By: Creaking Door
- 11th February 2009 at 22:02Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Would it make sence to recreate the rudder-pedals, when modern substitutes are available for a fraction of the costs it would take to produce an accurate copy and that can do the job just as well? Personally I would love to rebuild such details as accurate as possible but it has to remain feasable.
So long as fitting ‘modern’ rudder pedals (for example) didn’t prevent the fitting of accurate reproduction (or original) pedals at a later date this sounds like a good approach to me; of course it’s never that simple is it? As you say, you never know what will turn up; and once word spreads of your replica parts may find you!
By: Peter Garner
- 17th March 2009 at 11:57Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Here's how we've been getting on during the past weeks: We have managed to trace chromoly steel tubes in the same dimensions that were used by Heinkel from different sources in Germany, Holland and the United States. Most of the steel required has arrived by now and I have started cut them into the required lengths. I have no experience at all in shaping the joints so this is going to be done computer-aided. A friend of mine is currently producing a 3-d model in his computer from which the data will be provided to bring the ends of the tubes into the correct shape to produce seamless joints.
We have begun with the top of the fuselage, in front of the cockpit. Once this is done we will continue with the rear top, then the bottom and them attach the side-pieces between them.
Of course we are not allowed to carry out the welding ourselves, this needs to be done by a qualified welder.
Also the steel brackets for attaching the ailerons have also be redesigned and are currently being laser-cut from steel sheet by a specialist company.
By: Peter Garner
- 24th May 2009 at 11:29Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
The top-side of the fuselage behind the cockpit has now been welded and I'll now continue with the area in front of the pilot. After that the fuselage lower side will be built and then the side-tubes fitted between the top and bottom. We still have a while to go before the fuselage framework is done. But everything is completely accurate, even the wall-thickness of the tubes. You'll be surprised how tiny the He 51 is.
By: Peter Garner
- 12th October 2009 at 19:15Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Shortly after the euphoria that came from completing the fuselage top-side had settled we learned that there were some snags in it and that we'd have to do it again. This threw us back several months. Anyway the new fuselage top is done now and in addition to this the fuselage bottom side also. This was welded today. You can see these two pieces roughly propped up in the picture below. What we'll do next is to build a 3-D-jig in which both the top and bottom side will be installed and the side-pieces attached.
By a stroke of luck I managed to secure an authentic rear-view-mirror. It features the parts number FL 24200 which is the same as that used on the He 51, but, most likely other german biplane-fighters of the 30s had the same mirror. Anyway, chances that this is actually From an He 51 are pretty good.
Like I said in another thread: it's taking a lot of time, but she's coming together nicely!:)
By: g-1reaper
- 20th October 2009 at 14:29Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Great show Peter! We (Fokker G-1 foundation) are currently still working on the drawing package to rebuild the Fokker G-1 fightercruiser. It needs to be historically correct and when data is absent, work needs to be based on known Fokker build principles. You are obviously well past that stage!
By: Peter Garner
- 26th October 2009 at 10:56Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Jummy, excellent progress Peter, RVP (Rapid Visual Progress) is very good for inspiration/motivation.
Cees
Yes, of course but enforcing it could result in losing the overview, which could be fatal to the project. But it's good to see the progress.
We (Fokker G-1 foundation) are currently still working on the drawing package to rebuild the Fokker G-1 fightercruiser
Ahh... wooden wings! Could it be that I came across you're web-site a while ago. You are also planning to build her air-worthy, aren't you? I once heard the G-1 was nicknamed "Sewing-Machine" because of the sound of her engines.
We've started work on the fuselage sides. Here the tubes are being cut to the correct lengths. The longerons here are only to determine the lengths of the tubes, as they have already been welded to the fuselage top and bottom.
This here is the area between the firewall and the cockpit.
By: Peter Garner
- 27th March 2010 at 20:00Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Here's a brief update about what we've been up to during the past months: We have now moved the fuselage into the large workshop where it is now easily accessible for welding from all sides. The fuselage behind the pilots seat has been tack-welded. The steel tubes of the forward part are now being fitted into the fuselage. The cockpit floor and the backing for the auxiliary panel are also under construction.
