forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Scratch builds => Topic started by: Des on September 07, 2015, 11:41:52 AM
-
I have decided to scratch build a model of the Dufaux 4 biplane from 1909, here is a short history of this aeroplane;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9vP8RH-oias/VdO1DHL1L9I/AAAAAAAAShM/phJTrXd1idg/s1024-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252010.jpg)
Dufaux 4 - the ancestor of Swiss powered flight.[/b]
This machine was the fourth constructed by brothers Henri and Armand Dufaux from Geneva. The first was a 17 kg model helicopter, the second an unairworthy monster with eight wings, and the third crashed on its maiden flight.
It was only with the Dufaux 4 that Henri, a painter, and Armand, an engineer, achieved the success they had been striving for. On 28 August 1910, Armand Dufaux flew the length of Lake Geneva from St. Gingolph to Geneva in 58 minutes and 5 seconds. A masterly performance that won a prize of 5000 Swiss francs. The same year, they founded an aircraft factory. The improved Dufaux 5 was bought by a 17-year-old Ernest Failloubaz, at that time the youngest Swiss pilot. In autumn 1911, he demonstrated it to the Swiss Army, flying reconnaissance missions during a manoeuvre. Although the experiment ended with a crash landing, it still marked the start of Swiss military aviation.
Technical data.[/b]
Original Dufaux 4 biplane
Year of manufacture Around 1909
Wingspan 8.5m
Maximum speed 78 km/h
Power plant 8-cylinder ENV piston engine
I found and downloaded some good drawings of this aeroplane on the net, I then scaled these drawings to 1:32 scale using my drawing progam on my computer. I printed out several copies of each plan onto A3 paper using my inkjet printer (I'm glad I purchased a printer that not only does A4 but A3 as well)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t9nsXau_3J0/VdO1Nfr9pJI/AAAAAAAAShk/Wr3JCiUR3vw/s800-Ic42/plans%252520x%2525202.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--sSLHCWWNUs/VdO1RTfEVcI/AAAAAAAAShs/vCpfr_1oW4k/s800-Ic42/plans%252520x%2525201.jpg)
As the engine for this model is quite complex I have decided to built it first. I started by making the bases for the cylinders, these where cut from 0.5mm styrene sheet with a 4.5mm hole punched into the centre, I also drilled 0.5mm holes into each corner to take some bolts. I cut short lengths of 4.5mm brass tube and CA'd them into the centre holes, the bases where then aligned into two banks of four.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--xbHo3Y_3So/VekIQZXXpoI/AAAAAAAAS3o/Ibe_XlkrwrE/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252016.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9wzIwUQsVww/VekIPG43L1I/AAAAAAAAS3g/kd2QtorHx7E/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252017.jpg)
For the crank case I started with a length of good quality 16mm Aluminium solid rod. The first job was to turn this on my lathe down to 15mm. I then did quite a lot of filing and sanding to obtain the two flat surfaces for the cylinder bases to sit. I also cut from a sheet of aluminium the top centre section of the crank case, this was CA'd in place. I turned up another piece of aluminium to a size of 7mm, this was tapered toward the front and glued to the front of the crank case, I drilled a 1.2mm hole into the centre of this to take the prop shaft. The stregthening ribs are made from 0.8mm aluminium while the engine mounting flanges are made from 0.3mm aluminium. The rear of the crank case was filed to produce a mounting area for the magnetos. The entire assembly was rubbed down with 1000 wet and dry paper then buffed with 0000 steel wool.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_iaFfZF21c/VekIYsSizHI/AAAAAAAAS4o/UDpGdYNLtXA/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252026.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FXq7ly97_p8/VekIZ7ZHM0I/AAAAAAAAS4w/n7DDv8wEDzg/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252027.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8mVVlCp5hPM/VekM-M5pCQI/AAAAAAAAS5g/owzO4irt7Ng/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252029.jpg)
I mounted the two banks of cylinder bases to the crank case, these are held in place with 5 minute epoxy, using this glue allowed me time to adjust the position of the bases and when set gives a very strong bond. The two banks are slightly off-set to each other, one set sits at the front edge of the crank case while the other set is slightly toward the rear. The cylinder bases were sprayed with Mr Metal Colour Stainless, when dry it was buffed to give a nive metallic sheen.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vztwiyw_qPA/Veknin_cUGI/AAAAAAAAS6A/5WWet9H4gkI/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252030.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qw7SZYM5_M4/Veknh7VVSUI/AAAAAAAAS54/tFbuxLfuFxw/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252031.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Haz0TeCgBWY/VekninJWAbI/AAAAAAAAS58/6hN27mM8owY/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252032.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wYKxW8kHCfg/VeknkaDKsQI/AAAAAAAAS6M/xaHygNogTxc/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252033.jpg)
Des.
