Rudi’s Fokker E-III ‘Eindecker’ Build

[Theuns v V]

Damn, dit maak my lus om weer aerie te bou.....sal moet gaan stilsit in doe hoek totdat die gevoel wegaan

[Bearcat]

Congrats Rudi,
With you behind this build we know its going to be fantastic .. and probably quick

If New Zealand can have a thriving collection of WWI replicas then why cant we have one as well
We have got used to them beating us in rugby ... but when they beat us in aviation it really is offsides
Hopefully your build will prompt others to give it a go.

Cant wait !

[Rudix]

Hi Rudi!

Ok, now this is exciting! I have looked at the Airdrome Airplanes kits quite a few times over the years but the CAA situation has really stopped me from proceeding every time. Since it seems like sanity has returned this is suddenly a real option again.

The thought of flying a WW1 replica is really attractive, and it seems the kits won't take that long to build.

Time to go look at options, thanks for taking this project on and sharing it with us Rudi!

Fly safe,
Rudi

[Arie de Wet]

Hi Rudi.
I think this is fantastic. I have one question. Do you think that a VW engine would be an option ? The only reason I ask is that those rotax engines does "scream" a bit at cruise power settings, which would just sound wrong on a WW1 replica plane ( my opinion only). A VW would sound more the part, and I think those aero vee engines are very dependable ,and they seem to be not to expensive as well.

[bullet]

Very nice Rudi! World War 1 aircraft are special. Would love to see a tri-decker Fokker!

[Ray W]

This is very very exciting - looking forward to seeing her

[RudiGreyling]

Hi Rudi.
I think this is fantastic. I have one question. Do you think that a VW engine would be an option ? The only reason I ask is that those rotax engines does "scream" a bit at cruise power settings, which would just sound wrong on a WW1 replica plane ( my opinion only). A VW would sound more the part, and I think those aero vee engines are very dependable ,and they seem to be not to expensive as well.

Yes VW and even 1/2 VW and other 4 strokes are options, depending on model and scale, see Data Sheet on bottom of post.

I don't think there is ANY Engine on the market currently that sounded anything like the original! The original had a 2-Stroke ROTARY engine running with Caster Oil (looking similar to a RADIAL) but the whole Engine Rotated, making a very unique engine noise, as the cylinder heads created wind noise.

Go look here: http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/projects ... ld-history

See and Listen to the Engine Here: http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/projects ... rii-action

ROTARY Engine Operation:

AA Rotary_engine_-_animation_slower.gif

Engine exploded view:

AA engine-assembly-cad.jpg

PS:here is a list of WW1 Replicas and engine choices Data sheet (The blue cross outs are non WW1).

AA Plane Specs.JPG

My choice currently for the 75% scale Fokker E-3 will be the rotax, because i have experience and trust them. For the Larger scale replicas the VW should be good, but I am told by old timers to limit VW to 85HP max. (I have no experience on VW, so it is hearsay on my part)

[Theuns v V]

[RudiGreyling]

Excellent news, I just received my Build Number from CAA!

It sounds even better in Afrikaans:
"Ek het nou net my Fokker se bou nommer gekry!"

Let the journey begin....

[BigglesSA]

[Fransw]

Excellent news, I just received my Build Number from CAA!

It sounds even better in Afrikaans:
"Ek het nou net my Fokker se bou nommer gekry!"

Let the journey begin....

Befokker!

[Pete]

Excellent news, I just received my Build Number from CAA!

It sounds even better in Afrikaans:
"Ek het nou net my Fokker se bou nommer gekry!"

Let the journey begin....

Fantastic news Rudi and I wish you all the best for the build.. no doubt it will be a beaut when complete!

I must finish my Isaacs Fury biplane (ZS-UET started many moons ago) then we can go fly down the valley together

[Pete]

Am also passionate about WW1 aeries and visited TVAL http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/ in 2005 whilst they were building a batch of exact replica SE5A's (including brand new reverse engineered Wolsley Viper V8 engines) in Wellington NZ.. amazing attention to detail but alas out of my reach so the simpler kits and alternative powerplants are the way to go.

A nice little replica Nieuport Bebe is nestling at Krugersdorp and I can wait to see it fly soon as well.
There is also rumour of a Flitzer Z3 Falke in the area under construction.. magnificent..

This is the true spirit of recreational aviation and I look forward to seeing more of this type of enthusiast and era of aircraft around.. to boot not requiring a guilt edged bank account

[Pilot Dreamer]

Very interesting. Good luck with the build.

***Subscribed***

[RudiGreyling]

<SNIP>

I must finish my Isaacs Fury biplane (ZS-UET started many moons ago) then we can go fly down the valley together

Hi Pete, YES that Isaacs Fury is a beautiful airplane! Then we can do a proper formation Dawn Patrol in the Magalies valley!