By: pagen01
- 27th March 2010 at 20:16Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Wow fantastic Peter, I've somehow missed this thread until now.
It's really good to see a largely forgotted pre-war German aircraft recreated in this way.
By: Creaking Door
- 27th March 2010 at 20:50Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
We have now moved the fuselage into the large workshop where it is now easily accessible for welding from all sides.
How are the welds certified? Do you have to use somebody certified to do aircraft welds and have your welding equipment calibrated or do you use a proof load test when a section is completed?
By: Peter Garner
- 28th March 2010 at 07:15Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
How are the welds certified? Do you have to use somebody certified to do aircraft welds and have your welding equipment calibrated or do you use a proof load test when a section is completed?
All the TIG-welding is done by a qualified and certified welder. We are allowed to do the tack welding ourselves but we don't. There will be a load test once the fuselage is done and the structure has to be calculated. Like I said elsewhere: the fact that the type has flown before in Germany is helping a lot.
By: Peter Garner
- 13th May 2010 at 18:09Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
It still takes a lot of time cutting and fitting the tubes forward of the cockpit area but we're getting there and I am very pleased with the results. She's beginning to look like an old aeroplane;)
Had visitors here today so the workshop was seriously cleaned up. Once I had finished I thought I need to take some pictures. Here they are:
Posts: 9,739
By: Creaking Door - 11th February 2009 at 22:02 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
So long as fitting ‘modern’ rudder pedals (for example) didn’t prevent the fitting of accurate reproduction (or original) pedals at a later date this sounds like a good approach to me; of course it’s never that simple is it? As you say, you never know what will turn up; and once word spreads of your replica parts may find you!
Posts: 403
By: Peter Garner - 17th March 2009 at 11:57 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Here's how we've been getting on during the past weeks: We have managed to trace chromoly steel tubes in the same dimensions that were used by Heinkel from different sources in Germany, Holland and the United States. Most of the steel required has arrived by now and I have started cut them into the required lengths. I have no experience at all in shaping the joints so this is going to be done computer-aided. A friend of mine is currently producing a 3-d model in his computer from which the data will be provided to bring the ends of the tubes into the correct shape to produce seamless joints.
We have begun with the top of the fuselage, in front of the cockpit. Once this is done we will continue with the rear top, then the bottom and them attach the side-pieces between them.
Of course we are not allowed to carry out the welding ourselves, this needs to be done by a qualified welder.
Also the steel brackets for attaching the ailerons have also be redesigned and are currently being laser-cut from steel sheet by a specialist company.
Regards
Peter
Posts: 403
By: Peter Garner - 24th May 2009 at 11:29 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
The top-side of the fuselage behind the cockpit has now been welded and I'll now continue with the area in front of the pilot. After that the fuselage lower side will be built and then the side-tubes fitted between the top and bottom. We still have a while to go before the fuselage framework is done. But everything is completely accurate, even the wall-thickness of the tubes. You'll be surprised how tiny the He 51 is.
Peter
Posts: 608
By: Peter D Evans - 24th May 2009 at 11:31 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Great to see the progress your making Peter... really looking forward to seeing this project go from strength to strength... :)
Cheers
Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator
Posts: 403
By: Peter Garner - 12th October 2009 at 19:15 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Shortly after the euphoria that came from completing the fuselage top-side had settled we learned that there were some snags in it and that we'd have to do it again. This threw us back several months. Anyway the new fuselage top is done now and in addition to this the fuselage bottom side also. This was welded today. You can see these two pieces roughly propped up in the picture below. What we'll do next is to build a 3-D-jig in which both the top and bottom side will be installed and the side-pieces attached.
By a stroke of luck I managed to secure an authentic rear-view-mirror. It features the parts number FL 24200 which is the same as that used on the He 51, but, most likely other german biplane-fighters of the 30s had the same mirror. Anyway, chances that this is actually From an He 51 are pretty good.
