forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: Des on March 30, 2015, 02:13:01 PM
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I have completed the build of this unusual but unique aeroplane, the Blackburn Heavy Monoplane. I have very little in the way of technical information on this aeroplane so most of the build was carried out by following a few black and white photos and some basic drawings. The comparison photos show how small this aeroplane was but it also shows the lengths designers went to in the attempt to achieve flight.
A full build log of this model can be found here http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/page53.html
Des.
As might have been expected, Robert Blackburn's first aeroplane, being the product of a trained engineering mind, was no stick and string freak. Highly original in concept, it was a wire-and-kingpost braced high wing monoplane built for strength rather than for economy in weight and in consequence was referred to in later years as the Heavy Type Monoplane to distinguish it from its successor. The parallel-chord square-cut mainplane was bolted across a wooden, wire-braced rectangular box structure which ran on three pneumatic-tyred, rubber-sprung wire wheels, the front being mounted on cantilevers whose trailing ends formed (as an additional safety feature) two long flat skids. A wicker chair from father's garden was pressed into service as a pilot's seat and was mounted on the floor of the box on runners as a means of C.G. adjustments. A 35 hp Green water cooled engine (one of Gustavus Green's four-cylinder masterpieces and owing nothing to the firm of Thomas Green) was mounted on the floor ahead of the pilot and cooled by two side radiators under the wing. It drove a slow running 8 ft 6 in propeller of Blackburn's own make through a strong 2 to 1 roller chain and sprocket reduction gear. The overhead airscrew shaft ran in bearings at the front end of a long Warren girder boom which carried a fixed tail plane and, at the extreme end, a cruciform, all-moving, non-lifting, Santos Dumont type empennage mounted on a universal joint.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BTodgrEvDD8/VRjBI-4QtcI/AAAAAAAAQnU/PginlTipDek/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520123.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--kTM4e3HMfA/VRjBLPFhSeI/AAAAAAAAQno/qwpMR41LACk/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520126.jpg)
Not content to copy other experimenters, Blackburn dispensed with the feet for controlling direction, and fitted his patent 'triple steering column' consisting of a single car-type steering wheel which turned to operate the all-moving tail and rudder, moved up and down when it functioned as an elevator and from side to side when warping the wings. He intended originally to fit his patented stability device in which a pendulum admitted air from an engine-driven compressor to one end or the other of a cylinder, according to which way the machine was banking, and an internal piston then operated the control surfaces so as to maintain straight and level flight. Although brilliantly anticipating the automatic pilot of the future, the device was not proceeded with and in any case would not have worked when the aeroplane was accelerating or decelerating.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Co5roUZjiGk/VRtM8mNB9LI/AAAAAAAAQpc/5TpMZd8Nq_g/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520141.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3ah1oHWPGzk/VRjBLGUkURI/AAAAAAAAQns/8UP2W7aB_Hw/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520128.jpg)
The design having been completed in Paris in 1908, the aircraft was built quite rapidly in a small workshop at Benson Street, Leeds, with the assistance of
Harry Goodyear, and in April 1909, and in the face of much scepticism, Blackburn began his trials along the wide stretch of sand between Marske-by-the-Sea and Saltburn on the northeast Yorkshire coast. Painstaking taxying trials continued at intervals and the occasional absence of tyre marks proved that short hops were being made, but the 35 hp Green gave insufficient power for sustained flight and Blackburn dismissed these attempts as 'sand scratching'.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YiPzlG2C8m4/VRjBOPvAjKI/AAAAAAAAQoA/61hYoxS2UOE/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520130.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e0NUniuBsBE/VRjBNzjZ9yI/AAAAAAAAQoE/pJ91BcaMd6U/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520131.jpg)
He had suspended such weighty items as engine, tanks and pilot, well below the mainplane in order to obtain a low C. of G. position, but the disadvantages of such a pendulous arrangement were not immediately obvious and it was not until 24 May 1910 that he attempted a turn and paid the price. The aircraft sideslipped, dug in the port wing, skidded into a hole and threw the pilot from his seat.
One wing was write-off, the airscrew broken and the undercarriage twisted and there was no alternative but to take the aeroplane back to Benson Street. There work began on an entirely new design and when the works moved to a larger premises in Balm Road, Leeds, the fuselage of the First Monoplane went too.
Construction: By Robert Blackburn and Harry Goodyear at Benson Street, Leeds, Yorks.
