"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...