Like I said in another thread: it's taking a lot of time, but she's coming together nicely!:)
Peter
Posts: 2,094
By: Oxcart - 12th October 2009 at 20:43 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Thanks very much for the update Peter!-lets hope there are no more snags-can't wait to see her!
Posts: 403
By: Peter Garner - 19th October 2009 at 07:49 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
After a busy weekend this is what the fuselage looks like now.:D
Posts: 490
By: James D - 19th October 2009 at 10:42 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
This is fantastic! I wish you all the best with this project.
Posts: 2,176
By: CeBro - 19th October 2009 at 17:53 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Jummy, excellent progress Peter, RVP (Rapid Visual Progress) is very good for inspiration/motivation.
Cees
Posts: 29
By: g-1reaper - 20th October 2009 at 14:29 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Great show Peter! We (Fokker G-1 foundation) are currently still working on the drawing package to rebuild the Fokker G-1 fightercruiser. It needs to be historically correct and when data is absent, work needs to be based on known Fokker build principles. You are obviously well past that stage!
Posts: 403
By: Peter Garner - 26th October 2009 at 10:56 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Yes, of course but enforcing it could result in losing the overview, which could be fatal to the project. But it's good to see the progress.
Ahh... wooden wings! Could it be that I came across you're web-site a while ago. You are also planning to build her air-worthy, aren't you? I once heard the G-1 was nicknamed "Sewing-Machine" because of the sound of her engines.
We've started work on the fuselage sides. Here the tubes are being cut to the correct lengths. The longerons here are only to determine the lengths of the tubes, as they have already been welded to the fuselage top and bottom.
This here is the area between the firewall and the cockpit.
Peter
Posts: 2,435
By: Seafuryfan - 26th October 2009 at 20:37 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
My first visibility on this project Peter, inspirational. We don't underestimate the personal sacrifices made for such a labour of love.
A project keenly watched by many - the result will be spectacular and deserving of the front covers.
Keep up the good work!
Posts: 403
By: Peter Garner - 12th December 2009 at 17:41 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Lot's of lovely RVP here today!
Thanks for your kind remarks Seafuryfan:)
Posts: 2,176
By: CeBro - 13th December 2009 at 18:59 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Hi Peter,
Looking very good, the He51 is emerging at last.
Cees
Posts: 403
By: Peter Garner - 27th March 2010 at 20:00 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Here's a brief update about what we've been up to during the past months: We have now moved the fuselage into the large workshop where it is now easily accessible for welding from all sides. The fuselage behind the pilots seat has been tack-welded. The steel tubes of the forward part are now being fitted into the fuselage. The cockpit floor and the backing for the auxiliary panel are also under construction.
Thanks
Peter
Posts: 10,647
By: pagen01 - 27th March 2010 at 20:16 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Wow fantastic Peter, I've somehow missed this thread until now.
It's really good to see a largely forgotted pre-war German aircraft recreated in this way.
Posts: 9,739
By: Creaking Door - 27th March 2010 at 20:50 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
How are the welds certified? Do you have to use somebody certified to do aircraft welds and have your welding equipment calibrated or do you use a proof load test when a section is completed?
Posts: 403
By: Peter Garner - 28th March 2010 at 07:15 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
All the TIG-welding is done by a qualified and certified welder. We are allowed to do the tack welding ourselves but we don't. There will be a load test once the fuselage is done and the structure has to be calculated. Like I said elsewhere: the fact that the type has flown before in Germany is helping a lot.
Peter
Posts: 403
By: Peter Garner - 13th May 2010 at 18:09 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
It still takes a lot of time cutting and fitting the tubes forward of the cockpit area but we're getting there and I am very pleased with the results. She's beginning to look like an old aeroplane;)
Had visitors here today so the workshop was seriously cleaned up. Once I had finished I thought I need to take some pictures. Here they are:
Posts: 608
By: Peter D Evans - 13th May 2010 at 18:32 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Very much taking shape there Peter, fantastic progress! :)
Cheers
Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator