Category: WW1 Era (1914-18)

Posted on by

Newly Restored Thomas-Morse S-4B Performs Taxi Test Ahead of Maiden Flight [Video]

Ithaca Aviation Heritage Foundation’s newly restored, Le Rhone-powered Thomas-Morse S-4B has performed its first taxi test as its scheduled first flight draws near.

As previously reported, The Ithaca, NY-based organization was established in order to return an example of the WW1 advanced trainer to the city where it was originally manufactured as “a symbol of Ithaca’s aviation heritage.” Their machine was generously donated by Dr. William N. Thibault of San Diego, CA in 2010 and has been under restoration ever since.

Click below to check out a newly released video of the Tommy moving under its own power.

Continue reading Newly Restored Thomas-Morse S-4B Performs Taxi Test Ahead of Maiden Flight [Video]

Posted on by

Full-Scale Nieuport 28 Reproduction Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A full-scale Nieuport 28 reproduction is currently available for sale.

The aircraft (NX62610) is described as “beautifully crafted” and in “excellent condition” with “very low time.” It reportedly boasts a M-14D nine-cylinder radial engine with new stainless steel exhaust, scale propeller, a tube and fabric fuselage / tail, and wood and fabric wings. Additional features are said to include new fabric and paint, new landing gear, new engine mount and a single peach basket style seat / 4-point harness.

The aircraft is located in Wales, MA and is currently being offered for US$85,000. Click here to check out the complete listing.

(Top Image: NiD.29 from Wikimedia Commons)

Posted on by

WW1 Le Rhone Rotary Engine Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A listing for a “museum quality” WW1 Le Rhone rotary engine has popped up on Craigslist.

The engine was reportedly restored about 15 to 20 years ago and has been on display since then. According to the Craigslist description, it was accepted by the U.S. Army on October 31, 1918 and is in beautiful condition, mounted on a movable display stand with the carburetor, magneto (needs rebuild), oil pump, tachometer drive, tampier valve and pulsator.

The engine is said to include a propeller flown only a few times on a Le Rhone-powered Sopwith Camel. It is reportedly located in Payson, Arizona and is currently being offered for $47,000. Click here to check out the complete listing.

Posted on by

Full-Scale, Warner-Powered Fokker Dr.1 Reproduction Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A full-scale Warner Super Scarab-powered Fokker Dr.1 reproduction has hit the market.

The aircraft (N817DF) is said to have been built over an eight-year period, performing its maiden flight in August 2017. Its reported list of features includes brakes, Spandau machine guns, electric start, satin finish Poly Fiber Aerothane and interior placards in German.

The machine wears the colors of von Richthofen’s 425/17 (illustrated above) and is described as a “beautiful flying airplane.” It is located in Columbus, MI and is currently being offered for US $225,000, although a trade for a Waco Taperwing would also be considered. Click here to check out the complete listing.

(Top Image: Herbert Ringlstetter – www.aviaticus.com via Wikimedia Commons)

Posted on by

Sopwith Triplane Performs First Flight At Military Aviation Museum [Video]

The Military Aviation Museum’s full-scale Sopwith Triplane has performed its first flight since arriving at the Virginia Beach attraction last July.

As previously reported, The Lycoming-powered machine (N543A) was built by Chad Wille in the early 1990s and was recognized as an “Outstanding Aircraft” at SUN ‘n FUN 1993. It became part of the Guntersville, Alabama-based Replica Fighter Museum owned by the late Frank Ryder before moving on to the Homer B. Wilson Vintage Museum at the Guntersville Municipal Airport.

Click below to check out a video of the recent flight.

Continue reading Sopwith Triplane Performs First Flight At Military Aviation Museum [Video]

Posted on by

WW1 Aircraft Manufacturer TVAL Seeks Engine Overhaul Technician

The Vintage Aviator, Ltd. (TVAL) has listed a vacancy for an engine overhaul technician.

The New Zealand-based aircraft restoration and manufacturing company strives to build “WW1 aircraft, engines and propellers to the same exacting standards they were originally made over 90 years ago,” while also working to “look after, and operate, the WW1 aircraft owned by the 1914-1918 Aviation Heritage Trust.”

The organization is seeking “a qualified engine reconditioner with preferably 3+ years post qualification experience.” Ideal candidates would possess experience with vintage and antique engines and welding. The listing states that the position may suit “a fitter/turner or someone familiar with machine shop tools and equipment.”

For additional details, visit TVAL’s website.

(Photo: Phillip Capper via Wikimedia Commons)

Posted on by

Kermit Weeks Shares Sopwith Pup Update Following First Flight Incident [Video]

Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks has released a new video detailing the first taxi run, final rigging and maiden flight of his new Sopwith Pup reproduction.

As previously reported, the Le Rhone-powered aircraft was damaged during the test when the cowling became detached during a low pass approach. Thankfully, Weeks managed to land the machine and walk away unharmed.

Click below to check out the new video.

Continue reading Kermit Weeks Shares Sopwith Pup Update Following First Flight Incident [Video]

Posted on by

Special Hobby’s Lloyd C.V Comes Together In New Stop-Motion Video

Modeler Tom Grigat’s latest stop-motion video captures the assembly of Special Hobby’s Lloyd C.V Series 46 model kit in 1/72 scale.

The original aircraft’s plywood paneling was represented with wood grain decals from Uschi van der Rosten over brown accentuated paint from Alclad II. The rigging material is rubber thread (Uschi van der Rosten) fixed with eyelets and turnbuckles made with rods and tubes from Albion Alloys.

Click below to check it out.

Continue reading Special Hobby’s Lloyd C.V Comes Together In New Stop-Motion Video

Please Note: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

Newly Restored Sopwith Pup Damaged During Test Flight [Video]

Kermit Weeks’ Le Rhone-powered Sopwith Pup reproduction suffered damage after the cowling became detached during its first post-restoration flight.

Weeks states that he “took off fine” and “flew around for about 15 minutes with the 80 hp Le Rhone rotary engine running nicely.” He performed numerous figure eights over the field before coming in for a photo pass. He slowly lowered the nose, and just before reaching Fantasy of Flight’s runway, was given “a rather sudden, noisy, and spectacular surprise.”

The nose cowl is held on by a cable that clamps into a grooved slot on the outside of the firewall. When I slightly dropped the nose, the increased airspeed caused the not-so-properly-adjusted cowl to jump the groove and the rotating engine quickly shred it into numerous pieces, sending shrapnel everywhere, damaging the wings, and wrapping cowling around the center section and flying wires that began to flutter in the 80 mph breeze!

Weeks notes that he immediately shut the engine down and focused on landing the plane, which can be seen in the newly released video below, along with photos of the aftermath.

Continue reading Newly Restored Sopwith Pup Damaged During Test Flight [Video]

Posted on by

Newly Restored Thomas-Morse S-4B Performs Engine Test, Almost Ready For Flight [Video]

Ithaca Aviation Heritage Foundation’s newly restored Thomas-Morse S-4B recently underwent a test of its original 80 hp Le Rhone rotary engine and is said to be “almost ready for flight.”

The Ithaca, NY-based organization was established in order to return an example of the WW1 advanced trainer to the city where it was originally manufactured as “a symbol of Ithaca’s aviation heritage.” Their machine was generously donated by Dr. William N. Thibault of San Diego, CA in 2010 and has been under restoration ever since.

The Scout’s maiden flight is currently scheduled for Sept 29 at Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. To learn more about this aircraft and its restoration, check out the Spring 2018 edition of The Flying Machine journal.

Continue reading Newly Restored Thomas-Morse S-4B Performs Engine Test, Almost Ready For Flight [Video]