Balsa USA Fokker DRI 1/4 scale
 

I just orderd the kit, wheels and guns.
I will be powering the Fokker with a DLE-30 which I have one new in the box ready for the build. I will be doing a few mods to the kit to help the scale appearance. I intend to build a functional tail skid and a full cockpit plus Rib Sticthing. The plane will be covered in fabric and painted to match DR1 161/17. This is one of Von Richtofen's mounts which he scored several victories. It was delivered to the front in the factory camo colors and the red colors were applied in the field. I will replicate the same finish. I wanted a camo finsihed plane and my wife wanted a red plane so this is a good compromise;).

I do intend to install a smoke pump as well. Now off to the shop to get it ready for the build. I hope the kit arrives by next weekend and the build will begin. I am atatching a drawing that shows the color scheme I will be replicating.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Going to be a great looking plane.  Will it be a total booger to fly?  I understand the full size was not the best for stability.

Tom

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

From everything I have read they fly very well. Landings and take-off are a different story. They like going straight into the wind and will weathervane into the wind all the time. I fly at a sod farm and I can take-off and land into the no matter which way it is blowing.
I really like the fact I will be able to leave it assemled for storage and transporting. Even at 1/4 scale it is not that big of a plane. I have a 6x12 trailer for transporting my planes.
If you haven't seen the movie Red Baron it is a must see for any WWI aviation enthusiast. It rekendled my interest in the DR1. My 1st intentions were to build the GTM 1/4 DR1. This kit currently is not available as Glenn is doing a total redesign of the kit and it will not be available until next year. If this works out well I will build the GTM version next winter for a full blown scale build.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Anthony,
There's a couple of those at my field. They fly great. But as stated are wind directional at take-off and landing. I will be watching your build.
ENJOY!

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

I'm subscribing to this one! I kave been kicking around the idea of a Balsa USA WWI plane, not sure which one, through out most of my latest build.

SunDevilPilot

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Yeah I have been eyeing them as well.
I let my wife pick it out, she told me I want you to build a Fokker:D Should be a fun build!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Then you get to say, "Look at that little Fokker go."

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Tom

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

The things we have to do to keep the little ladies happy:D

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

I built one of these and modeled it after mount 403/17 a few years ago. One of my fav. planes of all time. I did extensive mods (still a couple more to do) with GTM accessories and am glad I did. I would recomend a bungeed landing gear system as it will GREATLY smooth out landings and you will def. need the good oak wing/tail skids from GTM! This plane lands the most scale of any I have ever seen and when the tail drops mine does the most beautiful and graceful ground loop to the right everytime!!!! Lots of fun-make sure you know your rudder like the back of your hand:D!

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Great news,
I just received an e-mail from Balsa USA and my order has shipped. I am guessing I will have it Wed. or Thursday. The build will begin as soon as the kit arrives. No sooner no later:D

flygilmore,
Thanks for the advice. I do plan on adding a oak tail skid. I don't think I am going to go for the bungee on the main gear. I will look at it once I start the build. As long as the mod isn't too intensive I may try to add the suspension.
I have been involved with some very intense builds over the last few years and I want a more relaxing build so I don't want to complicate it up too much if you know what I mean. I will most likely build my own cockpit as the GTM cockpit kit is a bit pricey to put into a semi-scale plane. I will save that for the GTM build down the road.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

HEY WACONUT LIKE THE COLOR, AS SOON AS I FINISH MY SOPWITH THE DR1 WAS GOING TO BE MY NEXT BUILD. BUT I TOLD SANTA I WANTED A D7http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f.../cry_smile.gif. MAYBE I CAN CHANGE MY LISThttp://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...used_smile.gif
I WILL BE WATCHING VERY CLOSE AS THE DR IS SUCH A COOL PLANE.
GOOD LUCK WITH THE BUILD.

EWAN<br type="_moz" />

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Thanks Ewan,
If you can get it swapped we can build along together.

I spent a good part of the day yesterday and about 3 hrs this evening working on my hobby room. It had pretty much been used for storage since spring. I found that my 8 ft building table had developed a slight sag in the middle due to all the weight left on it for months[:@]. I leveled each end of the table and layed a piece of 3/4" MDF on the table top and stretched a string from end to end. I had a 1/8" dip in the center along the front edge of the table only. I shimmed the MDF board up until it was level with the string. I have laid a piece of 1/2" drywall on top of that to build on. Lesson learned do not load your build table up with weight and leave it for months on end, bad things will happen. Your plane will only be as straight as the table you are building on. I have been building on this table for 10+ yrs and this is the 1st time it has shown anything other than flat and I always verify before starting a new build.