-
Des,
Ah another Opus Magnum is born! Outstanding project my old friend.Already your first progress with her engine is looking awesome. I'm glad you're building this aeroplane and even more so you located the needed information on the type. looking forward to following this thread.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
-
very cool. i saw dufaux and imediately thought of the dufaux c.2 which has the prop incorporated into the fuselage aft of the pilot.
http://flyingmachines.ru/Site2/Crafts/Craft29090.htm
but this will be every bit as cool.
-
Awesome, Des! I love when you tackle the early and more obscure subjects.
George
-
Des,
Another fascinating subject, and already a spectacular project. The engine looks great, looking forward to following along yet again! 8)
Cheers,
Lance
-
Des,
Off to a running start on another BEAUTY! Outstanding start on the engine as always@
RAGIII
-
Des, your scratchbuilding skills are just awesome, thumbs up! Excellent work on the engine, I will be watching this project with big interest.
Cheers.
Ondra
P.S.: Nice set of paints you have there on your table. ;)
-
What a magnificent start, Des. I'm so looking forward to the rest of this build.
Best wishes
Nigel
-
Another great subject, and another masterpiece in the making....
Ian
-
Truly incredible, Des, I'm going quietly back to Model Railroading now...
Pietro
-
I can't decide what impresses me more - your choice of subject or your abilities of scratch-building, shown here once more.
I will follow this build closely.
Stefan
-
Truly awesome, Des!
vB :)
-
I look forwards to seeing this develop Des - Lovely work on the engine part, a fine start indeed.
Regards - Tug
-
Wow, what an enormous response to my just started scratch build, I have to thank Bo, Gregory, Scott, George, Lance, Rick, Ondra, Nigel, Ian, Stefan, Bob and Tug for all your very kind and generous comments, they are very much appreciated.
Des.
-
YIPPEEE ! Awsome Des.
-
Another jewel in the offing, Des! An interesting and intricate subject to be sure.
I really am in awe of your talent seeing the engine taking shape as it is.
As usual, I will be following your build with great pleasure, my friend. :D
Out of curiosity Des, could you tell me what drawing program you use?
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
Wow, what a outstanding beginning! ;D
Like all your builds I follow this, Des.
Cheers
Martin
-
Thanks heaps Thumbs up, Ernie and Martin for your very kind comments.
Ernie, the drawing program I use is called Serif DrawPlus x 4
Des.
-
Des, I really appreciate your detailed descriptions--i learn a lot and see what's possible. Thanks!
What's the difference between A3 and A4 printer paper (asks the student)?
Regards,
Bob
-
Yahooooo! Des is scratch-building again!!!! Now is the time to pay attention and learn some more tricks.
Never heard of the type Des so thanks for the background information. The engine is as usual wonderful - makes my efforts look positively amateurish. I can see the making of another wonderful model here.
-
Bob, A4 is the standard size, close to "letter" size. A3 is twice the size of A4. (A5 is half the size) I'm sure there was logic applied somewhere....
Ian
-
Fascinating as ever, and like many others I'd never heard of this one - I love these builds of yours when one picks up as much history as modelling techniques :)
Mark
-
Truly, a master at work....
Ed
-
above and beyond WNW, we have the WOW effect of each model that you show us, Des!
This subject is incredibly cool and it is bound to become a showstopper like the preceding ones.
It is obscure but keep s its attractiveness.
I will follow this built with interest....
-
What a wonderful subject for your next scratch build, Des! And, even though it's just been started, that engine is already a work of art.
