The early days of the Nieuport Project .........

2004 saw the successful flight of the first of the Nieuports.  Russ Kuhn successfully flew his Nieuport 17bis. Unfortunately, it was nearly destroyed in a crash on it's third flight, but it is now almost repaired (as of 12-12-04).  Although we did not see as many fly in 2004 as we thought might, 2005 will be different. At least 5, and possibly as many as 7 should be ready to go. What fun! 

Nieuport Project "Rendezvous"
A few of the "Nieuport Guys" met at Mike Bealmear's shop (aka "The Cave") on Dec. 5, 2004 to share ideas and construction ideas on the Nieuports. 

L. to R. Mike Bealmear, Bill Thompson (who may join the movement), Joe Grube, "The Baron", 
Art Shelton,  Greg Emerick and Russ Kuhn. Sadly, we lost Joe in 2008. He will be missed.

Russ showed up with his nearly repaired 17bis. Art brought his framed up 17. Greg brought some aluminum stock to cut for his cabanes on Mike's band saw. A good time was had by all with lots of ideas and question brought up and addressed (especially from the newbies to scratch building Mike and Greg).

A special treat was provided by Bill Thompson (who is considering building one too). He showed up with his nearly finished 1/3 scale Balsa USA Sopwith Pup. See photos page 2.  I think Art talked him into bringing it partially to show me that "Yes indeed I could get a 1/3 scale plane in and out of my basement" (much to my wife Kathy's chagrin) . Very sneaky!