forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Scratch builds => Topic started by: Des on February 18, 2015, 06:17:08 PM
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This will be my biggest challenge yet for a scratch build. Very little information is available for this aeroplane but what I have should be enough to allow me to put together something that resembles the actual aeroplane.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ErheB3JhghI/VORJryB7fbI/AAAAAAAAQOQ/EJly_l9RBXQ/s1043/45-3.jpg)
Not the prettiest aeroplane ever built but very unique. It did actually fly albeit only once, but because it was built so strong the pilot walked away from the crash.
I have started by cutting and assembling the fuselage box frame, this is being made from 1.0mm styrene square section, photos to come soon.
Des.
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Wow!!! A flying dragster! Brilliant choice!
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Noticed this on the website yesterday.
You're a brave man Des! It looks like nothing I've ever seen before, good luck.
I can't think of anything more non WNW than this project. Looking forward to learning some new things from you.
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Great idea! I look forward to see the first pictures! :D
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Hello Des,
As Kai said you are a brave man. But from what I have seen what you accomplished in your previous scratch builds I have no doubt that this one will turn out to be a price winner. I wish you all the luck and a lot of joy with it. This will be so interesting to follow!
Kind regards
Patrick
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Wow!!! A flying dragster! Brilliant choice!
Wonder what it's time is for quarter of a mile !
Looking forward to your build Des .
Terri
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Is that a drive chain I see there lurking there in the innards of this contraption Des? While it's definitely no beauty it'll certainly make for an interesting project.
Cheers,
Chris
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Happy to donate some 'Strippers' if you need anymore ;)
Good luck!
Vb ;)
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What a wierd looking contraption. Cant wait to see what you do with this. If you haven't seen it, Blackburn Aircraft Since 1909 has a good front and 3/4 view. as well as a 3 view drawing.
http://www.amazon.ca/Blackburn-Aircraft-Since-1909-Jackson/dp/0870210246
James
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Will watch this build like every build from you.
Martin
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Looks like a portable beach cabana with a huge fan. Handy thing to have in the tropics. Really looking forward to this one, Des.
Cheers,
Bud
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Got to love those early flying machines. I very much enjoy following along with your scratch build projects. I do a little scratch building on my kits, but that's more like making a snack instead of a full dinner. When I eventually finish my Wingnut Wings projects, especially the Gotha and the Felixstowe, I may be ready for a scatch build. Or the rubber room.
Looking forward to the build notes.
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Thanks everyone for your vote of confidence.
Chris, the roller chain is to drive the propeller, it is on a 2:1 reduction from the engine and it is a fairly long length of chain, I'm hoping the 1:12 scale motorcycle chain I have purchased will do the job for me.
Des.
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This looks like a project and a half, Des, but you are just the chap
to do it. It will be a dandy build to follow. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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A flying patio chair, no less! Should be fun!
Ian
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You are not far from the truth Ian, when Robert Blackburn was building this aeroplane he was in need of a seat, so he took the cane chair from his father's patio.
Des.
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Des, I have no doubt that you'll really do this one justice.
Warren
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Where do you find this stuff Des? You always have the most unique aircraft, which requires completely scratch building them. I admire your skill and courage to tackle these subjects.
George
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Hello gentlemen,
Wow, it will be great !!
What kind of plans or pictures will you use ?
Best regards.
Alain.
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As always I will follow your build with great enthusiasm!
RAGIII
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Certainly looks a challenge Des. Will follow on in awe! I don't think you need to rush in case a mainstream kit comes out!