I should have the room ready when the kit arrives.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

WOW,
I just checked the tracking on my purchase and UPS says they will be delivering it tomorrow. Not bad order on Sunday and receive on Tuesday.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

I enjoyed my Dr1 build. Looking forward to reading about yours and virtual building along with your project! I now have a Nieuport 17 in the works and in typical BUSA style it is a very nice kit. I have a local flying friend that flys a scratch built 37% Dr1.

JEB:D

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Thanks JEB,
To all you DR1 Builders out there don't hesitate to throw up a red flag if you see I should be changing something. I do also plan on adding and ajustable stab, I want to be able to ajust the incidence as needed to minimize the down trim these are notorious for to maintain level flight.
I just checked the UPS tracking and they pushed it out until Wed. wich is still pretty good. I need the time to get my room in order anyhow.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

There's another BUSA 1/4 DR build going on now in this same category which I'm sure you know already. Folks have said there were some issues with horiz stab incidence and some have made it removeable/adjustable until they get it dialed in as best they can make it permanent.
Mike

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

A guy at our club put 2 degrees neg. in top wing,it flies beautiful.I'm building a BUSA DR1,I'm going to set it up just like his.-Jeffo
P.S.-I've been debating how to set the top wing,I figure this is a good place to start.

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Mike,
Thanks for the tip. I am aware of the other thread and I read the whole thing. There does not seem to be much participation in that thread lately and it can get a little overwhelming trying to figure out where one build begins and another ends so I decided to start a new thread. I posed a question in that thread and never received a response so that tells me they have moved on.


Jeffo,
I will wait and see what the instructions say for the incidence. The only issue I have heard is the amount of down trim required for level flight. Most guys are solving the issue with the adjustable stab. My intentions are to build the stab adjustable and start with approx 4deg of incidence in the stab.

My hobby room is now ready for action. My build table is leveled out and ready. I have my drill press, band saw and disc sander on a table across from my build table. I can be at the build table and turn around and take 2 steps and work on one of the power tools. Close enough for convience but keeps the majority of the mess away from the build. Did an inventory of glues and other necessities and I need to pick up a new bottle of Elmers wood glue or Tite-Bond.
Here are a couple pics of my tables, this is about as clean as it will be for a while:D I will unpack the kit tomorrow when it arrives and post a few pics.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Hey Waconut. A small vac with a dust bag really help's. And by the look's of your benchtop tool's you already have a exhaust port to hook up to.
Yes?

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Hi Robert,
I have a small Vac as well as a large shop vac. I hope to keep my shop a bit cleaner during this build than I was able to do with the 1/3 scale builds. The 1/3 planes take up so much room while building it is hard to keep cleaned up around them.
Today is Christmas at my house, the kit will be here when I get home. :D
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Anthony ,Can't use the glass on your build table anymore? Just curious...

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

I put 5* inc. on my stab and it is perfect-I bolted it on with 4-40 bolts so that I could adjust as needed. Anxious to see your progress! I would like to build another BUSA kit or two and I love the Solartex just not the price!!

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Speaking of price of the Solartex, did you figure in the cost of everything else required for other coverings? I haven't used Solartex yet but from what I understand all you have to do is paint it, no sealing, no sanding, is that correct? I'd like to know all the details since I've decided (after waffling a LOT!) to go with Solartex.

Take care,
David

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Aircraft Spruce has a great lightweight fabric that is way cheap. I will post a link when i get a chance. Like $3 a yard by 5'. Great stuff.

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

David, if your going to do stitching and pinking you will need a pair of pinking shears to cut that solartex into strips.

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

VJ,
This build is going to require alot of pinning down parts so i am building on drywall. I still have the glass top and may use it some later in the build.

Christmas came early.......... I feel like Steve Martin in the movie The Jerk: The New Phone Book is Here, The New Phone Book is Here:D

The kit is well packed and everything looks to be in good shape. They put the wheels and the gun kits into the kit box for shipping. The directions say to start with the wings so I will. The build will start tonight.

My thoughts on Solartex. I used it on one build. My 33% Cub. It went on easier than fabric but it was too trans parent for my taste. I wound up putting several coats of paint over the Solartex to get satisfactory results. I do not intend to use Solartex on this build. Also the Solartex will start to go slack in some areas over time. I have never had this happen with Koverall. Just my experience and opinion.