Cheers,
Bud
-
Got my popcorn and pepsi , watching with interest Des :)
Terri
-
My many thanks to the following people who have left very nice comments, I appreciate them all - Bob, Stephen, Ian, Mark, Ed, Ermeio, Bud and Terri.
Des.
-
those remind me of curtiss ailerons suspended in between the wings. neat looking plane des and your engine block is looking sweet.
-
Thanks Scott. You are quite correct about the ailerons, having just completed the Curtiss Hydroaeroplane the ailerons are very much the same. At that time there was a huge court battle going on between the Wright brothers and the rest of the aeronautical world regarding copyright for their wing warping. Inventors were coming up with all sorts of ideas to get around the copyright and this is one of those ideas, this was a very successful method.
Des.
-
yes you're right.the sad thing is Orville and Wilbur or so worried about anyone copying them that they lost initiative on new design and ended up getting passed up by everyone in the long run
-
I had some difficulties sourcing 3/16" (4.76mm) brass rod for the cylinders on my engine, I finally located some in South Australia so hence the time delay since the last post. In the mean time I made the top section of the fuselage frame, this was made from various sizes of Evergreen styrene strips, this will eventually be painted a wood colour.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OEtaQoId-mA/VfNT94azFQI/AAAAAAAAS-A/zNlWnE5M8q0/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252042.jpg)
-
The brass rod finally turned up. I have started to cut the length of brass rod to 4.5mm lengths, I am doing this with a razor saw which does a fairly neat job, I tidy the ends up on my lathe. This photo shows the first 4 cylinders just sitting in position but bear in mind that there is a lot more work to be done to each cylinder. Each completed cylinder will be highly polished. In the photo the cylinders tops have not been cleaned up as they will need to be shaped, so plenty of file and sanding work ahead of me.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSftOv4m6wk/VfTnswUWV3I/AAAAAAAAS-U/hOkLD7krxWY/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252043.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j_7_ztsPZZc/VfTntFuogEI/AAAAAAAAS-Y/G6UJkMDzIvY/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252044.jpg)
-
very impressive des.you are a master.
-
Hello gentlemen and ladies,
Shame on me, I missed this build start.
This unfinished engine looks already like a jewel.
Sure, it will be amazing.
Best regards.
Alain.
-
Des, I just stepped over from the BENCH to have a look/see at your progress. WOW! I'm working on my OX-5 as we speak and I am in awe of your engine so far! It is fantastic. I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow of my completely lazy approach to engine construction. We're going to hit the sack.
Pietro
-
Thanks very much Scott, Alain and Pietro for your extremely kind comments, they are greatly appreciated.
Pietro, I not long ago scratch built the Curtiss 'O' engine for my Curtiss Hydroaeroplane, it was my first V8 engine build and I thoroughly enjoyed it, here's a link to my complete build which includes the engine; http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/page51.html hope it gives you some hints to building the engine.
Des.
-
Fantastic work to engine and frame, Des.
Cheers
Martin
-
Thank you for dropping by and looking at my model Martin, your comments are always very much appreciated.
Des.
-
Beautiful neat work, Des! The engine, even in it's
early stages is wonderful. Looking forward to the
next updates, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
The engine is a masterpiece in itself, Des. Great craftsmanship as you always provide, no substitution or compromise here, just excellent work! This is coming together very nicely, looking forward to more progress reports.
Cheers,
Lance
-
Outstanding work on the frame and Especially the Engine!
RAGIII
-
Very nice work on your (almost) all metal engine, Des! Nothing looks more like metal than real metal! :)
George
-
My many thanks and appreciation to Ernie, Lance, Rick and George for you wonderful comments.
You are correct George, nothing looks better than real metal especially the aluminium crank cases.
Des.
-
starting another one, great! I'm taking some popcorn and beer and getting on the front seat (if any left) for this one. All your scratchbuilds are inspirational, informative and just plain awesome :)
best regards,
Sasho
-
Just amazing...
-
I am back from a hard day, but the view of that engine saved the day.
It is marvellous.