Power Plant: One 35 hp Green
Span: 24ft
Length: 23 ft
Wing Cord: 6 ft 5 in
Weight: All-up weight 800 lb
Performance: Estimated maximum speed 60 mph
Production: One aircraft only, completed September 1909, damaged beyond repair 24 May 1910, dismantled at Balm Road, Leeds, about December 1910.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XVLCkxnlUNE/VRjBQYsTbBI/AAAAAAAAQoU/DO8EjG402Cg/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520132.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LsT22Yj3AlQ/VRjBQld43uI/AAAAAAAAQoc/1j9ezFiD_1w/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520133.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vn0z1Mk5XaQ/VRjBUQVBuJI/AAAAAAAAQo8/h-gYMMQrAOM/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520138.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ahmxQh9w6Rg/VRjBHycC6ZI/AAAAAAAAQnQ/X-HzxG1Ss1k/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520125.jpg)
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This is a truly phenomenal piece of modeling artistry, Des! Another brilliant addition to your rapidly growing collection of early aeronautic marvels.
Cheers,
Bud
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This is stunning piece of art. Leaves me speechless :o
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Another mini marvel Des. :D
What's next?
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Another incredible model of a very unique aircraft! Also, thanks for the interesting history behind the airplane. I've learned so much in the short time I've been a member of this forum.
George
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In a word - masterpiece, Des. Thanks for bringing yet one more modelling delight to our sight!
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(http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y9XW8iYaslc/VNh_0Ko9fHI/AAAAAAAAVXw/ZmP4wum-sqM/s1024-no/IMG_1931.PNG)
"Wow" , Des!
Brilliant.
What will you be tackling next?
Best wishes,
Dave :)
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Great piece of modelling art, Des, congratulations!
Cheers
Ondra
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Thanks very much Bud, jnzku, boggie, George, Justin, Przemol, Dave and Ondra for your very kind words, I am very grateful.
Des.
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Amazing build, Des :)
Simply amazing!
vB
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Bloody hell Des, that's amazing.
You should consider getting together with a model company and releasing your scratch builds as kits.
I'd buy one! They are very unusual subjects that you just can't get, especially so in 1/32.
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Simply stunning, what a beautiful aircraft and a magnificent scratch build.
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Another glorious build, Des. I am lost in admiration! But what on earth was Blackburn thinking about? If birds did inspire some of the pioneers of flight, which one might apply here? An emu? A penguin? No doubt something flightless!
Best wishes
Nigel
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Wonderful work, and thanks indeed for the history behind it.
The machine might look quaint, but as you say there were serious engineering minds at work.
Blackburn went on to become a famous name in British aviation - I had an uncle who flew a Blackburn machine in the early 30s, the Ripon torpedo bomber - and the name lent itself to IMHO one of the most fabulous aircraft we ever produced, the mighty Buccaneer.
Brilliant work Des, like everyone else I can't wait to see what's next.
Mark
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Weird design ( I had never heard about before, btw). I like your build very much. Congratulations, Des.
Stefan
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unbelievable, crazy stuff!!
I DO like it!!
regards
K
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Wonderful Des!
Really exceptional... I wish I had your ability to scratch build ::)
And so quick too!
Guy
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Incredible work Des, and a magnificent result! Another truly unique and completely impressive Model from........"bits and bobs"!! Can't wait to see the next magic act off your work bench! :o
Cheers,
Lance
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Great little masterpiece.
Adam.
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I can only echo what's already been said - another true masterpiece!
Ian
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Des,
As always your build was a real pleasure to follow and the results SPECTACULAR! This one is really interesting, a mix of Old Motor Carriage and Aeroplane! Lovely work!
RAGIII
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Truly a magnificent piece of modelling art Des. You just keep raising the bar with each and every project. Without a doubt, it must be the most unique flying machine in your collection. For the time being that is!
Cheers,
Chris
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Pretty difficult to avoid further hyperbole, Des....you're always very supportive of any and all efforts by people here but this is all the more encouraging by being truly inspiring. Thank you. -M
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What can I add to the above!? Just lost for words (nothing new there) but thank you for the historical notes. There were so many of these early machines and very often the record about them is poor but you have helped to fill a gap.
Just an incredible model (or should I write - another one!)
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Hello, Des -
Excellent - your usual high standard of workmanship on a very strange and unusual aeroplane. Your scratch built models never fail to impress.
Regards
Dave
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This is stunning piece of art. Leaves me speechless :o
I could not say it better myself! Absolute bravo, Des. It really is alittle work of art.
Clearly, you have out your back problems behind you.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Cheers from NYC, Big Ones,
Michael
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Des - as a newcomer to the site and to the hobby, your work is inspirational and sets a frighteningly high standard.
Bruce
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Wonderful build Des :)
One of your coolest ones yet !
Terri
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I have a lot of people here who I would like to send a very warm thank you to for your wonderful comments; Bob, Kai, Steven, Nigel, Mark, Stefan, K, Guy, Lance, Adam, Ian, Rick, Chris, Doug, LM, Dave, Michael, Bruce and Terri, thanks to you all for dropping in and having a look, your very kind words are much appreciated.
Des.
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Gorgeous build of a very unusual aircraft Des.
