft- Is this just another BS rumor? His work is pretty super to the eye

Hey Bitz Dr1,

Just another B.S. rumor. I think Achim said all structural joints were done with an approved epoxy. Mossie can chime in here for better details.

Dan S

The glue used in the main is Western Systems Epoxy. I don't recall the specific product.

There was one other, a red-brown colour, used on one aircraft, but it doesn't look very nice when finished.

Hi Gerry,

West Systems epoxy is available here in Australia too, and is presumably widely available worldwide. By all accounts it seems to be a fantastic product. The fact that Achim has been using it says a lot. I don't know if there are a variety of similar products available, but it's certainly one of the leading and most readily available epoxies here. I have selected Techniglue for some propeller projects I have been working on, although West Sytems epoxy was a very close second choice, and I will certianly use it if I am unable to obtain Techniglue at any time. The deciding factor for me was that Techniglue already has filler added, whereas with West Systems epoxy filler has to be added if required. It's an Australian product, so that was appealing too. Here in Australia we try to support local products where possible, and I am very happy with the results obtained with it.

The reddish brown glue would be Resourcinol, or something similar, wouldn't it? I don't know if Resourcinol is Australian made or not, or if you're familiar with the name but it seems to be one of the older glues. I was sanding some today, and it has the distinct colour as well as a distinct smell when sanded.

West System is used predominantly in the Marine industry. They have very good technical resources and engineering handbook on the use of the products in boatbuilding.

When using these types of adhesives, particularly in aerospace applications, one needs to consider the variation in bond strength due to:

• Environemental conditions;
• Resin/hardner mix ratio;
• Additives;
• Experience;
• Joint design.

For composites you add wetting and penetration of fibre mat and air inclusions.

One of the contributing factors in poor quality boat construction is the use of cheap, unskilled, poorly trained staff for these labour intensive production techniques.

If unknown quality control or unknown builder (not casting negative light on Achim's work), impossible to verify adhesive joint strength, adhesion, penetration via inspection.

Cheers
Damian

The approach used by Achim was for each mixed pot a test sample was made, using a piece of ply and some 5x5mm spruce sticks, and set to dry with the job. The test piece was recorded and marked fro future reference. The sample was checked and if successful, never found a bad one, it was packed away with the others for the project. This way builds a record of every joint and step for the certification.