Also the frame is giving shape to the model
-
Sasho, Przemol and Ermeio, thanks you very much for your kind comments, they are much appreciated.
Des.
-
Thanks Bo for your much appreciated comments, your magnetos came to the rescue again.
Des.
-
Des, your work is really unbelievable, but yet there it is.
I was just curious, other than it looks really great, why did you use aluminum for the block rather than styrene?
Again, just curious.
Mack
-
Thank you Mack for your kind comments. I use aluminium for the crank cases simply because I like working with metal, it polishes up very nice which makes it look lke the real thing, no painting required. It also adds a little weight to the model which helps to keep the model balanced. CA (super glue) bonds very well to aluminium so attaching accessories are no problem. At the moment I am working on the eight cylinders, these are being made from 3/16" brass rod and will require a lot of filing and sanding, all very time consuming but very rewarding. I have a small clock makers lathe which comes in very handy.
Des.
-
Looking good Des 8)
Terri
-
Thanks Terri, your comments are always much appreciated.
Des.
-
Hi Des!!!
Sorry for being late to this party but Im still catching up with what's going on in each section... back to your build - another stunning looking aircraft and your skills are still better and better!!! Cant wait for next progress ;)
Cheerio
Lukas
-
hello des, i am guessing the build has stalled a bit. i hope all is well and that something trivial has kept you from your dufaux. looking forward to a new update.
-
Thanks Scott for your post. The build has stalled for the time being due to various reasons. First off sourcing the correct size material has proven difficult but I am on top of that now, secondly life has been throwing me some issues lately which needed my concentrated attention, and thirdly my right shoulder has been giving me curry lately, I had a cortisone injection last week so hopefully this week it will kick in and give me some relief. Apart from all that, life is good :) :)
Des.
-
Hope everything straightens out, Sir.
That engine is a little gem so far.
-
i hope sky clears up for you.
-
All the best for you, Des!
-
All the best for you, Des!
Me too Des...I hope everything is back to "normal" soon, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
Hope you're back in fighting form soon, mate!
Cheers,
Bud
-
Des, I hope that shoulder feels better soon! Looking forward to seeing you back on this one!
RAGIII
-
I too hope that all returns to near normal as soon as possible Des. I too seem to be having more than the average number of problems at the moment - life seems to be like that!
Hope your shoulder is better as soon as possible - I am waiting in anticipation in the front row to see your progress
-
Hi Des,
I hope it's your shoulder feeling better?
And you can go back to your workbench, because i wanna see how it goes here.
Thats looking great, i am excited! ;D
And when you say "Apart from all that, life is good", I would like to add "At the end is all good, and it is still not good, it's not over yet".
Kindly regards and best wishes
Jörg
-
Hope you're ok Des,
That engine is just gorgeous!
Guy
-
Thanks very much guys for all your kind comments.
I have been working on the engine on and off and have made some progress, I will be posting updated photos soon.
Des.
-
Sorry for such a lengthy time between updates but life has been getting in the way of my modeling.
I have added the eight cylinders to the crank case, also made and added the intake manifolds. The exhaust pipes were made from 1.2mm brass tube and RB Motion aluminium nuts, once fitted they were painted with Mr Metal Stainless and lightly polished. I also fitted the push rods and valve springs. Next up will be the water pipes (I'm waiting for copper tube to arrive) and spark plugs (waiting for them to arrive from RB Motion), the engine is now getting close to completion. Because the engine is made mostly of metal it is quite heavy.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KyVKdxDZaR4/VlDlHjEgXJI/AAAAAAAATQ4/l6Aq-L2MKp0/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252068.jpg)
Here is the obligatory engine in palm of hand photo :)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m2i9mrDzXb4/VlDmEO2R_aI/AAAAAAAATRA/_wo3PopmLFA/s720-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252069.jpg)
These photos show the push rods and valve springs fitted.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NYNV_Ur0oxU/VlFE1ehwEEI/AAAAAAAATRY/7BuQ68e-kkw/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252070.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YJ4UGSFQdtc/VlFE1tF74DI/AAAAAAAATRc/GfEo-NtuWog/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252071.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mEyxSNhUX20/VlFE1k8j5GI/AAAAAAAATRU/NdOesQrxOcI/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252072.jpg)
-
Wow, Des! That is one truly magnificent engine! Absolutely marvelous!
