How do they do it?

[ColonelKrypton]

How are the wheels on Fokker and presumably other types retained on their axles?

At the moment I am particularly interested in Fokker Dr.I, D.VI, D.VII, D.VIII ( E.V ) types.

Franke's latest build of the Kondor D.2 and his detail of the tubular axle and retaining pin has got me wondering about this detail on other aircraft.  I am familiar with how the wheels are retaining on various modern aircraft but good reference pictures or service manuals for these turn of the last century aeroplanes are eluding me.

Lots of good reference photos of armament, control columns, instruments, engines, and what not but do you think I can find something for this detail?

So, what is used ? Castellated nut with retaining split pin or wire and covering cap? Bubble gum and baling wire?  ...?

cheers, Graham

[ColonelKrypton]

After further trolling through countless web pages I have a partial answer.

https://thevintageaviator.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_large/public/images/fokker-dvii-build/blue-max-build-038.jpg

This picture is of the Vintage Aviator D.VIII reproduction so is not original but is likely similar. Note the break calipers which indicates the reproduction will have breaks but the original did not. Holding a wheel on an axle using such a nut/collar is common practice and has been for a very long time.

This at least provides an idea of how it is done.

Some more poking around found some interesting images on the the Wingnut Wings site:

http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/vFA3EFA01/www/products/model_kitsets/32027/archive_photos/Detail%20undercarriage%20Fokker%20D.VII%20(Alb)%20Jasta%2043%20Simons%20(0443-040).jpg

http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/vFA3EFA01/www/products/model_kitsets/32027/archive_photos/Detail%20undercarriage%20Fokker%20D.VII%20(Alb)%20late%20production%20(0459-137).jpg

http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/vFA3EFA01/www/products/model_kitsets/32027/archive_photos/Fokker%20D.VII%20(Alb)%20Jasta%2043%20Simons%20(0443-040).jpg

These are all of Albatros built D.VII and it seems that this was common on other Albatros built aircraft. For example this Albatros B.II

http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/vFA3EFA01/www/products/model_kitsets/32046/archive_photos/Albatros%20B.II%20S22%20of%20the%20Navy%20(O0031).jpg

http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/vFA3EFA01/www/products/model_kitsets/32046/archive_photos/Albatros%20B.II%20with%20100hp%20Daimler-Mercedes%20D.1%20engine%20(000642-35).jpg

Now, this is a picture of an OAW built D.VII

http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/vFA3EFA01/www/products/model_kitsets/32030/archive_photos/Detail%20undercarriage%20Fokker%20D.VII%20(OAW)%202009~18%20captured%20(Greg%20Van%20Wyngarden).jpg

It looks like the retaining nut either has a cap or was made in the form of a cap which screws onto the axle. Note also the visible safety pin or spit pin.

What about the Dr.I?  This image shows something similar to the Albatros built D.VII's but looks like the end is full of mud and the safety pin is also visible.

And this one of another Dr.I while not very clear looks like a cap of some sort but maybe the end is depressed in somewhat and the safety pin is also visible.

http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/vFA3EFA01/www/products/model_kitsets/32069/archive_photos/Undercarriage%20detail%20from%20Fokker%20Dr.1%20525~17%20(0041-022).jpg

and like wise this one:

http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/vFA3EFA01/www/products/model_kitsets/32069/archive_photos/Undercarriage%20detail%20from%20Fokker%20Dr.1%20403~17%20(001645-076).jpg

All so interesting little details.

I need to stop fussing so much over such minutiae and get back to building something.

cheers, Graham
 


 

[RLWP]

I think these are all similar solutions. It is either a ring or a cap that slips on to the end of the axle and is secured with a split pin

Richard

[Bughunter]

I need to stop fussing so much over such minutiae and get back to building something.

Graham, sorry that I caused you sleepless nights with my project. But yes, it is a interesting question. I like to understand the technical solutions (I'm an engineer) and find also the evolution of technical solutions very interesting.

In some of the Windsock Datafiles are very nice contemporary sketches. May be also in the Windsock International journal. I made a quick search, found sketches (e.g. WD 157 for the Halberstadt) but no sketches of the axle.

Do you know the company of Koloman Mayrhofer in Austria? They rebuild beautiful examples of old aircraft types in a historically correct and airworthy manner. There are a lot of detail pictures on the website, they doing also components. May be you can find something here:
https://www.craftlab.at/
But be warned, it easy to get lost on this page, there are soooo many beautiful aircraft parts

Sometimes there was a thin screw nut outside, secured with a pin.

Cheers,
Frank 

[ColonelKrypton]

Graham, sorry that I caused you sleepless nights with my project. But yes, it is a interesting question. I like to understand the technical solutions (I'm an engineer) and find also the evolution of technical solutions very interesting.

Sleepless nights are the norm; one of the symptoms of life long ADHD - it can be both a gift and a curse   I am not an engineer but many years ago I started to train as a tool maker but was soon seduced by the high tech world of micro electronics, communications, and aerospace. The interest in all things mechanical has always remained.

Do you know the company of Koloman Mayrhofer in Austria? They rebuild beautiful examples of old aircraft types in a historically correct and airworthy manner. There are a lot of detail pictures on the website, they doing also components. May be you can find something here:

https://www.craftlab.at/

But be warned, it easy to get lost on this page, there are soooo many beautiful aircraft parts

Indeed, I know that web site. I have spent many enjoyable hours there as well as Achim Engles web pages. Not as slick as craftlab and requires a bit more digging to find some of the nuggets of gold

http://www.collectors-edition.de/f-t-s_titel_english.htm

cheers, Graham