Help with photos of Mercedes D.IIIa motors

[Dave_Watts]

Hi all,

I purchased the following photos and was wondering if anyone could help out with the owner at the time or present owner of the aircraft in the photos.

First a Fokker D.VII project with a D.IIIau.







Some clues gleamed from the photos.

The tag hanging from the airframe states; "Riverdale, Michigan", and "Started 64'." For your information, Riverdale is straight North of Lansing, basically right in the middle of Michigan.

The inside of the tent states, "Campbell Tent & Awning Co. Alton, Illinois".

For recognition of the D.VII replica, we have;

Water cooled MG's with jackets that have been milled out to simulate LMG's.

Original D.VII type exhaust pipe.

Wheels appear to have built-in brakes with unusual metal covers.

Tailskid has circular base.

Looks like the photo was taken in either 1964 or 1965. The motor in the photo lacks a crankshaft.

Best wishes,
Dave W.