Cheers,
Bud
-
Hello ladies and gentlemen,
Help, Des have blinded me... ;D ;D
Outbreathing, a masterpiece Des. BRAVO !!!!
Best regards.
Alain.
-
Many thanks Bud and Alain for your very kind words, they are much appreciated.
Des.
-
Model engineering of the highest order.
Great work, Des!!
vB
-
Des, that engine is incredible! You have, again, demonstrated your mastery over the Dark Art of scratch-building. Now I have to take another look at my O-X5 in the Canuck. Keep up the good work and PLEASE stay healthy. All our best wishes.
Pietro
-
a great progress on that engine, Des
it is Marvellous!
-
amazing work des
-
Masterful is indeed the word! Do you have scale oil rags too?
Ian
-
What can I say when I am left speechless and am suffering from an aching jaw which has stuck the floor (again)!
Just absolutely wonderful/marvellous and any other suitable adjective that means the same……..
Stephen
-
That's a marvellous example of very advanced scratch building Des. It's going to add a huge amount of realism to the overall build.
Regards
Russell
-
Spectacular!! :o
I never cease to be amazed by what you create from raw materials, Des. Have you considered a book on the "Art of Scratch Building"? If not, you certainly should!
Cheers,
Lance
-
That engine is incredible. Wonderful work.
-
Yes that is an masterpiece engine!! ;D
Cheers
Martin
-
Des,
My old friend your Dufaux 4 engine is Outstanding.I'm in awe of your skill and fine craftsmanship. Well Done my old friend!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
-
I would like to thank everyone for their extremely kind comments, they are very much appreciated.
Des.
-
Sorry I am a little late in echoing everyone else but I must say this is your finest engine yet and that is saying a lot!
RAGIII
-
Me too here Des but none the less never too late!
Lovely, truly lovely work in a variety of materials. Bet you are well pleased with the result :)
Tug
-
Thank you Rick and Tug for your kind comments. Yes Tug, I am pleased with the result so far, there is still a bit to go yet so hopefully it will all come together nicely.
Des.
-
Looking fantastic Des.
Can't wait to see more. (http://)
-
Great to see this moving again, Sir.
Wonderful work on the motor.
-
Man I truly do enjoy watching your scratch builds. So much to learn and so interesting to see normal materials become such detailed replicas. Watching with interest.
James
-
Fantastic work Des.
I hope all is well on the home front, Chuck.
-
I should visit the scratchbuild deparment more...
Amazing Des...!!!
-
a great progress on that engine, Des
it is Marvellous!
Ditto !!!!
Ed
-
I finally found time to finish the engine for this scratch build. I used as much real metal as possible to make this engine hence the slow progress. The spark plugs are from RB Motion which are turned from aluminium, a brilliant product, I added the ignition leads today. I also made and fitted all the water pipes which are made from various sizes of copper tube. Because the engine is metal I sprayed the entire engine with a few coats of full gloss clear, this will stop it tarnishing. There are still a few more smaller pipes to be added but these will go on when the radiators are fitted.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FesRQjjlQ4s/VoC7zSXX-FI/AAAAAAAATt0/8LLVk3GMYdA/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252074.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L2qrEJOJxWA/VoC7zEXIeMI/AAAAAAAATts/EiPmXtvj6bA/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252078.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jnvPUjnyOuY/VoC70ns3hyI/AAAAAAAATt8/nfi7_dWBsGc/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252080.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8qTiSN21H-g/VoC777IU3eI/AAAAAAAATuM/poPZ8u_z_tk/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252081.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qlaLY2saCA4/VoC78EJJ61I/AAAAAAAATuQ/1w2y3JBQjII/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252082.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ZApSyedLcI/VoC78CBxVmI/AAAAAAAATuU/epTyB0mI5tU/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252083.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8_-2_ZUNgMA/VoC79R1tPsI/AAAAAAAATuc/fyfU5krOa_A/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252085.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-25XYK_t2Wk0/VoC79wPRCHI/AAAAAAAATuk/dvR8xStTEA4/s800-Ic42/dufaux%252520x%25252086.jpg)
-
Truly spectacular, Des! This is modeling at its absolute finest. Bravo, mate!