Guy
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I have started this build by doing the fuselage frame, for this I used 1mm x 1mm styrene strips. The small brackets are made from 0.25mm styrene cut to shape, this photo shows the brackets just sitting on the frame not glued.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6-XTnMPxv6A/VOf1vh0QNQI/AAAAAAAAQOk/gQ_yzzJqOBk/s800/blackburn%2520x%252017.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JlnwsJpNjxE/VOf10tvZGFI/AAAAAAAAQOs/Sfi7hJVvs3E/s800/blackburn%2520x%252018.jpg)
These next two photos show all the brackets glued to the frame and bolts fitted, three bolts per bracket. The bolts are from Master Club and are their 0.5mm resin bolts on a washer. The two frames shown here are the top and bottom frames of the fuselage.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BDiPSnZFiM0/VOf13uFTiHI/AAAAAAAAQO0/B55WQjYb3wI/s800/blackburn%2520x%252019.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4KF3f3nQkoo/VOf17PxqlWI/AAAAAAAAQO8/WuGe5ReSpgo/s800/blackburn%2520x%252020.jpg)
I have joined the top and bottom frames with more frame members to form the box structure, more brackets were made and fitted along with a heap more resin bolts. There will also be frame bracing wires fitted to every section of the frame but this will come later. Each of the brackets have been drilled with a 0.3mm drill bit to allow fitment of the rigging wires, the brackets are very small.
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4GdHyFgjuA8/VOf1-kPfiAI/AAAAAAAAQPE/j4KGPM0xLhM/s800/blackburn%2520x%252021.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z7xGVDnKpJo/VOf2CiQiaSI/AAAAAAAAQPM/FDGijZ4RLhc/s800/blackburn%2520x%252022.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SwIiA9lp0fY/VOf2F0krUlI/AAAAAAAAQPU/s-VupZsqVuw/s800/blackburn%2520x%252023.jpg)
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Hi Des,are you using some kind of jig to get this all square?
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No Matz, I only use the plans I have of the aeroplane to lay my fame on, as long as the plans are correct the frame will be square.
Des.
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Good start, Des. I like those bolts...they certainly add a nice
touch to the assembly. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Very nice beginning Des.
Martin
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Well, the pilot may have survived the crash following the one and only flight because of the very strong construction, Des, but I wouldn't have fancied landing or bumping along with that frame, and much else, inches above my head!
It's looking good so far, but then what else might we expect from you?
Best wishes
Nigel
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Beautiful work on the framing, Des! The hardware details are superb.
Cheers,
Bud
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Is there a source in English for Masterclub parts? And, I would appreciate any other sources for similar items - nuts, bolts, rivets, etc. perhaps there is a list here somewhere. If not, it might be a worthy suggestion to open a topic where we could all post such info for the benefit of others.
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Check this link eindecker for small hardware http://www.scalehardware.com/
There is also this site which stocks wonderful products http://www.rbmotion.com/
As far as the Master Club products go I had no luck finding any close by, I had to search the net and finally found a supplier in Russia who actually had some in stock. The product code for the bolts I used is MC435071 I just typed in Master Club MC435071 and the available site were listed. One shop in Australia stocks Master Club products but not the particular bolts I wanted.
Des.
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Go to the Master cub site and from there you will be able to check the sites of their suppliers. I got my last order from Switzerland! They are very slow on resupply so it may be hard to find someone who has what you need in stock.
Ian
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Nice start with the framing Des :)
Terri
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Thanks Ian and bo for the Master club info and thank you Terri for your very nice comments.
I have made the floor, added the underside frame and skids and the four fuselage posts. The fuselage has now been fixed to the posts, the large brackets at the bottom of the posts are made from 0.25mm styrene sheet, I have utilised the 0.5mm resin bolts again.throughout the bracket fitment. Where the posts mount onto the fuselage frame there will be some hefty metal brackets with more bolts, it sure doesn't look like an aeroplane yet ???
Des.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iePFKVsUgIo/VOmI_59vSrI/AAAAAAAAQP0/PADC4fTHidI/s800/blackburn%2520x%252024.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xDVJTaopuVI/VOmI_3hrQoI/AAAAAAAAQPw/RIOUGSZ37Zc/s800/blackburn%2520x%252025.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y-TjUYkfQUY/VOmI_xe-cqI/AAAAAAAAQPs/F8DSsTREu4k/s800/blackburn%2520x%252026.jpg)
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Hello Des,
This is another great start. Looking wonderful!
Kind regards
Patrick
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Des, this scratch build confirms what many of us have long suspected - you don't need a model kit, you create masterpieces from plastic rod and tiny bits of metal and styrene sheet.
