“This tri-plane is an integral part of our World War I
collection, and we hate to see it grounded for the 100-year anniversary of the
Great War,” said Kevin Bedford, acting director at the Museum. “With no
original examples of this aircraft in existence, it is especially important
that we get the Dr.1 back into the air so that we can use it as a teaching tool
to provide a living history experience for our visitors.”
In 2014, it was discovered that the Dr.I was in need of
considerable repair and maintenance. From new fabric to cover the wooden wings
and body to repairs to the intricate and delicate wooden structures and a
complete engine overhaul, this airplane requires total restoration. Through
Kickstarter, the Museum will attempt to raise the $50,000 needed to purchase a
new engine, replace or repair the plane’s instruments, and repair and recover
the wooden frame.
In telling the story of the infamous flying ace, the Owls Head
Transportation Museum brings visitors face-to-face with the technologies that
fueled the early 20th Century and teaches younger generations about why those
technologies are still significant today. Once completed, the Dr.I will
enlighten, entertain, and educate our visitors through first-hand interaction
with the plane and will join the rest of the Museum’s WWI aircraft in the skies
at their summer events.
The Owls Head Transportation Museum has a long history of
restoring, repairing and even constructing aircraft in its collection. 2016 saw
the reemergence of their 1917 Curtiss JN-4D, better known as the Jenny, after
being grounded for several years. Now, the staff and volunteers of the Museum
want the Fokker Dr.1 to be next.
Visit the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s restoration of the
Fokker Dr.I on Kickstarter to learn more about the project and pledge your
support today!
Contact:
Kathryn Pardo, Development Associate
Owls Head Transportation Museum
207-594-4418
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