BRAVO NEW ZEALAND. It's sad the original pilots are long gone but if they could see and hear this wonderfully accurate reproduction, I'm sure they would smile and want to be young again.
Kermit these videos are amazing. Giving us the chance to vicariously fly one of these wonderful pieces of history is a treat second to none! Please don't ever stop!
Seeing WWI era fighters sitting in a museum is rare great treat...but seeing them flying is simply amazing! Living the dream Kermit! for yourself and us folks that appreciate the unique history - thanks!
tootired76 Try to time your visit to include the Classic Fighters Omaka air show, held each Easter in odd-numbered years. I've been to the last two and they do a great show - three Spitfires, Corsair, P-40s, P-51, Yak-3s, the only flying Anson and a host of World War 1 aircraft, some of which appeared in the movie "The Blue Max". Omaka is the only place where you will see eight Fokker Triplanes in the air at once.
+WarblesOnALot The laws about home built aircraft in NZ do not differentiate between wood and other material, sorry. Don't know who told you that, but it's BS. As far as "permissive" goes, it's better than some countries, harder than others.
+WarblesOnALot No, the engine was overhauled with the parts of three original, as he states. Yes, they do make some reproduction parts and can build complete rotaries from scratch, but this engine is mostly original.
Just from the perspective of the livery on the aircraft & the wonderful individual pilots markings its so colourful & piece of art just to look at. The DV had such a beautiful streamlined looking shape too, much like a fish fuselage & wings like a bird. Thaks for the wonderful videos of such rare aircraft - I'm back to my days of reading "Biggles" books!
I always liked the Taubes, the "doves of war", talk about a "BIRD"! A few were used in recon missions in early months of Great War, but quickly replaced by more "modern" aircraft of the day.
@@MarsFKANice! I've seen a few on line in museums like in Berlin where they have a Rumpler Taube. It's amazing how large they were, 50 foot wing spans!! Of course Rumpler went on to make some great two seaters for recon missions. I made a 1/72 scale model of one, a CIV, a vacuform, several years ago. Cool stuff, these vids!
Flying in a newly built WW1 aircraft over the NZ terrain is truly a magical feeling I must say, glad you had the original engines on you! the jewels of any aircraft!
WWI aircraft are the only historic warbirds (just about) that you can take off and land from cow pastures (aka a grassy fields). I feel like I could own and maintain one--it's just simple cloth, wood and wires
Kermit, the bent wooden formers and shaped plywood was laid up, single sheets at a time and countered on alternate layers, glued together and held closely with straps and canvas sleeving. Slow, expensive, but doable. The NZ folks are working within the size of their steaming oven to get the pieces of plywood bent to close to the finished form- also, by working with the built up plywood it is much harder to make large compound curved pieces, so they make smaller pieces and "piece them together". It's likely still stronger than the original Fokker, as the glues the Germans had were not as good as some others. Fly safe!
I'm guessing these are done by foundations or volunteer groups and not just "guys". There are restorers and builders all over the US (like Kermit's operation, which may no longer be open), often at airports (local to me is one in reading, pa). It takes a lot of effort in dollars and volunteer hours from skilled makers and restorers.
Some of the shots in this video were taken on the Friday, which was practice day. All the World War I aircraft took to the air at once and it was a lot of fun, watching them sauntering around, playing slow-motion war games - few of those old speed demons could exceed 100 mph. I didn't realise that Kermit was flying the Albatross until I was going through my photos that evening and spotted him in the photo I took of the aircraft landing. Classic Fighters Omaka 2015 was my first air show since I was a teenager - and *that* was back when the RNZAF was flying Vampires and Canberras - and I spent the entire three days walking on air. 0:45 Gene Demarco, seen here talking to Kermit, flies the Sopwith Camel.
Can you imagine flying 100 miles per hour in an era when a lot of cars went about 25? It would've felt like a near death experience. Trains could go as fast (didn't often, but could), but they were on rails and under control. The guys who flew these original planes had big ones. I guess the guys who do now also do. I won't name the guy, but I had a very experienced pilot tell me that the most deadly plane he ever flew was the PBY catalina, and that every time he flew one, he'd have to spend a while thinking through flying before actually doing it. I said "why? It's a big, slow lump", and he said "it can kill you more ways than any other plane" that he's been in. I'd guess he's been in about as many different planes as kermit weeks. if anyone can guess who it is, I'll confirm (I'm not a pilot, so I don't know what etiquette is in repeating things you've been told - it often leads to misquotes).