This latest build is as quirky as they come. Some of those pre-war beasts were remarkable insights into their designer's imagination. I'd love to see you do a Bristol Boxkite, or an Avro Triplane, or an Antoinette too.
Your builds are world class and never cease to amaze and inspire us lesser souls.
kindest regards
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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Thanks Patrick and Dave for your very nice words, they are much appreciated.
All the fuselage frame has now been completed. The metal brackets holding the fuselage to the upright posts are made from coke can metal. I also made the wing support posts, the two rear one are longer as they will hold the rigging wires. The entire structure has been given a coat of Gunze H313 yellow in preparation for the wood colour.
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HZv-yms73QM/VOqp4ZAZ6HI/AAAAAAAAQQc/DCZTNZwql1Q/s800/blackburn%2520x%252029.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RApbDxMeI7I/VOqp4g_eaPI/AAAAAAAAQQg/E_9wUOUynW4/s800/blackburn%2520x%252030.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pQj71b_CQ08/VOqp4_ZsjpI/AAAAAAAAQQk/9yb3q_-Lxk8/s800/blackburn%2520x%252031.jpg)
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Hello Des,
You're very quick, and the result is nevertheless superb! Many small details very pleasant!!
Cheers!
Arnaud
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It looks more like something you'd find in a children's play area a few years back! Too dangerous for them now though.....
Ian
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Hello gentlemen,
Well done Des. It looks like helicopter for the moment. ;)
Best regards.
Alain.
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Very wounderful updates Des.
Martin
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Well Des, as usual if one skips a week in looking in on your builds one misses a lot! This is another fine example of your skill! Beautifully done so far and as always I look forward to the next update!
RAGIII
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Hello Des,
somehow I missed start on this... I can't wait for you transforming this crane looking thing in an aeroplane ;) Looking magnificent!!!
Lukas
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Thanks very much for all your very nice comments, they are really appreciated.
You could call it anything you like at the moment as it doesn't look anything like an aeroplane just yet, even with the seat and engine fitted it will still look really strange.
Des.
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I added some oil paint over the base to simulate a wood colour, I used 1/3 Raw Sienna + 2/3 Burnt Sienna and a tad of Liquin, the assembly is in my heat box drying overnight. Once dry I will decide whether it needs a coat of clear orange. All the brackets, a heap of them, will need to be painted with a stainless colour then the fuselage frame will need rigging.
Des.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iQxEBbQSCg4/VOvvwugiAwI/AAAAAAAAQRE/Y1Gy2DLe4dc/s800/blackburn%2520x%252034.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-axyQgVMBTKk/VOvvxjC89LI/AAAAAAAAQRM/bZLkyHqnX3g/s800/blackburn%2520x%252035.jpg)
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This is wonderful. I really enjoy watching your builds take shape, Des. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece.
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Thanks very much for all your very nice comments, they are really appreciated.
You could call it anything you like at the moment as it doesn't look anything like an aeroplane just yet, even with the seat and engine fitted it will still look really strange.
Des.
I love it though... those aeroplanes could look like anything anyone could imagine... your woodgrain is as always just amazing!!!
Lukas
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WOW, just WOW. Its amazing how you can take nothing and create something. Wood work looks great also. Still watching with interest.
James
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Your wood colour is very nice, Des. You certainly are
right about it looking anything but an aeroplane right
now. ;D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Goodness, Des, this looks so good with the frame painted.
Best wishes
Nigel
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It amazes me, Des, how you are able to assemble that entire framework, then paint it! It looks fantastic. You have some really steady hands for a geezer, mate!
Cheers,
Bud
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My many thanks to Ken, Lukas, James, Ernie, Nigel and Bud for your extremely kind words, they are much appreciated.
Bud - yes, I'm an old geezer ??? ;) but one fortunate enough to have very steady hands and reasonable eyesight, but I am dreading the day when "old age" catches up to me and I will have to down tools :'(
Des.
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Fantastic paint Des.
Martin
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A very very nice start Des, shall look forward to following this build.
