Fokker-Grulich F.II

[THB]

You don't really have to have a reason to choose a new project, but I feel it helps my motivation. For this Fokker F.II there are a few reasons... One of my favourite Bill Hannan articles appeared in AeroModeller Annual 1974-75 (which incidently also had a French Coupe on the cover). 'Back to the sticks' was an article designed to introduce - or re-introduce - model builders to the simple 10c kits of yesteryear that eventually inspired the 13" Peanut Scale movement in the 60s/70s. I was about 15 when I got my copy of this book and the inspiration stuck with me from then to today.

The article includes a number of pictures of Fokker F.II aircraft models - including V.45 prototype (built by Walt Mooney) and a later Grulich redesign version - and I always wanted to build one. And actually I did build an 18in version in the KLM colours back in the 90s (Dave might remember this one - or the Hannan Bellanca Skyrocket parked next to it). Both were good flyers - tho the F.II was heavy due to rearward motor peg and consequent noseweight penalty...

But there is another reason I wanted to build the Grulich version which I will get to anon. You'll just have to be patient - I'm waiting for something in the post which will assist! Maybe you can guess??

Some pics in the meantime. Pix from the Hannan article - the colour pic is my KLM version.

[dputt7]

Yep, remember them both, I was going to say both fine flyers but I can't think of one of yours that wasn't    What are you going to build it from the scraps from "Coffee"?

[THB]

What are you going to build it from, the scraps from "Coffee"?

Thanks Dave - yes there are enough Coffee grounds left to make a Flurry of Fokkers! - is that an acceptable collective noun?

In researching the F.II my first step was to survey what colour schemes might be available and how these might match or approximate the stock of Esaki that I want to use! I may dip into the 'domestic tissue' pile as needed.

I liked the Luft Hansa scheme - and fortuitously 2026 turns out to be the 100th Anniversary of the commencement of the airline's activity. The photos below are from a Lufthansa publication I've had forever - German Aircraft: A historical kaleidoscope (pub.1975) - and the pic of the lady  boarding is from that first flight in 1926.

[THB]

I'm using a Walt Mooney plan drawn by Bill Hannan for Peck Polymers (so it doesn't appear in searches for Mooney plans in Outerzone etc). However the plan is of the V-45 or early F.II with 185hp BMW IIIa circular radiator - whereas the Lufthansa aircraft was a Grulich redesign which features a 240hp Armstrong Siddeley Puma aircooled in-line engine, modified cockpit, full-depth windscreen and larger passenger windows. So I had to do a bit of redesigning.

[THB]

And started the wing also...

[THB]

If you are interested in more info about Lufhansa's 100th Anniversary there is more info at their website. And a great magazine feature also.

There are two books published and I've just received one of them which I've only just started looking through!

P.S. I am not a Lufthansa employee - and not receiving any commission for promoting their anniversary... tho maybe I should enquire about that! 

[dputt7]

 "and the pic of the lady  boarding is from that first flight in 1926."  Wow that's a very agricultural looking machine, I think she was as brave Lady.  Nice start, interesting history.

[g_kandylakis]

Ah yes... Fokker Gruhlich F.II... A favorite of mine too.

How time flies. Just 9 years ago. Still at this stage.

Much larger than a peanut though.

Will watch with extra interest.


George

[THB]

George - that wing looks great - a lot more wood than on mine 

Dave - yes a bit agricultural - and brave passengers indeed! Here's some video of the D741 coming into the paddock just as the pilot is saying "please fasten your seatbelt and return your tray table to the upright position" 

[dputt7]

That's priceless, pity they cut the landing and then the take off. Wonder if any of the passengers would think we would be looking at them, 100 years later?