Here are a few pics of how the kit looks in the box. Not bad ordered on Sunday and received on Wed.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Look's good Anthony. And I agree with you on the covering. Have you ever considered giving stits fabric a go. Much tighter weave than Koverall. I like both but prefer stits. And thank's for starting this build. Have thought about one for awhile.  Watching you build one will probably, you know.

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Robert,
I am looking at buying my fabric from Aircraft Spruce, I belive it is Stits-Lite. Much cheaper buying from them. You need to get that Cub done and get a DR1 so you can build along;).


I just went thru the box and it is a bit intimidating as there is ALOT of wood. All the wood appears to be of very good quality. You have to study the manual closely and make sure you use the right piece of wood in the right place or you will come up short. I think about as far as I will get tonight is getting all the sheeting and spars spliced for building the bottom wing then start assmbly of the wing tomorrow evening. All the wings are one piece and no dihedral so the build is pretty straight forward.
This is going to be fun!!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Give us a shot of all the wood. And would love to build along but gotta finish the Cub then a Coursair, another Waco then a B25. But who knows.
And I will check out Aircraft Spruce for the polyester. Thank's

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

OK you asked,
The wood layed out on the table along the 4ft T-square is all the sheeting and spar material for the wings. All the fuse ply parts are in the box at the other end of the table. The box top has all the wing ribs and stick stock as well as the remaining sheeting.

I am going to eat dinner then make all of the required splices for the bottom wing and let them dry. I will start framing the wing tomorrow evening after work.

Work all day in an aerospace shop and come home and build planes. Kind of messed up isn't it:D
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Side Note:
I was considering making a copy of the plans and making templates of all the parts for later use if I wanted to build another one. I don't think this would be worth the effort with this kit. With the amount of wood that is contained in the kit it would not be economical to try and reproduce this kit. By the time you rounded up all the required wood and the necessary hardware you could have purchased the kit. With this kit you definetly are getting your $$$ worth IMO.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Holy Cow that's a lot of wood!

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Yes it is,
I have the spars and sheeting spliced for the bottom wing. The bottom wing has 20 ribs. I removed the 20 die cut ribs from the sheets and was pleasantly surprised at how easily and cleanly they came out of the sheets. No trimming or sanding required for the ribs before assembly. It has been a long time since I have built a die cut kit and my last experience wasn't a good one but it looks like there are no issues with the die cutting of this kit.
I will take some pics of the wing being framed up tomorrow.
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Well I didn't get as far as I wanted tonight, been fighting a sinus headache all day.
I did get the parts I spliced yesterday sanded and the bottom L/E sheeting is pinned down with the bottom spar glued in place. The T/E is pinned in place and all the ribs are dry fitted. I will start gluing them in tomorrow when my head stops hurting. C/A fumes do not sound like a good idea right now. I should be able to make some progress in a few days.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

The bottom wing is all framed up. I still need to add the cap strips and the tips and leading edge cap and sand.
When I unpinned the wing from the table it remained nice and flat, so far so good. I will complete this wing tomorrow and start on the middle wing.
I generally like to use as much wood glue as possible in place of CA but this design lends itself well to using thin CA to wick into the joints of the ribs and sheeting. If anyone wants so more indepth pictures of the wing building process just let me know and I will take more pics while building the other 2 wings.
Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Do you really have to ask? Of course we would like more pics.
And I checked out thatAircraft Spruce site, which bring's up a question. What do you think of the Dacron?

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Hey Anthony,

Looks like you're off to a running start. Get r done and join the Dawn Patrol circut this coming year.
Some of the guys have started doing an occasional camp and fly weekend.
Can't help but have fun.

Del

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Waco,You'll find this is a very easy kit to build.Box fuse.flat bottom wing that can be built in one piece,and stick const. tail feathers.Very well designed kit.-Jeffo

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Hi Del,
I will definetly have it ready by spring. Now that I have one wing framed I am sure the other 2 will go a little faster. I was supposed to be off work between the Holidays and I was going to try and frame the whole plane up by Jan 1st but it looks like I will have to work[:@].
If all goes well you will be seeing me and my plane this year.
I am getting ready to head into work for a 1/2 day then get back on the DR1.

Later!!
Anthony

RE: Balsa USA Fokker DR1 1/4 scale
 

Anthony, I am subscribed. Make it through that 3rd wing and the Fuse is alot of fun to build on this.
Ron