Roy
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Really nice construction and painting Des ;)
Yep, I've recently begun wearing reading glasses for just about all modelling tasks - If I kneel down I need someone to help me up - I've started wondering what people are saying on the telly - I'm not even 50 yet! :P
Guy
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Hello Des,
You are again progressing like a hurricaine on this build. Very nice wood painting and everything neat and clean. Wonderful!
Kind regards
Patrick
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Thank you Martin, Roy, Guy and Patrick for your very kind words.
Just a little update this time, I started to make the seat which is a copy of the cane chair which was taken from Robert Blackburns fathers yard, it served the purpose ;)
I still need the do a lot of weaving on the back, seat and on the front of the chair, this will be done using monofilament.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-owREqXPoJ38/VO2L63ZBC_I/AAAAAAAAQSg/CqLcql3bvv4/s800/blackburn%2520x%252036.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9Y4a2FMw-2Q/VO2L7AyXhCI/AAAAAAAAQSk/irQQ4UZpJ6g/s800/blackburn%2520x%252037.jpg)
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Hello gentlemen,
So do I !!! :)
Best regards.
Alain.
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Amazing workmanship Des. I don't know how you keep everything square and true with everything being so delicate. Steady hands for sure.
Cheers,
Chris
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What a beautiful piece of artistry on that seat frame, Des!
Cheers,
Bud
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I see I still have a lot to learn about the art of scratchbuilding.
Great job, Des!
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Thanks Bo, Alain, Chris, Bud and Ondra for looking in and leaving such nice comments.
Des.
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Wow, what a chair.
Martin
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Just my luck! I have to go away for an extended period and Des stars another of his masterpieces!!
This one is another stunner and no mistake. Des you have inspired my interest in these very early machines and I now have a list of projects which will keep me going for as long as I am able - but they will never be a shadow of yours. Wonderful work as usual - you are a guide and an inspiration.
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That chair frame is stunning Des,
Had a crazy thought though when i saw it,
It would not look amis as part of a Steam Punk or Jules Verne dio.
Roy
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Des, you keep amazing me. That chair is a piece of
art on it's own, and not even finished. I don't know
how you do it...must be the air down there. ;) ;D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Great work, await more !!!
Ed
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Des,
That chair is killing me! So awesome.
Warren
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On the edge of seat waiting for the next installment :)
Terri
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Hello Des,
There are clearly no limits to your skills. You keep on amazing me, and I thought this wasn't possible anymore. I thought I've seen it all, but no....
Kind regards
Patrick
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Dear me, Des, you are doing it again! A modelling masterpiece, I mean. It is always great to watch your scratchbuilding, delightful!
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I would like to thank all the following people for taking the time to have a look at my build and for leaving such nice comments; Martin, LM, Roy, Ernie, Ed, Warren, Terri, Patrick and Przemol.
Things at my model bench have been moving slow lately, too much outside interference happening with family and life matters. I have completed the fuselage frame rigging, I used 0.12mm monofilament and tiny brass tube, the rigging has been painted with Mr Metal Color Stainless. The seat has been partially woven, this is the way the original seat was for some reason so I just copied the photos I have, the seat was painted with Gunze Middlestone. The fuel tank is also mounted, it is suspended on four cables attached to the frame.
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-asmLIcLUzFc/VPotxAY2AkI/AAAAAAAAQVw/tvLtM1z_z1k/s800/blackburn%2520x%252048.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qOCun6_Nxn8/VPot0ahFmtI/AAAAAAAAQWE/FT2vu-0ZY1k/s800/blackburn%2520x%252050.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8dn95JtQZB4/VPot1WAX-VI/AAAAAAAAQWQ/HVZfY5dhAYw/s800/blackburn%2520x%252052.jpg)
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It's like watching fine furniture making in action Des. :)
Warren
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Just amazing work Des. Really awe inspiring.
James
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Really fantastic to watch this come together
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Wow Des, that fuselage frame with the metal brackets and rigging is a work of art! You have inspired me to scratch build as much of my current model as possible.
George
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Those brackets really add the wow factor, nice contrast to the wood
Roy
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Thanks very much Warren, James, Petrov, George, Bo and Roy for your mextremeoly kind words, they are much appreciated.