Man what if give to spend a few days looking at all these planes and for a chance to ride in one. Always wanted to ride in a biplane, corsair, p51, and a b17.
since all the planes you mention were single-seaters, you'd need to "pilot" them not "ride in" them unless it was the B-17 bomber. but it would be cool!
there is a spelling mistake on the side of the plane. should read: "... bei vollem Tank" not "... belvollem Tank" just a thought after all that effort :)
that would be great to also do this and others like this in black and white, but nicely so you see the details. I'm a ww1 model maker and I've seen "billions" of photos from that era, and many are remarkably clear and crisp. Good stuff, these flights!!
I wouldn't be surprised if they had patternmakers or used an old part to make a mould. You can still get castings done relatively easily in the US, but if they're one at a time, it'll be expensive. Really large castings that need to be quenched, I don't think much of that is done here at this point. Whatever they did, the airplane sounds divine in flight.
The toys of the super-extremely-wealthy! Wow. Do you have any idea what it costs to build this Albatross from SCRATCH? And to build the engine from nothing? Millions and millions of dollars. Wow. The pleasures and power of money...LOTS of money!
@@KermitWeeks444 thanks for clarifying that distinction, kills vs victories. Many enemy planes, on all sides, were forced down, landed, with crews then taken prisoner (therefore a "victory" not a "kill" per se). But I suppose most crews were shot down and killed.
The last few seconds, with the Dr 1 and the Albatros flying in formation, are really magical.
BRAVO NEW ZEALAND. It's sad the original pilots are long gone but if they could see and hear this wonderfully accurate reproduction, I'm sure they would smile and want to be young again.
So cool to this flying, especially after seeing the original in Canberra!! Awesome.
YEAH Adrian, you are so right ...................Yip I"m sure the original pilots would be glad to be young again................
WW1 Aerocraft are my favorite. Thank so very much Mr. Weeks for your dedication. Live our dream Sir. Thank you again.
Kermit these videos are amazing. Giving us the chance to vicariously fly one of these wonderful pieces of history is a treat second to none!
Please don't ever stop!
Seeing WWI era fighters sitting in a museum is rare great treat...but seeing them flying is simply amazing! Living the dream Kermit! for yourself and us folks that appreciate the unique history - thanks!
New Zealand is the only thing on my bucket list! God bless these guys for reproducing 100 year old aircraft! Phenomenal!
tootired76
Try to time your visit to include the Classic Fighters Omaka air show, held each Easter in odd-numbered years. I've been to the last two and they do a great show - three Spitfires, Corsair, P-40s, P-51, Yak-3s, the only flying Anson and a host of World War 1 aircraft, some of which appeared in the movie "The Blue Max". Omaka is the only place where you will see eight Fokker Triplanes in the air at once.
Such a perfect replica. And the Edelweiss beside the Balkenkreuz - amazing.
Simply beautiful! Thank you for sharing this with us Mr. Weeks.
Since I bought the WWI flight sim Red Baron II in 1997 I have been amazed by the period aircraft and especially marveled how colorful they can be!
The albatros has always been my favorite WW 1 plane. It’s fuselage reminds me of the body of a great white shark.
WOW!!!! What a BEAUTIFUL piece of history!! They did a fantastic job on the restoration of this war bird! 😃👍🏼
+WarblesOnALot The laws about home built aircraft in NZ do not differentiate between wood and other material, sorry. Don't know who told you that, but it's BS. As far as "permissive" goes, it's better than some countries, harder than others.
+WarblesOnALot No, the engine was overhauled with the parts of three original, as he states. Yes, they do make some reproduction parts and can build complete rotaries from scratch, but this engine is mostly original.
Who cares if it's a brand new rebuilt war bird. Lol. 😝 It's still a AWESOME bird!!! I would have it. 👍🏼
This guy is just having too much fun. Thank you sir for all the great videos and things you do for aviation. You are definitely living the dream.
Wonderful machine .thanks Kevin
Always loved the clean aerodynamic lines of the Albatross .
Hey Kermit, the moustache certainly adds to the authentic look when you're in the air!! Love it.
Thank you Mr. Weeks what a fantastic post, your post put me in the cockpit, made me feel the need to fly.
Amazing video. Thanks for showing off such a beauty!
Just from the perspective of the livery on the aircraft & the wonderful individual pilots markings its so colourful & piece of art just to look at. The DV had such a beautiful streamlined looking shape too, much like a fish fuselage & wings like a bird. Thaks for the wonderful videos of such rare aircraft - I'm back to my days of reading "Biggles" books!
I always liked the Taubes, the "doves of war", talk about a "BIRD"! A few were used in recon missions in early months of Great War, but quickly replaced by more "modern" aircraft of the day.
