"A PROJECT to build an aircraft known as one of the great unsung heroes of the First World War - nearly 100 years after the last one was manufactured - reached a milestone following a test assembly at the National Museum of Flight at East Fortune. The Aviation Preservation Society of Scotland (APSS) project to build - using the original plans and, as far as possible, original techniques and materials - a new Sopwith 1½ Strutter took a significant step when the completed wings, fuselage and tail were mated together in a test assembly at the National Museum of Flight last month." Project to recreate WW1 'Strutter' / East Lothian Courier / News / Around the County
*bump* for an update- "A full-scale Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter reproduction built by the Aviation Preservation Society of Scotland is nearing completion and is expected to fly early this year in order to mark the centennial of the type’s debut in 1916. The aircraft was constructed at the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune by a group of retired volunteers ranging in age from 68-93. With assistance from National Museums of Scotland (NMS), the team has raised £45,000 for the project, including £8,000 secured through a crowdfunding campaign. Volunteer and retired surgeon John Guy states that that date of the machine’s maiden flight will be announced within weeks, adding, “This year, 2016, is going to be the centenary year of the aircraft arriving at East Fortune as a squadron whose job it was to patrol the Firth of Forth and the North Sea against a German assault.” http://earlyaero.com/sopwith-1-12-strutter-replica-nearing-first-flight-in-scotland/
The modern Rotec radial should greatly improve flying qualities as the original rotary engines generated some significant gyroscopic effects. But, it just won't be the same - not having to wipe the castor oil off the goggles...
*Bumped for an update* Only nine years after I reported this rebuild was 'nearing completion', it's finally taken to the air. Well done to all involved. "It has only taken 25 years to get her in the air, but a replica World War One plane built by a group of volunteers in East Lothian is finally flying. The team behind it started the ambitious project from scratch in 2000, meeting up almost every week to work on the Sopwith Strutter - which they affectionately call Sophie. After years of painstaking work, Sophie is now undertaking a series of test flights. Once she is cleared, she will be able to carry passengers." World War One replica takes off after 25-year labour of love - BBC News
Ooh, curious. According to British Military Aircraft Serials 1878-1987, p16, that aircraft nearest the camera should be an RE5 "modified with extended top wings and to single seat for altitude record attempt". Unless my eyes are playing up, or the number was reused. Does the original photo mention a squadron?
Looks standard Gordon, two seater RFC - Where did you get the serials from? RE5/7s have a different body...Struts are a different angle - Engine cowling different - Four blades
From the picture- it's painted on the fuselage just forward of the tail, A'380. The one behind it is A'38_ something too. According to the book, none of the aircraft in that serial range were 1 1/2 Strutters. The book could be wrong obviously, I was only looking out of curiosity to find the squadron. If I can get the squadron, I can look in RAF Flying, Training & Support units since 1912 for more info.
