Fokker DR-1 (oz7302)

About this Plan

Fokker DR-1. Scale model WWI German fighter, for single channel RC and 0.19 to 0.29 power. This plan was printed in the RCM book "The Challenge of Radio Control Scale" of 1967.

Quote:- "Scale R/C version of WWI ace Baron Von Richthofen's personal triplane. Frank Crother's Fokker DR-1.

World War I was really responsi-ble for the first big push on mili-tary aircraft. One of the best known to emerge from this war was the Fokker DR 1, or better known as the Fokker Triplane. A relatively small plane of only 23 ft 7 in wingspan, it was powered by a German copy of the LeRhone 110 hp engine. However, when placed in the hands of a man like Baron Von Richthofen, and pitted against other planes of the time, it was every bit as deadly as the Mustang of World War II. The top speed was 120-130 mph and a service ceiling of just over 15,000 ft. Our model is built and finished after Richthofen's own personal Triplane which he used only for special occasions such as trips to the Fokker factory.

If you've never attempted to build a scale model before, this one is just for you. We have purposely left out the details of the radio gear and the engine, as these will vary too much with the individual builder. The plane is designed to be fast building, lightweight, and solid. By carefully selecting the materials used, weight can be kept to less than three pounds. The majority of builders will finish the model with silkspan, but by using a lightweight contest silk, only a few ounces will be added to the finished weight and the extra durability will more than make up for it.

Let's start with the wings as they can be a bit of a problem. The ribs are only 1/32 sheet balsa, but they are used only to give shape to the capstrips which really have the strength. This method of construction results in a very light and strong structure, featuring knock-off wings which helps both on extra heavy landings and transporting to and from the local flying field.

The only problem you should experience is the shaping of the scalloped trailing edges. We overcame this by marking off the scallops on the 1/16 birch, or pine stock, and grinding them with a 2-1/2 in grinding wheel attached to a 1/4" electric drill.

Fuselage. This is probably the easiest part of the model to construct. If you've ever built a stick model, you'll be able to build it in one evening..."

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