Manufacturer

Reid & Sigrist Ltd

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Reid & Sigrist Ltd was an instrument manufacturer which opened an aircraft department in 1939 and built a twin-engined advanced trainer popularly known as the Snargasher, of which only a prototype was built. Subcontract work during Second World War included production of Boulton-Paul Defiant two-seat fighters and modification of B-25 Mitchells for the RAF. Another trainer prototype, the R.S.3 Desford, was built in 1945.

Reggiane sa

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Built Caproni aircraft during First World War, but closed its aircraft department after the war. Resumed aircraft manufacture in mid-1930s, producing the Ca.405 Procellaria high-performance twin-engine bomber in 1937. Re 2000 Falco I fighter appeared in 1940 with Fiat radial engine, and other versions followed. By 1946 the company had ceased aircraft manufacture and was building railway coaches.

Redwing Aircraft Ltd

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UK
Founded 1929 by P. G. Robinson as Robinson Aircraft Company; produced Redwing two-seat light biplane with Armstrong Siddeley Genet engine. Factory at Croydon, Surrey, was transferred to Colchester, Essex, in December 1930, and in April 1931 name was changed to Redwing Aircraft Ltd. In June 1932 Redwing bought Gatwick Aerodrome and formed a school of flying and aeronautical engineering, and in 1934 company moved back to Croydon. A total of 12 Redwings was built, last being delivered in 1933.

Redfern

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Walt Redfern

Walt built his first airplane in 1949, a Knight Twister from Vernon W. Payne’s plans. It was one of only ten at that time. Walt built 15 aircraft before his death in 1996. Five of these were the Fokker DR1, a favourite with many and still one of the most requested set of plans sold. His first triplane (white) can be found in the EAA museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin donated by Robert Fergus. Walt was able to build and test fly all his aircraft except for the last one, a Fokker DVI. Walt’s good friend, Steve Wolf, flew this aircraft for the family in September, 1996. This aircraft will be displayed in a museum in the Pittsburgh area.

His great love was WWI aircraft but he had many problems locating plans. His greatest find was Reinhold Platz, who would go on to be his most valued mentor. Reinhold’s knowledge of the DRI, as one of the original designers, was a wealth of information that Walt relied on until his death. Plus he sent the original DRI plans, in German, to Walt to ensure his dream of building the DRI would come true. They continued to correspond with the help of a local high school teacher who spoke German until Reinhold’s death.

During Walt’s life he was able to build 13 additional aircraft and founded Redfern & Son’s Custom Aircraft, Inc. He constructed four additional DRI’s, two Great Lakes (for family fun), a French Nieuport 24 BIS, Starduster 2, de Havilland DH2, Sopwith Camel, Bucher Jungmeister, Albatros DVa, and a Fokker DVI (only aircraft that Walt was not able to test fly).

Per Walt’s request, the family continues to provide two sets of blueprints to the public. Walt also was a great supporter of the EAA. His membership number was 143, showing his early interest in the organization.

1980: Redfern & Sons, Inc., Route 1, Athol, ID 83801, USA.
1995: S-211 Spencer, Post Falls, ID 83854, USA.