2000 rib stitches

[Mark Julicher]

Be careful what you wish for.
It looks like I landed a fabric job for the summer.

31 foot span
2000 rib stitches on 2 1/2 inch centers in the top wing alone.
"Sesquiplane" configuration
Round motor

According to the owner, it is a replica, but that is sure enough a legitimate data plate. And no, it is never going to fly.

[Edwin Otha]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

Does he need a NOS radiator for it?
EO

[Mark Julicher]

Re: 2000 rib stitches



No, it is a Wright Cyclone, but thanks.

[barnstmr]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

Congrats Mark,
Is that thing gonna fit in Doc's Hangar?

[guns68]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

That looks like fun project! I must admit that I'm puzzled that someone would pay to have an aircraft restored with no intention to ever fly it (or have it flown). It just seems to be a shame.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

When planes get TOO rare the risk to fly them becomes way to high (and the insurance gets unbelievable). That's when the replica guys step in and build some beautiful planes that can't be told from the originals.
I have a friend in Germany who specializes in replicas of Fokker aircraft and he stamps every part he makes with his logo so museums don't mistake them for parts from WW-I (IT HAS HAPPENED!).
Some of the most beautiful work I have ever seen. He is right up there with (and often beyond) the Smithsonian. The sight of three Fokker E-IIIs together is awe inspiring.
Hank

[Mark Julicher]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

The Curtiss F-6C4 was flown by the USMC. This remaining example belongs to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The technology is fascinating.

Here are two photos taken during the restoration so far. One is an example of a lace-in panel frame. New boot hooks will be swaged onto this frame after a 4 inch fabric tape is applied - thereby capturing the fabric under the hooks.
We are purchasing boot hook swages that mount in an arbor press to do this task.

Next photo is how I covered the wire trailing edges of the lower wings. Per advice from Jim and Dondi Miller, I could have done an overlapped glue joint over the wire, but I decided to go in keeping with the original fabric. I had to dissect some old linen to figure out the secret of covering the wire. I'm happy to say the zillion stitches held perfectly when the iron hit the fabric.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

A photographic progress report on the Curtiss F6C-4.

Yes, I sat in the cockpit and it IS way cool.

[M Jones]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

Mark,

Nice! That does look very cool... So were you done with the house plans used for masking the wing, or did the F6C-4 project kill the house project? (they kind of look like house plans anyway )

[Mark Julicher]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

So were you done with the house plans used for masking the wing, or did the F6C-4 project kill the house project? (they kind of look like house plans anyway :clue?


OK ya busted me fair and square
The shop where I have been doing this project has many sheets of left over technical prints. The boss is a cheap skate and real masking paper is scarce.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

Top wing is FINISHED!
Fuselage has two coats of silver and will be completed this week.
This plane will be going back to Quantico Virginia next month. It will be displayed whenever the new National Museum of the Marine Corps is complete enough to house it.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

The Curtiss F6C-4 is complete and on the truck going to Quantico, Virginia.
Here it is - mostly assembled. You, with the sharp eyes, will find a few items not all installed and airworthy.

[Larry Lyons]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

She's a beauty! Nice work.
Larry

PS: I do like the flaps that she never had before !

[1938BF50]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

Beautiful!!

[M Jones]

Re: 2000 rib stitches

She's something to be very proud of Mark.