These are the latest images of the Strutter, they were taken May 12th. at AIM Atlanta’s open house. The Sopwith was a major attraction during the open house. The number one question was “will it really fly?” many pictures were taken of the project.
The project is progressing well. At the time we are building the ailerons. and adding some of the small items to the airframe. Received the flying wires for the stabilizers, they really look great installed. Awaiting the delivery of the wires for the landing gear.
The engine will be removed soon from the run stand and temporarily mounted on the airframe, the students can then start the process of installing fuel and oil lines and the minimal electrical system. The oil tank is ready for the final welding of the outlets, and fill port. Progress report soon on the continuing build of the Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter.
People just seem to come out of the woodwork to help. Paula Summers, Admissions Rep. (upfront). Sherri Sharp-Folson (assisting).
Isn't it lovely, Isn't it beau-ti- ful
On display at Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio
The Morane Saulnier AI being built at the Kansas City AIM Campus attracted a lot of attention this weekend at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH. The three-day World War I Dawn Patrol Rendezvous takes place every other year on the back field of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It is presented by the museum and the Great War Aeroplanes Association.
While not yet complete, the aircraft was trucked to the site and assembled by students eager to share their craftsmanship. Between the rare nature of the aircraft, and the authentic but colorful paint scheme, it was easy to pick out of the crowd.
We also want to acknowledge the enthusiastic crew of students and instructors that made this show work. Here is the gang, and they have made it real easy to pick out the instructors. From left to right below are: Tim Fisher, James Bennet, Dan Brown, James Shoemaker, Jesse Sutton, Chris Hendrix, Derrick Sutton, Bill McMahon.
The Kansas City crew took full advantage of the weekend, and spent a lot of time talking with the public, other visitors, and the students from the AIM Indianapolis who also brought their Word War I aircraft project for display. There was also time for a quick tour of the Air Force Museum, and the restoration shops which are not normally open to the public.
The airplane is back home in Kansas City today, and will begin the final assembly process which includes the installation of a new, larger, fuel tank and plumbing to the fuel and oil systems for the engine. There are a host of small details to be worked on, but I suspect the enthusiasm gained from this weekend will help those jobs move along at a much faster pace.
World War One Airshow
October 7-9, 2011
Revisit aviation history during World War One at the Military Aviation Museum!
- Watch our rare WW1 warbirds in flight & static displays
- Talk with the re-enactors
- Vehicles, armor, and artillery demos
- Vendors & military flea market
- Meet enthusiast and collectors
- Ride in an open cockpit biplane
More information
World War One Airshow
Telephone (757-721-7767)
Sherri Sharp-Folson applying reinforcements to ribs on wing.
Robert Leming using plasma cutter cutting bracket for the side forms 
Chief Builders Rich Ellis and Al Moore discussing the blueprints for the wing on the Nieuport 11 