Replicraft and Jim Kiger

I've always been interested in WW1 fighters, probably dating from watching cartoons of Snoopy battle the Red Baron as a kid.  The past couple years the idea of building a replica has come up, but with 5 or so more pressing projects ahead in the queue, it stays just an idea.

It turns out one of the best sources of replica plans is right down the road in Fremont.  Jim Kiger, age 91, started collecting original factory drawings and researching these aircraft to build museum scale models back in the 1970's.  The lack of suitable plans inspired him to draw his own, and "Replicraft" was born.  Even though his plans were originally created with modelers in mind, they are detailed enough that many full scale replicas have been built from them.

Last week I drove down and bought four sets, the SPAD VII, Roland DVIa, Hanriot HD.1, and the Sopwith Camel.  They may never get built, but I appreciate the artistry of them, and may even hang a version on the wall.

Roland DVIa plans by Replicraft (Jim Kiger)