Des.
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Des, many thanks for sharing the progress and for showing me new horizons of what is feasible in scratch builds.
This is just brilliant!
Best
Ondra
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Wonderful work.
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Hi Des,
It's Always a pleasure to view your progress and this heavier than air contraption is no exception :D
Excellent details.
Cheers,
Bob
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Many thanks to Ondra, Ken and Bob for your nice comments, and you are spot on with your description of this "aeroplane" Bob, it is certainly a contraption.
Des.
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Great work from an exellent model builder Des.
Martin
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Thank you Martin for your kind words.
I made the two radiators and fitted them to the airframe, they are a very basic radiator with wavy mesh. I also fitted the prop shaft and mounting brackets along with the sprocket, the propeller displayed here is for size purposes only, it is not the propeller that will be used. The last photo shows the roller chain under construction, it will eventually mesh with a sprocket on the engine with a 2:1 drive to the propeller.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y_XPGB1MbJc/VPqNDtvFI2I/AAAAAAAAQWw/ID1jnR6NU_8/s800/blackburn%2520x%252054.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-Wy6Y7e6Rw/VPqNFyihBqI/AAAAAAAAQW8/jvwp6_mawa0/s800/blackburn%2520x%252057.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-No7Fi7GRJEI/VPv_ALyGrWI/AAAAAAAAQXk/LLkT57IMksY/s800/blackburn%2520x%252059.jpg)
This is the bike chain set I am using for the roller chain, it is from Model Factory Hiro and is set No. P-941. It is a reasonably easy set to assemble and is quite strong once together, the small pins need to be melted and I found the ideal temperature to do this was 187ºC which is not too hot that it melts the pins off. There are enough parts to make three full lengths the same as the one on the sprocket.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rzvw6UxaBYw/VPv_DPrEp9I/AAAAAAAAQX8/6m3ODliTGqo/s800/blackburn%2520x%252063.jpg)
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Goodness me that's a beauty Des!
And the speed you're coming along!
Guy
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nice update Des, the pipes connecting the two rads is a really neat idea.
Roy
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Wow! Des, the radiators and the chain are so cool! Well done, my friend. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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This is looking so good, Des, and following the build is a real pleasure.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Hello Des!!!
What a build!!! Again and again... you are just making me want to try scratch build more and more(when I have a chance)... It looks so effortless done it by you though!!! Love your furniture building skills too!!! ;)
Lukas
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Fantastic update Des.
Martin
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More super work from the Master. The chain and radiators look really good - how did these things ever get off the ground?
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Many thanks to Guy, Roy, Ernie, Nigel, Lukas, Martin and LM for your very nice comments.
It amazes me LM how many of these early machines got off the ground, this particular one did actually fly and was equiped with a very early "auto pilot" which apperently did work to some degree. The plane did crash and sustained damage but the pilot walked away unhurt, Blackburn decided not to repair the damaged aircraft but went on to develop more successful planes.
Des.
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:)
Terri
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Des,
Everything is up to your usual EXTREMELY HIGH STANDARDS! In particular the seat and chain are eyecatching!
RAGIII
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Thank you Terri and Rick, your comments are much appreciated.
Bit of a lull at the moment with photo updates, I am working on the engine so it may be a little while before I show the next progress shot.
Des.
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Des, you seem to outdo yourself with every build sir.
Warren
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Thank you Terri and Rick, your comments are much appreciated.
Bit of a lull at the moment with photo updates, I am working on the engine so it may be a little while before I show the next progress shot.
Des.
Patiently waiting, Des. I know that that is going to be sublime as usual, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Just a few photos of the engine, sorry for the poor quality of the photos but I'm using my old camera, new one has a flat battery :(
I will post more photos once I get some better photos but this shows the engine to date, it is just about finished. It is a Green 35HP water cooled engine with outside fly wheel, the sprocket on the front is to accept the roller chain for the prop drive. Still need to add throttle linkages and the radiator pipes will be connected once the engine is in position.
