forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: lone modeller on July 10, 2025, 01:46:35 AM
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Evening All,
This was my subject for a GB on another site - the Short S39 Triple Twin.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54642467738_ef4d411f49_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rfyVWJ)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54642467748_a41c8dd855_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rfyVWU)
The Short brothers were pioneers in aircraft design and experimentation before 1914, and although they did not originate the twin engine aircraft, they were the first to produce a successful design. The S 39 was structurally the same as the Farmen-Sommer type Short S27 biplane of 1911, but the S 39 had a stronger undercarriage,3 rudders under the tailplane, a front elevator, nacelle with two seats side by side, and two 50 hp Gnome rotary engines, one at the front and the other at the rear of the nacelle.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54642228436_08410aa3f8_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rfxGNQ)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54642228386_0b47d237d1_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rfxGMY)
The rear engine drove a pusher propellor, while the front engine drove 2 tractor propellors via chains and gears. The engines rotated in opposite directions to counter the effects of torque. The S39 was first flown on 18 September 1911 by F. McClean who was able to throttle back each engine in our and still maintain a safe speed in level flight. H. Short had hoped that by placing the control surfaces in the slipstream of the propellors, lateral control would be improved, but the results were disappointing.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54642228401_9b51d2c648_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rfxGNe)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54642269253_ea897d26d2_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rfxUWz)
Originally the S 39 had equal span wings and 2 fuel tanks, but in December 1911 the span of the upper wing was increased to 50 feet and fuel capacity doubled by adding two extra tanks. Later the lower wings were also increased to 50 feet span.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54642467738_ef4d411f49_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rfyVWJ)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54641377282_d3e690df73_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rftkML)
The machine was bought by the Admiralty in June 1912 and used as a trainer at Eastchurch. In the spring of 1913 it was completely remodelled as a two seat tandem pusher.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54641377282_d3e690df73_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rftkML)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54642228381_bc2a3fc182_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rfxGMT)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54642453279_6c10a044e4_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rfyRDr)
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
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Wow - another gem, Stephen. Fantastic work in such a small scale. Well done indeed.
Cheers,
Gary
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Another superb scratchbuild and another fascinating subject, very well done indeed Stephen.
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Very nicely done, as usual! Interesting arrangement for the rear engine with the prop in front!
Ian
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Amazing Stephen, your skills at their very finest and a classic of your so impressive art form! Your subjects and the considerable pleasure the stories of their history bring to our Forum are so very much appreciated!
Cheers,
Lance
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I can only echo what the others said Stephen.
Again a great example of your skills and you have a fine nose for picking interesting subjects and their history.
You must have a great collection of these gems by now!
Willem
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That's something you don't see every day - lovely work.
Sandy
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I'm not a big fan of the early birds but I appreciate what you've done with this one Stephen, excellent work!
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Most impressive!
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Another incredible project completed, Steve.
Brilliant work and you certainly like the unusual, mate!
Regards
Dave
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Thanks to you all for the very kind comments - they are all very much appreciated.
Stephen.
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Amazingly excellent! It looks and feels just right? I have a soft spot for the planes of Short Brothers and this one really does the trick. Congratulations!
Cheers, Skyhook
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Hello Stephen,
I visited the Isle Of Sheppy, recently (Friday), solely with the intention of viewing your work.
I was not disappointed.
It?s even more impressive when seeing it ?through your own eyes,? so to speak.
I was particularly impressed with the Gordon Bennett exhibit, with your line-up of contestants, that the race poster nicely sets off (I think it was the first thing I noticed on entering the room).
I found the museum very interesting and informative too, but your work made the experience that much more for my eyes.
Thank you
& congratulations to you and your amazing creations.
(I?m a 1/72 fan, but they were all amazing!).
Kind regards,
Matt.
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Absolute gem! Thanks for sharing another masterpiece in your scratch collection.
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Really impressive scratch building Stephen. I very much like the subject and appreciate the difficulty required to construct it!
All the best,
Tim