Camel build

I was looking at that link earlier today and I thought that it looked like your engine. The 504K should be great with that engine on it. One of the most beautiful flying displays that I ever saw was the early evening flight of the Ottawa Museum's 504k at Abottsford in 1968 lighted by a lowering sun but in a clear sky and doing a falling leaf over the field. As the pilot was blipping the engine to change power we could see the burst of castor oil illuminated by the sun. What a beautiful graceful sight of an old airplane doing a ballet for us.
We are waiting for you, Russ.
Switches

 

Funny that you mentioned that because I have been going over the same considerations in my mind about how the Camel will respond. I doubt that the airplane will do anything for you and that you will have to fly it 100% of the time...which is good. I can see where you will have to have quick feet on take off and quicker feet on landing. Pretty close to the grass when it stalls on landing. Stick hard back until it stops rolling. I imagine that you will have a bit less prop wash, " P-Factor" if you will, but more controllable power, easier to modulate, I guess. I can't think of anything that you could get some pre-flight practice in other than a 504K so I guess that you will have to buy one of those first.
Switches

 

I was thinking of some slow flight time in something like a Stearman but that's a bit big. An old Waco would be good too but the Champ is a practical and good move. Again. You're having too much fun..but you have earned it.
Switches

 

Here is an old b&w film clip from approx. 1917.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDz5Yoh6E9I

Some good dust & caster oil spray happening on take-off. Enjoy.

 

...which will probably feel like a 747 compared to the Camel.

 

Cool........if it was me I'd pass on the propane too.

 

Russ has his own propane..................................

 

Wonderful! I am in Austin and gradually restoring an Aeronca C3 "Master". I will enjoy following the build! I have some original WW1 instrument which came out of a DH4 as well as a WW1 compass in my collection of vintage aviation stuff.

Mike Short,
Austin Texas.
Maserati Merak 2322

 

Great stuff, Russ. I hope that this can be shared with those who are uninformed and know not of WW1 aviation. .
Switches

 

Wow. Just wow.

 

Russ,

Who is rebuilding your instruments? Have you ever been to Kingsbury to see Freeman's set up? He has an original Thomas Morse Scout with a rotary engine (being recovered) and a second one being finished up also in the covering stage. Roger has had a few troubles which have got in the way but hopefully the museum and workshop will continue without him for a while. He also just finnished up a beautiful Spad for Xavier Arango (Sp?) which was going to have a Hisso installed. All built to the original plans - an incredibly complicated aircraft compared to many other WW1 fighters.


Mike.

 

Yep I have been friends with Roger since his Zuhl days. Helped him get the Pietenpol Sky Scout and he has helped me with my C3 rebuild in the past. I look forward to the spring fly-in! When do you think the Camel will be done?

Mike,
Austin TX.
Merak #2322.

 

Russ, this is getting SO exciting to see how rapidly your project is proceeding. I am entertaining thoughts of trying to get to Sun and Fun next spring. If I start walking now I just might make it in time.
Have you settled on the exterior markings yet ? I can see a red slash on the side with a black " T " outlined in white aft of the cockade. I Remember that the blue on the WW1 cockade was a lighter blue than what is used today. Dark olive on the upper surfaces and natural linen under...but you already know that, I guess. I hope that you record the sound of the engine when you crank it up.
Switches