Cheers,
Bud
-
Hello ladies and gentlemen,
Juts outstanding Des !!! I love it !!! :)
Best regards.
Alain.
-
Brilliant work, Des! The fact that it's all metal makes it even better. You have amazing metal working skills. It looks as if it could fire up!
George
-
Thanks Bud, Alain and George for our very kind comments, they are very much appreciated.
Des.
-
I admire your abilities, the engine looks like real.
Adam.
-
Brilliant work, Des. Another one of your models-in-a-model.
Well done, my friend. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
Glorious work, Des. Well done!
Best wishes
Nigel
-
Exellent engine Des.
Cheers
Martin
-
Beautiful work on the engine Des :)
Terri
-
What a beauty! (http://)
-
Fantastic work.
-
Just incredible Des, well worth waiting for!
Cheers,
Lance
-
Brilliant!
RAGIII
-
Many thanks to Adam, Ernie, Bo, Nigel, Martin, Terri, Chuck, Ken, Lance and Rick for looking in and leaving very kind comments.
Des.
-
Des,
WOW she's a gem my old friend. No doubt once the project is complete she'll be a gem within a gem. Outstandingly Well Done ! Looking forward to more.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
-
Thanks very much Gregory, your kind words are very much appreciated.
Des.
-
Des, I really admire your skills when it comes to creating scratch build parts from metal! Very inspirative. The engine looks gorgeous.
Cheers
Ondra
-
Thanks very much Ondra for your very kind comments, this is my first all metal engine and took quite a bit of time and effort.
Des.
-
Hi Des!!!
What a magnificent piece of metal you made there!!! Fantastic work all around ;) Truly inspiring!!!!
Cheerio
Lukas
-
What a gem engine, Des. Amazing.
-
Des,
WOW she's a gem my old friend. No doubt once the project is complete she'll be a gem within a gem. Outstandingly Well Done ! Looking forward to more.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Des I could not have phrased this better if I had tried. Brilliant is not good enough to describe it.
Stephen.
-
Just found this. Truly astonishing work especially in the detail you've gone to. Gob smacked would be an understatement
-
Des, that engine is absolutely eye-popping! You are an inspiration to all of us.
Pietro
-
My many thanks to Lukas, Przemol, Stephen, Toby and Pietro for all of your wonderful comments, they are very much appreciated.
Des.
-
Des -
Only just catching up with what you are doing here.
This is great work so far - your engine is a real gem of a model in itself. I really take my hat off all those and scratch build.
Regards
Dave
-
Hey Des , any up-dates on your build ?
Terri
-
Sorry Terri but this build has been put on hold, too many life issues getting in the way at the moment, the build will continue at a later date.
Des.
-
Just catching up on current (!) events Des, and your work on this project is spectacular. Amazing job on that engine.
Cheers,
Gary
-
Thanks very much Gary for your kind comments, they are very much appreciated.
Des.
-
Goodness me Des,
Perfection!
Guy
-
Sorry to hear about the life issues, we all hope that things will get better.
-
Des,
https://youtu.be/L2Wx230gYJw
All the best to you and your's my old friend.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
-
Know the feeling Des: am really looking forward to your continuing with the build when you have the time and energy - which I sincerely hope will not be too long.
Stephen.
-
Thank you very much Guy, Thumbs Up, Gregory and Stephen for all your best wishes, the build of the Dufaux will recommence soon. But in the mean time my wife and I still have a few things to do settling my dad into a nursing home, completing the sale of his house, disposing of all his possessions, selling his car etc, it has been a very emotional time and has gone on for over two months now.
The Dufaux 4 will return, I promise :) :)
Des.
-
Hi Des,
I think this is an emotional and difficult time.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything will be fine.
