Airdrome F.1 Camel

[snj5]

I am working with Robert on his first full size Sopwith F.1 Camel project based on the Replicraft drawings as a start. I appreciate all the great advice I have received so far from the community online and in Dayton. The goal is to have a frequent reliable flier, on par with Blake's N28, however a bit simpler with a few more nods to the original. Current status:
1. The steel tube fuselage, a bit special for Airdrome planes, is welded and on the gear legs. Will be going up for builder assist in November.
2. A 150 hp Rotec R-3600 with TBI is on the boat enroute
3. Will be using a thinner airfoil than many previous Airdrome planes
4. Will be using rudder bar with mechanical brakes from Tracy OBrien, scaling up Rick Bennet's successful N24 experience
5. Will have steerable tailwheel
6. Being a big guy, the plane will have some optimizations based on actual operational WW1 F.1 modifications (enlarged cockpit opening, larger upper wing open area). Am a bit concerned with CG as most of the mass is in the first 6 feet of the plane. At least that reduces my moment arm. And, I will not have as much rotating mass to affect handling.
7. Currently collecting original and replica Sopwith cockpit bits from several sources - so far have original MkVb altimeter, original 5/17 compass, replica airspeed indicator, replica throttle quadrant. Will be refacing Rotec tachometer to resemble period item.
8. Making a replica wicker pilot seat with leather trim
9. Electrical system will be minimal; no permanent avionics, but will have power plug.
10. Commited to a set of flying wires. I think this will make a big difference.
11. And, two replica Vickers .303 and an Aldis

Shooting for around an 800-850 pound airplane, hopefully. Realistically, while hoping for a 90+ mph cruise, we're expecting 80-85.

I'm hoping for a sturdy, well done, safe, reliable and modest replica Camel E-LSA. I must add that Robert Baslee has been terrific to work with. Also, a high recommendation for Guy Black at Retrotech in England

SNJ,

Looking quite spiffy there in an equally spiffy shop!
A couple of questions, that would be most helpful if you could please answer.....

- Using the original drawings, what reference (text, template design,..etc), did you use to determine tubing sizes and distances between cross members?

-Where did you source the compass?

-Any hints from the Rotec bunch that they may up the ante on their product line sometime in the future? A current kit manufacturer would be in a better position to get wind of this than,... say the average Joe

Thanks!

[snj5]

Robert designed the truss. Check with him, but I believe he will begin offering steel tube truss fuselages for some of his aircraft. As before, he is great to work with.
The compass came from Mr. Black in England at Retrotech. He's terrific to deal with and extremely knowledgable. They actually have a catalog/price sheet for many Sopwith items.

Originally Posted by snj5

Robert designed the truss. Check with him, but I believe he will begin offering steel tube truss fuselages for some of his aircraft. As before, he is great to work with.
The compass came from Mr. Black in England at Retrotech. He's terrific to deal with and extremely knowledgable. They actually have a catalog/price sheet for many Sopwith items.

SNJ,

Thank you for the lead Re: Retrotech,.... very helpful!

[snj5]

Care package arrived from England today. Shown below with a std. 3 1/8" instrument for comparison is an original Sopwith Camel Mk Vb altimeter, original Sopwith 5/17 compass, replica Sopwith airspeed indicator (modern internals) and a Sopwith throttle quadrant.

Rotec R-3600 engine is here!
Will be sending off Rotec tachometer to be refaced as replica

Wicker seat finishing up with leather coaming and cushion

Working on firewall brake pedal brackets and triangular spade stick grip.

[baldeagle]

Who made the replica ASI and throttle quad?




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[snj5]

Originally Posted by baldeagle

Who made the replica ASI and throttle quad?

Both are Retrotech items. A little expensive, but so very perfect. The ASI innerds are Falcon (commonly available ASI) according to the calibration card.

[Treize]

I was hoping their next project would be an Albatros, but I'll gladly take the Camel. I can't offer anything more than my wishes of good luck with the project, and hope it does indeed come out as well as the N.28 did, if not better! Keep us posted!

[snj5]

Originally Posted by Treize

I was hoping their next project would be an Albatros, but I'll gladly take the Camel. I can't offer anything more than my wishes of good luck with the project, and hope it does indeed come out as well as the N.28 did, if not better! Keep us posted!

Many thanks. I hope I can fly this thing.

On all three gear
Cabanes and upper center section in place
fuel/oil tanks done

Will start wings in a couple of weeks

[Doc Leland]

Fantastic start to a magnificent plane! I am so jealous! The company I work for was bought out, and I'm down about $20,000 from last year, so plans are on hold a little longer.