@@ronschlorff7089 about 200 metres from where Kermit was being interviewed is the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. They have a Taube in there...
@@MarsFKANice! I've seen a few on line in museums like in Berlin where they have a Rumpler Taube. It's amazing how large they were, 50 foot wing spans!! Of course Rumpler went on to make some great two seaters for recon missions. I made a 1/72 scale model of one, a CIV, a vacuform, several years ago. Cool stuff, these vids!
Amazing isn’t a strong enough word. Thank you for posting.
Flying in a newly built WW1 aircraft over the NZ terrain is truly a magical feeling I must say, glad you had the original engines on you! the jewels of any aircraft!
Kermit is a natural narrator as well as a heck of a pilot.
Thank you
@@KermitWeeks444 you are welcome 😊
Great video, Kermit. Love your WWII warbirds but these guys are really unique!
WWI aircraft are the only historic warbirds (just about) that you can take off and land from cow pastures (aka a grassy fields).
I feel like I could own and maintain one--it's just simple cloth, wood and wires
My favorite WW1 airplane of all time. Sleek, looks fast even sitting on the ground.
BRAVISSIMO, thanks.
Cavalry.
I love the Albatross. My favorite WW1 bipe. I built one from a Guillow kit back in '64
Very nice Kermit, your videos will stay forever as part of history, great!!!!!
Great Replica !!! And a wonderful video about it, very nice! Can't wait to see the whole thing! Thanks for posting! Regards from Alaska!
stunning to see black & white history in LIVING color!!
especially since they were so colorful, back in the "black and white days"!!
THX Kermit, your channel is really am. Welch fantastische flugzeuge du immer wieder präsentierst. des wuarn kunstschreineree :-)
Kermit, the bent wooden formers and shaped plywood was laid up, single sheets at a time and countered on alternate layers, glued together and held closely with straps and canvas sleeving. Slow, expensive, but doable. The NZ folks are working within the size of their steaming oven to get the pieces of plywood bent to close to the finished form- also, by working with the built up plywood it is much harder to make large compound curved pieces, so they make smaller pieces and "piece them together". It's likely still stronger than the original Fokker, as the glues the Germans had were not as good as some others. Fly safe!
Gorgious stuff Kermit. Thank you so much for posting.
beatiful plane, the shape of the fuselage reminds me of BF-109.
Love it! Great seeing history still living.
I plan on using this video as a guide to detail my RC plane version of this plane. It's always nice to super detail some of my planes.
Great plane, great video!
I am SOO jealous of New Zealand guys that build and fly actual WWI aircraft!!
I'm guessing these are done by foundations or volunteer groups and not just "guys". There are restorers and builders all over the US (like Kermit's operation, which may no longer be open), often at airports (local to me is one in reading, pa). It takes a lot of effort in dollars and volunteer hours from skilled makers and restorers.
@@daw162 truly a "labor" of love for these folks!!
Great video! I'll be making a scale model of this plane in a year and this will be of much help to me.
Greentail Jasta 5 Paul Bäumer's mount ... beautiful
I figured Kermit would sense the airspeed with those cat like whiskers fluttering in the breeze
Gorgeous! Good film.
Very Nice Kermit and looking forwards for the Boomerang
What a life this guy has!
Fantastic
Amazing video! I don't know why, but it looks like a professional report! Congratulations! What you do is video encyclopedia. Thank you!
Some of the shots in this video were taken on the Friday, which was practice day. All the World War I aircraft took to the air at once and it was a lot of fun, watching them sauntering around, playing slow-motion war games - few of those old speed demons could exceed 100 mph.
I didn't realise that Kermit was flying the Albatross until I was going through my photos that evening and spotted him in the photo I took of the aircraft landing.
Classic Fighters Omaka 2015 was my first air show since I was a teenager - and *that* was back when the RNZAF was flying Vampires and Canberras - and I spent the entire three days walking on air.
0:45 Gene Demarco, seen here talking to Kermit, flies the Sopwith Camel.
Can you imagine flying 100 miles per hour in an era when a lot of cars went about 25? It would've felt like a near death experience. Trains could go as fast (didn't often, but could), but they were on rails and under control. The guys who flew these original planes had big ones.
I guess the guys who do now also do. I won't name the guy, but I had a very experienced pilot tell me that the most deadly plane he ever flew was the PBY catalina, and that every time he flew one, he'd have to spend a while thinking through flying before actually doing it. I said "why? It's a big, slow lump", and he said "it can kill you more ways than any other plane" that he's been in. I'd guess he's been in about as many different planes as kermit weeks. if anyone can guess who it is, I'll confirm (I'm not a pilot, so I don't know what etiquette is in repeating things you've been told - it often leads to misquotes).
very nice piece of art
Awesome video, please keep posting them!