Kindly regards
Jörg
-
Des, sorry you're having to go through all this, I know it can be very emotionally draining. I've been through it with both parents, they are gone now, but what I found most exhausting was all the decisions that had to be made and trying to make sure I was making the best decision possible. Especially with deciding what to do with their things, things they acquired over a lifetime. Now you're having to decide what to do with "things" but there are so many emotional ties to a great deal of them it can be extremely exhausting.
I wish you well, my friend.
Mack
-
I always enjoy your build threads, Des, and this is no exception. That engine is remarkable!
More importantly, good luck with everything with your Dad; as others have said, that can certainly be an ordeal to get through.
Chris
-
Thanks guys for all your kind words regarding my father and the Dufaux 4 build.
I have been sitting at my model bench for the past three days going over the information I have for my scratch build Dufaux 4 but unfortunately I just don't have enough information to complete the project. I have written to the museum where an example is on display but I have had very little response from them, internet info is pretty sketchy and very basic so I sadly have to say that this project has now ended, at least I have a completed engine for another project.
Des.
-
Hi Des Is it possible that one of our members lives near said museum?
-
That's a real shame, Des, you must be somewhat frustrated by the lack of response you've received. Hopefully someone might be able to visit the location and get more info, which Museum?
I hope this works out for the better, you put a lot of work into these Builds.
Cheers,
Lance
-
Thank you Thumbs Up and Lance for your suggestions. The museum is the Swiss Museum of Transport, I don't want to bother anyone by asking for photos of the display aircraft, in the past members have gone out of their way to photograph particular aircraft for me but it takes them a lot of time and effort and in most cases takes them out of their way. I will leave this scratch build and now call it defunct.
Des.
-
I'm sorry to hear of the shelving of the Dufaux, Des. It is a real
shame but thankfully you will be able to use the beautiful engine
again. Whatever your next project, I am looking forward to
following along with it. Onward and upward, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
Hello ladies and gentlemen,
Des, on another forum I haunts, there's some Swissmen. So I could ask them. I'll tell you about it. ;)
Best regards.
Alain.
PS: I wrote to friends of mine living near Swissland. I suppose you know that:
https://www.verkehrshaus.ch/fr/musee/aviation/dufaux-4-lanc%C3%AAtre-de-laviation-suisse
-
This is indeed sad news Des. You always choose builds that are really interesting because they are so esoteric - usually a type that I have never heard of and I suspect that many others have not done so either. I sit in anticipation that you might be able to finish it, but if not I will be in the front row for your next project.
Stephen.
-
This is indeed sad news Des. You always choose builds that are really interesting because they are so esoteric - usually a type that I have never heard of and I suspect that many others have not done so either. I sit in anticipation that you might be able to finish it, but if not I will be in the front row for your next project.
Stephen.
Likewise, Des. I'm holding out hope that Alain's mates will come through for you.
Cheers,
Bud
-
This is indeed sad news Des. You always choose builds that are really interesting because they are so esoteric - usually a type that I have never heard of and I suspect that many others have not done so either. I sit in anticipation that you might be able to finish it, but if not I will be in the front row for your next project.
Stephen.
Echo's my sentiments !!!
Ed
-
Hello Des,
I deeply regret all the emotional issues you and your wife have to face. I remember too well when we had to make similar decisions regarding my grandma.
I wish you all the best and hope, you'll probabely take some (metaphorical) strength out of modelling. I deeply admire your scratchbuilds!
With kind regards
Borsos
-
Hello Des,
I hope you are doing well and that the morale holding good.
There was a project in Switzerland to crate a replica of a Dufaux 4N aircraft (if I'm right). The goal was to repeat the flight of Dufaux over the Lake Léman.
The team have a website
http://www.hepta.aero/faux/fr/index.html (http://www.hepta.aero/faux/fr/index.html)
If you tell me what you are looking for (drop me a PM), I will be glad to contact them (I live not far from Lausanne) to see if they are "open" to share some documentation and information.
Moreover this you can go to this website
http://ba.e-pics.ethz.ch/ (http://ba.e-pics.ethz.ch/) and put Dufaux in the "search" window there are some nice pictures that could maybe help you.
"Official Museum" are for the most in the German speaking part of Switzerland, and it could be, unfortunately, very difficult to obtain something if you don't speak german.
Cheers
Dric