Just starting out

[rugger1869]

I recently moved to the KC area and I have always been enamoured by these beautiful WWI machines. As a child I remember having an argument with my dad about how WWI aircraft were superior to WWI aircraft due to the on-th0spot engineering and ingeniuty that went in to creating them.

I guess after lurking here, off and on, for years, I finally decided to join and get involved in the conversation. That being said, where do I start. I know absolutely nothing about making things with my hands (not that I can't learn.) What I lack in knowledge I more than make up for with enthusiasm. I have ordered Mr. Starks books and I am excited to read them. I have also spent an inordinate amout of time on the Airdrome Aeroplanes page.

Any help would be appreciated. Ideally, I would like to start a project soon.

Robert

[Bookmaker]

Welcome Robert.

If you are interested more modern method WWI representations, you need to make a trip over to Holden, Mo and visit Robert Baslee and his crew at Airdrome Aeroplanes. Probably less than an hour from you. Even if you decide to go a different direction, seeing how his kits go together and the engineering will be a real plus. Also, he's a nice guy.

I spent 2 days there in May working on my N 17. It is amazing how much I learned in those 2 days.

If you are interested in the more traditional methods of building a WW I replica, just keep asking questions, you will make connections with someone who can provide you with most any info you are looking for.

Dale

[tcrean7828]

Originally Posted by rugger1869

I recently moved to the KC area and I have always been enamoured by these beautiful WWI machines. As a child I remember having an argument with my dad about how WWI aircraft were superior to WWI aircraft due to the on-th0spot engineering and ingeniuty that went in to creating them.

I guess after lurking here, off and on, for years, I finally decided to join and get involved in the conversation. That being said, where do I start. I know absolutely nothing about making things with my hands (not that I can't learn.) What I lack in knowledge I more than make up for with enthusiasm. I have ordered Mr. Starks books and I am excited to read them. I have also spent an inordinate amout of time on the Airdrome Aeroplanes page.

Any help would be appreciated. Ideally, I would like to start a project soon.

Robert

Mate,
Welcome to the flagship of the Aerodrome - where the greatest minds on the planet get together and talk about their favorite subject - WW1.

ttfn

tcrean7828

tom

P.S. Werner Voss and Kurt Wolff fan here.

[jumpinjan]

Originally Posted by rugger1869

I know absolutely nothing about making things with my hands (not that I can't learn.)

That's why there's a great homebuilders organization call the EAA.
EAA - The Spirit of Aviation - Oshkosh, WI

[Kaiser Bill]

Robert...welcome aboard.

Once you have selected a project I'm positive there are any number of folks here more than willing to help you. Remember there are no stupid questions.
We all started out not knowing a whole lot. You can't learn it all in one or two sessions. Be patient and it will happen.

Again... welcome. There is always someone around to help.

[RobW]

I'd suggest that you start by looking at Jeff Brooks thread ( http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/re...i-project.html ) In it you will find a lot of information ranging from research to manufacturing. Jeff has done just about everything... sometimes two or three times. He started out with a set of skills, but over time learned new skills, learned how to barter, and learned how to find folks with the skills he needed. Great inspiration there. You will not waste your time going through his thread, making some notes and plotting your way ahead.


Rob

[Omega]

Originally Posted by rugger1869

I recently moved to the KC area and I have always been enamoured by these beautiful WWI machines. As a child I remember having an argument with my dad about how WWI aircraft were superior to WWI aircraft due to the on-th0spot engineering and ingeniuty that went in to creating them.

I guess after lurking here, off and on, for years, I finally decided to join and get involved in the conversation. That being said, where do I start. I know absolutely nothing about making things with my hands (not that I can't learn.) What I lack in knowledge I more than make up for with enthusiasm. I have ordered Mr. Starks books and I am excited to read them. I have also spent an inordinate amout of time on the Airdrome Aeroplanes page.

Any help would be appreciated. Ideally, I would like to start a project soon.

Robert

Welcome Robert.

Pick your favorite plane and get a kit or project. Do it now! We never have enough time, space or money but if you work consistently on small goals you will finish. Don't look at it as the huge project that it may be but see it as small attainable tasks that will add up to the final aircraft. You can eat an elephant if you take it one bite at a time. I'm on my 5th plane now and I don't remember ever planning on building anything!

Glad you have joined our group.

Koz

[Omega]

Robert,

Make sure that you not only like the aesthetics of the aircraft you want to build but also the flying characteristics. Find out if you are capable of flying that plane. I have seen several guys recently build tail wheel aircraft that they will never be able to fly. Get some time in a similar plane to see if you like it and can handle it.

Koz

[Brad]

Originally Posted by jumpinjan

That's why there's a great homebuilders organization call the EAA.
EAA - The Spirit of Aviation - Oshkosh, WI

I used to be a chapter VP. I let my membership lapse when the EAA turned into the FGAA, (fast glass airplane association) a.k.a. the millionairs club.

[rugger1869]

I appreciate all that you guys have written! I am looking at a Nieuport 28 perhaps. I also really like the Albatros D.III, but I can't seem to find any full scale kits or plans for that one. The search continues! The goon news is that if I decide on the Nieuport, Robert from Airdrome Aeroplanes is close by.