Beautiful!
Thank you.
Kermit is a rich guy but a nice guy. Very rare and good for him
Hermosa nave merci beaucoup...
Wonderful
Beautiful!
Great plane, great engine sound!
yes, those engines sound 100 years old!!!
Nice video and historical retrospective
Man what if give to spend a few days looking at all these planes and for a chance to ride in one. Always wanted to ride in a biplane, corsair, p51, and a b17.
since all the planes you mention were single-seaters, you'd need to "pilot" them not "ride in" them unless it was the B-17 bomber. but it would be cool!
Love it sir!
More of this please!
what a great video!!
Best looking WW1 Fighter...
Did they figure out why the lower wing would snap off if dived? I would hope so.
Love the videos!
Great video as always!
Some stills from that formation flight would belong in an aviation art museum. Just spectactular!
there is a spelling mistake on the side of the plane. should read: "... bei vollem Tank" not "... belvollem Tank"
just a thought after all that effort :)
I would give up anything to be able to own one of these, flying certificate would be the easiest part of getting this
Ahh, I'm sick of knowing I'll never even get close to one yet alone fly in it
Albatros the most beautiful biplane
😃 Espectacular muy bien 😃.
Hey Kermit, love your videos a lot! But where could I find you flying this plane and other vintage biplanes? I don't see any of them on your channel
very nice
The exposed rocker arms is interesting. Must have been a pain in the rear for the pilots.
BESTEN FILMS ABOUT FIRST WW PLANES .THANK YOU KERMEET/GREETING FROM RUSSIA .
Great video, but somehow it doesn't seem very realistic. When actually flying during WWI wasn't everything black-and-white, blurry and grainy?
It was, indeed. Leading Edge Media have done an amazing job of recovering those old - ancient, now - movie clips.
that would be great to also do this and others like this in black and white, but nicely so you see the details. I'm a ww1 model maker and I've seen "billions" of photos from that era, and many are remarkably clear and crisp. Good stuff, these flights!!
I would have liked to have seen some mock combat between the two planes.
Maybe these will satisfy your craving.
ua-cam.com/video/Q0eEwyTHrVc/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/ybhoJaMJ0U4/v-deo.html
Looks like Lothar von richtofen's Yellow Tail Tripe...
how much will such a machine cost if i want to buy one?
That's CAVALRY not Calvary!
+Thomas Ryan Yes but they had to know what was going on behind the lions
That crossed my mind!
I've heard that word mis-pronounced more than pronounced correctly. Tongue tied-ness I guess!
Baron Kermit Von Weekshoven
I wonder how much it cost to build? My dream would be to have these blokes build me an Albatross.
Nice.
someday I will build one and use one of my extra jeep 4.0s
Time for them to build a Boulton Paul Defiant.
The green tails was jasta 5
yes, that's nice paint scheme for one without lozenge camouflage!
Great plane, would like to see the process of reverse engineering the engine. Thanks for the video.
The crankcase would be the hardest components to re-manufacture the originals where cast.
I wouldn't be surprised if they had patternmakers or used an old part to make a mould. You can still get castings done relatively easily in the US, but if they're one at a time, it'll be expensive. Really large castings that need to be quenched, I don't think much of that is done here at this point.
Whatever they did, the airplane sounds divine in flight.
😃👍👍👍👍👍😃
Great video, the aircraft looks Schon ! I build scale aircraft for a hobby.
Ja !
me too and videos like this are a fabulous "resource" for us!
watch out for the Hun on your tail!
360 degre come on
fly safe ^^
are those guns real?
No , they are replica non firing copies. TVAL made them and also the aircraft
I would emigrate and retire in New Zealand if I could afford to pay the taxes.
The toys of the super-extremely-wealthy! Wow. Do you have any idea what it costs to build this Albatross from SCRATCH? And to build the engine from nothing? Millions and millions of dollars. Wow. The pleasures and power of money...LOTS of money!
Lt paul bramer 43 kills jasta 5
Paul Baumer was credited with 43 victories, ranking ninth among German aces.
@@KermitWeeks444 thanks for clarifying that distinction, kills vs victories. Many enemy planes, on all sides, were forced down, landed, with crews then taken prisoner (therefore a "victory" not a "kill" per se). But I suppose most crews were shot down and killed.
You copied Paul Baumer's paint job of Jasta 5
Albatros diii is my favorite biplane than fokker dvii
Albatros D.III & Fokker D.VII, right?