1915 Sopwith Baby Seaplane: A Full Scale Reproduction
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2010
"I hate to shoot a Hun down without him seeing me, for although this method is in accordance with my doctrine, it is against what little sporting instincts I have left."
— James McCudden, VC, RFC, 1917.
March 18
Two years and five months since project inception with this date marking the long awaited commencement. Although only two hours were logged, construction sawdust was created for the first time representing a positive forward step with tooling (ordinary rib jig), being the subject of attention.
Much has distracted me over these past two years, and although this is admittedly minuscule in physical scope, it is nonetheless an immensely uplifting moment.
Will return to previously determined plan of late night 3D CAD model assembly work interspersed with physical construction efforts as time allows.
April 26
Production of first wing rib revealed a previously undiscovered dimensional error in the template of 1/8" in the back spar aft face. This renders both the template as well as the rib unserviceable.
Have determined with certainty that the error was not in my CAD file but likely due to a CAM conversion error on the part of the vendor. This experience early in the construction phase, lends credence to my decision to develop an in house CAM and CNC capability as a compliment to the already acquired CAD skills.
Will now concurrently shift focus to items such as the cockpit panel, and replica armament while I develop this capability.
October 8
Unplanned priorities have, and continue to delay further progress. Continuing CAD work as time allows in the interim.
— James McCudden, VC, RFC, 1917.
March 18
Two years and five months since project inception with this date marking the long awaited commencement. Although only two hours were logged, construction sawdust was created for the first time representing a positive forward step with tooling (ordinary rib jig), being the subject of attention.
Much has distracted me over these past two years, and although this is admittedly minuscule in physical scope, it is nonetheless an immensely uplifting moment.
Will return to previously determined plan of late night 3D CAD model assembly work interspersed with physical construction efforts as time allows.
April 26
Production of first wing rib revealed a previously undiscovered dimensional error in the template of 1/8" in the back spar aft face. This renders both the template as well as the rib unserviceable.
Have determined with certainty that the error was not in my CAD file but likely due to a CAM conversion error on the part of the vendor. This experience early in the construction phase, lends credence to my decision to develop an in house CAM and CNC capability as a compliment to the already acquired CAD skills.
Will now concurrently shift focus to items such as the cockpit panel, and replica armament while I develop this capability.
October 8
Unplanned priorities have, and continue to delay further progress. Continuing CAD work as time allows in the interim.
