Building an Evans VP-1 “Volksplane”
Introduction
Fritz Wagoner flying his VP-1 over the desert.
In June of 2004, after a few months of research and planning, I began construction of an Evans VP-1, also known as the “Volksplane”. This all-wood single-seat aircraft was designed to be easy to build and easy to fly. There is no kit, only a detailed set of plans, from Evans Aircraft.
I chose the Volksplane because it is built from materials I’m comfortable working with and the simplicity of the design appealed to me. Because there’s no kit, there’s no large up-front cash outlay; materials can be purchased when needed.
Slow and steady wins the race.
The Volksplane above is owned and being flown by Fritz Wagoner, who has graciously permitted me to use this photo (taken by his friend Morry Drexler from a Citabria). For more Volksplane photos, see my inspiration page, check out Fritz Wagoner’s Volksplane Page, or visit the Evans Aircraft web site.
I plan to take my time with this project, hoping to finish it over the course of several years. Working on it a bit at a time, it will eventually be finished. This is a bigger project than the model airplanes that I’m accustomed to, although it is in many ways very similar.
Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information on this web page is presented without warranty of any kind, and Stefan Vorkoetter assumes no liability for direct or consequential damages caused by its use. It is up to you, the reader, to determine the suitability of, and assume responsibility for, the use of this information. Links to Amazon.com merchandise are provided In Association with Amazon.com.
Copyright: All materials on this web site, including the text, images, and mark-up, are Copyright © 2012 by Stefan Vorkoetter unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited. You may link to this site or pages within it, but you may not link directly to images on this site, and you may not copy any material from this site to another web site or other publication without express written permission. You may make copies for your own personal use.
Joseph Hammock
January 30, 2012
Just bought the VW 1600cc flat 4…gearing up to tackle this myself. What did you decide on for prop diameter and pitch? Somewhere around 52 X 28 Wood?
Ron Dunn
March 07, 2012
Hi,
This reply is not much help to your problem but I have just finished refurbishing a VP1 here in Australia and have replaced the old VW with an early Jabiru 1600cc engine running a wooden Jabiru prop of 54″x 38″
This engine puts out 60 hp and is lighter than most VWs.
Best of luck with your project.
MiguelCortes
April 26, 2012
yes just got plans to build volks1 i would like to know if they still sell templates to make the wings and stabilizer i hat them before but they were stolen from me