EAA Sport Aviation

the compression for 6.67-to- 1 for reliability. Valley Engineering supplied the 2.5-to- 1 reduction unit as well as the 96- by 65-inch-pitch prop.

The covering was lightweight Dacron using the Stits process from Aircraft Technical Support Inc. Since the original Pups were doped on the undersides of the wings and fuselage, I decided to finish those areas with an unconventional method by only using clear Poly-Brush to seal them. I added some tint for the last coat to achieve the look of old varnish brushed over doped fabric. The markings were done by hand with a brush to approximate what was done in the field back then.

The full-scale Vickers machine gun replica on the cowl turned out excellent thanks to the help from local expert Willie Hill, who specializes in getting them to look realistic.

I completed the plane in October 2010, and the first flight took place shortly after. Some trim adjustments and engine tweaking made subsequent flights even more enjoyable. I can’t say it flies like a Cub because it’s even better. I guess the old guys really did know what they were doing.

Left upper wing panel being prepped for cover.

Forward cabane fitting.

Custom-built wheels with wide hubs installed.

A front view of the Sopwith Pup while the cowling was still in progress.

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