By Robbie Culver
In my dreams, I fly a World War I Sopwith Camel. I’m wearing a leather flying coat emblazoned with my squadron’s emblem, a leather helmet, and goggles, with a white scarf flowing in the airstream. The sun streams in layered bands and reflects off my fabric wings. I twist and soar in the morning sky, searching earnestly for the enemy in hopes of another victory. I hear the Royal Guardsmen song Snoopy vs. the Red Baron in my head as I turn and bank between the clouds. Off my wing, you, my friends, fly formation — each in your own vision of history. One of you points down, and I see a gaggle of triplanes beneath us. I snap a quick salute and bank away sharply to dive toward them ….
The Replica Fighters Association (RFA) began around 1972 to support people who are building replica military aircraft, a unique niche in the world of homebuilts. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is when the association has its annual convention and fly-in. Corey Butcher, one of the directors of the RFA, said, “Many of the military aircraft on display at AirVenture Oshkosh are so expensive nobody can touch them. But there is a desire to maintain the history of what these aircraft are all about.”
Forums and seminars are held on various subjects related to replica aircraft. The social aspect includes an air-conditioned clubhouse as well as an area in Camp Scholler where members camp together. Members are required to be an EAA member and are encouraged to help out during AirVenture. The association welcomes anyone who is interested in aviation, specifically replica warbirds, bombers, or grasshoppers. Association Director Joe Labert said, “We all support each other.”
The association’s full-color magazine, an invaluable member benefit, provides project reports, photos, and information for the builder or prospective builder. The association is not focused on just one specific type or manufacturer — any type of replica is included. As an example, there is a group of builders interested in building a replica A-10 Warthog. Certainly, World War I and World War II replicas are the most prevalent, but the association exists to support everyone.
A renewed focus is on attracting youths. According to Director Julian Morrison, “We need to lure in the younger generation. The way we do that is not just WWI or WWII. We need to start at the Korean War at least, with jets.” The association continues trying to grow interest in the genre, to learn what builders dreams are and what would they like to see.
A recent magazine article about using SOLIDWORKS software is an example of members helping members. Labert added, “We have a lot of talented people in different areas that can help other builders. If a builder has a problem, there are resources available to assist them. One of the things that is a huge plus is that not all members have the same capabilities as others.” Members can contact those with the knowledge, equipment, tools, and experience to produce a part at a reasonable cost.
Troves of technical information has been published by the association. An example is dynamic scaling. If a builder wants to scale down an aircraft, it is not as simple as just reducing the known dimensions. There are resources available to assist a prospective builder who wants to scale down an existing type. Reference materials are available through membership in the RFA.
For those who are interested, the association has an air-conditioned clubhouse located on Knapp Street just north of the Forums area. It’s on the west side of the road past the EAA Blue Barn. Look for a bright blue biplane with a checkered aft fuselage. You do not have to be a member to attend their forum presentations or hang out in the air conditioning.
Learn more at ReplicaFighters.com.