Robert Baslee's company - Airdrome Aeroplanes - makes kits (very good
ones IMO) for various WWI aircraft, including Nieuports and Fokkers.
http://www.airdromeaeroplanes.com/

Robert was contracted by the movie company to built two - later changed
to four - full-scale Nieuport 17 replicas. Robert and his helpers
completed and flew the aircraft in only 52 days. After test flights they
were shipped to England for filming. The special effects folks "aged"
them to add authenticity. These aircraft used VW engines with a
propeller reduction. A casting of rotary engine cylinders was used to
cover the cowl opening when the aircraft were on the ground. Note: when
the engines were running you did not see the cylinders rotating. Robert
has the four Nieuports again and plans to auction them all together.

August 2005 KITPLANES magazine had a story about Robert building four
aircraft in 52 days.

A bunch of other aircraft were also used in the movie.
http://www.landings.com/evird.acgi$pass*73233571!_h-www.landings.com/_landings/pacflyer/may6-2005/Mn-71-flyboys-the-mo.html

- John Ousterhout -