Glenn Torrance Fokker Dr.1 Triplane
by Sal Calvagna [email protected]
Welcome back. Because the overall theme of this month’s magazine is about building model aircraft, I would like to share a current RC Giant Scale project that represents the ultimate in realism.
The project began with a Glenn Torrance Models (GTM) 1/3-scale Fokker Dr.1 kit and a desire for scale fidelity. The scale fidelity portion of this build took on a life of its own.
Mike Gross of Mastic Beach, New York, has been faithfully reproducing a nearly exact copy of the famous Fokker Dr.1 triplane, starting with the Glenn Torrance 1/3-scale kit. The GTM kit is a well-designed reproduction in miniature of the World War I aircraft. Here’s a snippet from the GTM website:
“This model is rich in detail and scale fidelity; from the spruce box spars to the scale hinges, this kit will offer the builder a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction. Over 1,400 parts are marked and carefully packed to ensure easy identification and safe shipping.”
Here’s what Mike had to say about the build:
“It started out as a very nice Glenn Torrance Models kit that I enhanced with scale construction techniques using information from Windsock Data files and Achim S. Engels drawings, said to be the most accurate drawings available on the Dr.1. Here is a partial list of some of the scratch-built parts I made: turnbuckles, fuselage tensioning cables, and scale wire trailing edges on the wings. An all-scratch-built cockpit, including control stick, aileron torque tube, rudder bar, fuel lever, and fuel cutoff (both operated battery switches), Bamburg compass, altimeter, Morrell anemometer on the left wing strut.
“The functioning flight controls operate all flying surfaces via scale cables, pulleys, blocks, and guides. The flight controls are driven by the servos. It is now ready for covering, which will be 3 ounces per-square-yard unbleached linen cloth doped and sewn on as the original was.
“It has a DLE 111 for power turning a Xoar 30 x 8 propeller. The radio is a JR 12X transmitter and 12-channel receiver with three JR 8711 servos on flight controls, two JR 517 servos on throttle and choke. Three A123 battery packs, 6.6 volts, 2,500 mAh each, are from Hangtime Hobbies. The spoke wheels are from Vogelsang Aerospace. The plane weighs 31 pounds at this point and should be around 38 to 40 pounds ready for flight.” The model is so realistic that it is almost a shame to add the covering material! Very impressive, Michael!
Windsock Data Files
Windsock data files are a must for those looking for WW I aircraft documentation. They are authored by many premier historians including Peter Grosz, Ray Rimell, and Jack Bruce. Albatros Productions offers the Windsock data files along with a wide range of books and journals for modelers and enthusiasts alike. Please visit the website listed in "Sources."
Achim S. Engels
Achim S. Engels is a historian, designer, and builder of the highest quality. Here is what he states:
"I follow my aim strictly and am trying to research the knowledge about the techniques used to construct aircraft of the mentioned field and to also make the results of my work available to anybody who is interested in [it]. "To reach this goal, I go several ways. I develop construction drawings for full-size parts and complete reconstruction aircraft. I also publish my findings in the form of booklets and books. Furthermore, my plan also is to collect original data documents such as works drawings, photographs, and other documents into an online archive which you can find somewhere on this website.
"Our drawings are documents of the highest German standard quality."
For more information about the Fokker Dr.1, please visit Achim's website listed in "Sources."
That's all for this month. Find an interesting project, do some online research, acquire documentation, and start building! Of course, send me some photos and I will be happy to include them in a future column.
SOURCES:
- Albatros Productions
[email protected] www.windsockdatafilespecials.co.uk
- Fokker-Team-Schorndorf
[email protected] www.collectors-edition.de/ft-s_zeichnungen_Dr1_english.htm
- International Miniature Aircraft Association
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
