Fokker pair 2

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The first of the Fokker D.VII pair is completed.
So now I'm starting the second of the models, the 'skeletal' model.
This will be a full view model with 3D printed parts from 'Shapeways'.

The donor engine is from the 'Wingnut Wings' Fokker D.VII (OAW) built with the following replacement 3D printed components:
Created by Bob Monroe ('Flugzeugwerke') and available from ‘Shapeways’.
Mercedes D.III Oil Pump,
Mercedes D.IIIa Cylinders (hollow),
Mercedes D.IIIa Crankcase,
German Aircraft Magneto,
Mercedes Cylinder clamps,
Gun synchro mechanism,

The aircraft structure will be the 3D printed Fokker D.VII structure.
Created by Richard Andrews ('Aviattic') and available from ‘Shapeways’.

Shapeways

There will be other after market parts used.

I thought I'd start with the engine, which had to modify slightly as the internal mountings in the 3D sump and block are too small to accept the kit supplied propeller shaft.
Instead I've made one from brass micro-tube to fit not only the 3D engine but also the 'Proper Plane' Heine propeller.

Mike

[GusMac]

Sounds great Mike but I'm not seeing the pics. Anyone else the same?

[harv]

Not me....

[coolboxx]

I can't...

[sandbagger]

Error 503 on the host server - apparently the ISS pool had to be refreshed 

OK now,

 

Mike

[harv]

now I can see them

 

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
A few more engine bits prepared.
Spark plugs made from micro-tube and 'RB Motion' aluminium nuts.
'Taurus' manifold locking rings - cut and sanded to fit the 3D printed engine,

Mike

[harv]

.....harv

[GusMac]

WOW!! No sign of any printer deposition patterns there!

[sandbagger]

I thought for this build I'd try 3D printed parts for the engine as well as the airframe.

Despite 3D printing having come a long way, it still has its limitations.

Close inspection of the parts will show layer lines, which weren't totally filled by the primer and paint coats. You can sand or scrape the surfaces smooth, but that's not really an option on smaller, more complicated parts.

However at this scale they are not that obvious. They do cause semi-gloss or gloss coats to look matte, which I think is due to the 'rougher' surface when compared to styrene or resin parts.

I think 3D printed parts are OK for smaller items and probably for surfaces such as wood, but as yet not good enough for larger smoother surfaces,

 

Mike

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
A couple of magnetos each made of four separate 3D printed parts.
The ignition leads support tube made from micro-tube.
The magneto drive modified to fit the 3D engine with a brass rod for the magneto drives.
Also the cylinders are mounted onto the engine block,

Mike

 

 

 

 

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
Starting to assemble the engine accessories now.
So far the spark plugs, ignition lead support tubes, camshaft, air pump, coolant drain tap and cylinder base bridging clamps.
Still plenty more to do,

Mike

 

 
 

[harv]

Very nice....harv

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The engine has progressed a bit more now with the addition:
The conical valve springs
Crankcase breather pipe
Magneto drive assembly with two 3D printed magnetos
Two air pump to crankcase pipes
Decompression valve.

Still have to add ignition leads, intake manifold with locking rings, water pump, coolant pipes, oil filler pipes, sump oil sight glass.
There's also a couple of other pipes plus engine controls.

Mike

 

  

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The 3D printed parts are detailed but as can be seen from the shot below, some are very small.
This is a pair of machine gun synchronization mechanisms, each made up of four separate parts.
The biggest problem is separating them from the base block without damaging them!!

Mike

 

[Jeff]

Holy Magnifying Glass Batman.........................!!!

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The end is in sight for this engine build.
I've added the decals, ignition leads, gun synchronization mechanism, oil sight glass, generator and drive, cylinder fuel primers, water pump, intake manifold with locking rings, crankcase breather pipe and additional pipes.
All that's left is to add the engine mounted throttle and spark advance (ignition timing) controls - the remainder of the control runs can't be added until the engine is fitted into the fuselage (with the cockpit),

Mike

 

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
I've added the control linkage to the top of the twin carburettors, which consist two levers, connecting rod and cable pulley.
Also the connected levers on the top of the attached 'speed controllers;.
I also created the frame mounted throttle bell-crank and the two cross bars on the forward fuselage frames, which are missing from the kit parts,

Mike

 

 

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The final on-engine control linkage has been added, which is the spark advance (ignition timing) for bottom magnetos.
For now the engine will be put to one side so I can make a start on the cockpit,

Mike

 

[Bomber_County]

.......that’s it I’m retiring from this hobby........Mike that’s ######## amazing.......

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The kit supplied fuselage side frames married to the 3D printed fuselage.
This required cutting both, as both have a pilots seat frame and only one can be used of course.
As the join between the two could be a weak area, I chose to fit them together using brass micro-tube.
This gives more rigidity to the join of the fuselage and allows the fitting of the pilots seat frame from the kit (part A26),

Mike

 

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
Well time to start the fuselage build with controls, pipework etc,

Mike

 

[DocRob]

Outstanding, love the engine with all the added detail and the very convincing framework. Great skills as ever.

Cheers Rob

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
Cockpit floor with controls and seat done,

Mike

 

[harv]

I'm in awe of your work buddy !.......harv