I have been watching closely at the way you go about constructing your scratchbuilds, on average how much time would you say it takes to plan the build before starting. When I do a scratchbuild of a ship the methodology is different to that of an aircraft and also the difference in scales will alter my approach to a subject. I also on three occasions had to construct them so I could cast kits from the masters which again altered my approach. Sadly my eye sight is not as good these days but scratchbuilding is where I find the most enjoyment.
I have been sitting on some plans for a while now and the more I see your work the more I want to take the leap into the unknown, of course it could all go pear shaped and end up looking like a dogs dinner :o but thanks for the inspiration
Roy
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Thanks Roy for your lovely comments, I will try to answer your questions as best I can.
I do quite a bit of internet searching looking for a subject that I would like to model, I also go through all the books I have. Once I decide which aircraft I wish to model then the intense searching for information and data begins. Depending on how obscure the aircraft is will determine the length of time it takes to gather enough information to make a start. It is important to have some very good archive photos preferably from all aspects of the plane, some drawings or better still plans are really useful, anything with dimensions is most helpful. Every now and then I stumble across a book on the particular aircraft I am building, this is like a bible and is used for every aspect of the build. I usually spend many hours a day for at least a month searching for information, writing to museums many of whom don't bother to reply, downloading copious numbers of photos and drawing and printing them out to be placed in a file.
Ordering materials for the build is most important, these need to be ordered early in the peace so make sure they are on hand when building commences, nothing worse than having to wait a week or two for a small package of materials to arrive. Because I have built 8 scratch builds now I have an ample supply of materials on hand so starting my next scratch build will pose no problems.
Not everything falls into place, I would have at least half a dozen aeroplanes I would have loved to have modeled, but the lack of information has put an end to my searching, I have data but not enough to commence the build. I just wish that the museums around the world would be a bit more helpful in supplying information, I have even offered to pay for their services but still no response.
Please take the leap Roy, you will be so glad that you did, scratch building is not for everyone but for me it is an extremely satisfying hobby, I'm building and displaying 1:32 scale models of aeroplanes that have never been kitted in this scale, so they are a one of a kind.
Des.
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Another brilliant model, Des! It is such a pleasure to follow
your projects. You can see that each one is a labour of love.
I am looking forward to what you will pull out of the hat next.
Beautifully done, my friend, and by the way, I enjoyed the
history of the aeroplane as well. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Wonderfull modelling, a real inspiration!
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Really fantastic model.
Congratulations!
Jacek
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Thanks Roy for your lovely comments, I will try to answer your questions as best I can.
I do quite a bit of internet searching looking for a subject that I would like to model, I also go through all the books I have. Once I decide which aircraft I wish to model then the intense searching for information and data begins. Depending on how obscure the aircraft is will determine the length of time it takes to gather enough information to make a start. It is important to have some very good archive photos preferably from all aspects of the plane, some drawings or better still plans are really useful, anything with dimensions is most helpful. Every now and then I stumble across a book on the particular aircraft I am building, this is like a bible and is used for every aspect of the build. I usually spend many hours a day for at least a month searching for information, writing to museums many of whom don't bother to reply, downloading copious numbers of photos and drawing and printing them out to be placed in a file.
Ordering materials for the build is most important, these need to be ordered early in the peace so make sure they are on hand when building commences, nothing worse than having to wait a week or two for a small package of materials to arrive. Because I have built 8 scratch builds now I have an ample supply of materials on hand so starting my next scratch build will pose no problems.
Not everything falls into place, I would have at least half a dozen aeroplanes I would have loved to have modeled, but the lack of information has put an end to my searching, I have data but not enough to commence the build. I just wish that the museums around the world would be a bit more helpful in supplying information, I have even offered to pay for their services but still no response.
Please take the leap Roy, you will be so glad that you did, scratch building is not for everyone but for me it is an extremely satisfying hobby, I'm building and displaying 1:32 scale models of aeroplanes that have never been kitted in this scale, so they are a one of a kind.
Des.
I find scratchbuilding the most rewarding way of modeling
You can be proud of showing less knon aircraft and something that no other one has on his shelves, but it is the quest for documentation about obscure subjects that brings along the pleasure of discovery.
I have at least twenty scratchbuilt project sitting as hangar or closet queens, since time is the scarce resource here.
But at times someone sees the light of completion ...
(http://)
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Des, an amazing piece of work!
Drew
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Another sublime model from a master builder. I find it just as exciting to contemplate your next build as a WNW release.Bravo Bravo Bravo.
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very nice build des. interesting history and aircraft. looking at it with the modern eye its easy to see why such a heavily built craft didnt fly so well.cheers on another scratch build for the display case.
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My many thanks and appreciations goes out to Ernie, Sasho, Jacek, Ermeio, Drew, Thumbs up and Scott, thank you for dropping by and leaving wonderful comments.
Des.