Des.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-44jmeAi_LU8/VQC1nJDzwpI/AAAAAAAAQaA/BPICTFCoPP8/s800/blackburn%2520x%252077.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RF3SyUDOr78/VQC1kw8tQeI/AAAAAAAAQZo/735Kvo0-QtM/s800/blackburn%2520x%252072.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y31zmPMic90/VQC1qG-FsYI/AAAAAAAAQaY/hKFZVGFiKA8/s800/blackburn%2520x%252079.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TyoSxJpZbL0/VQC1pWe7FwI/AAAAAAAAQaQ/qyAmFTuO0P4/s800/blackburn%2520x%252080.jpg)
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What a wonderful gem of an engine. Impressive enough if it had dropped out of a kit box but to scratch build it is something else entirely.
These early aircraft which Des does are stunning for all sorts of reasons but even if some of us don't intend to model such 'flying machines' ourselves the demonstration of scratch building techniques is of immense value as they can be 'cherry-picked' to suit more modest uses - which may be just a simple bracket & instrument added to a mainstream kit. The demonstration of use of materials & technique as illustrated by Des can be used to enhance even the best kits.
Regards
Russell
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very nice indeed Des
Roy
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Let's be honest, there couldn't have been many 35hp patio chairs around! Stunning as usual Des.
Ian
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That little engine looks so cool! Very nice, Des.
George
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Thanks very much Russell, Bo, Roy, Ian and George for taking the time to look at my model and for leaving kind words.
Des.
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Hello gentlemen,
A jewel !!!! Amazing quality Des.
Best regards.
Alain.
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Thank you Alain for your very nice comments.
I have sat the engine and the seat in position just to get a general "feel" of what the assembly will look like, the engine is sitting on two timber bearers which will be bolted to the floor, got my new camera working again so the photos are a bit clearer.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D2MMaBG2YQ0/VQFW3ht-hmI/AAAAAAAAQbE/3DcAXcBH-Vw/s800/blackburn%2520x%252084.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ji87-bbRwoc/VQFW4G9QGgI/AAAAAAAAQbI/6FD34NVoLvk/s800/blackburn%2520x%252085.jpg)
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Des, this has to be the strangest looking aeroplane you have done
yet. The one constant though, is your workmanship which is absolutely
lovely and I'm sure will create a silk purse out of this...well you know. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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This just keeps getting better and better! I agree that it is a strange aircraft, but I love the combinations of textures and materials.
George
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How was putting the chain together ?
Terri
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It just gets better with every update.
Back when I was a lad, my Grandmother worked for direct descendants of Blackburn. I wish I had the photos they used to have hanging around the house.
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Just amazing work Des. Its so cool how you can take normal modeling substances and turn them into such a realistic replica. More and more I feel the need to try and do this arcane art of scratch building. Does that make you a good or bad influence?? lol.
Cant wait for the next update.
James
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I would like to thank Eric, George, Terri, Ken and James for your very kind and generous words.
Terri - The chain is very easy to assemble, tiny but quite easy to work with. Melting the little plastic pins to hold the link plates in place can be tricky but if the correct temperature is used is works beautifully, I experimented and found 187ºC to work really well and a very fine tipped iron.
James - I was very hesitant when I took my first leap into scratch building, it was the Voisin III, but I have not looked back since. I have built 8 (including the blackburn) to date and have thoroughly enjoyed each one, and I have built up a good collection of materials over a short period of time. I find collecting the data required to build a model is very fascinating, then scaling drawings and plans is always fun. I feel that the model manufacturers are missing out on a huge slice of the market by not producing kits of the wonderful pre-war machines.
Des.
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Des, i noted that at the base of each cylinder is a gasket, how are they made they look very nice.
Roy
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Roy - I use Aeroclub 1:32 scale WW1 instrument bezels for the cylinder flanges, they just happen to be the exact size for the 3mm styrene rod I used for the cylinders.
Des.
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Another item to add to my shopping list then, they look 8)
Thanks for the info
Roy
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You won't do better than the Aeroclub bezel set Roy, they are brilliant.
Just a small update, I made and fitted the "steering wheel" which involved a bulky frame which passes through a cut-out in the floor, apparently on the real aeroplane the steering wheel was actually from a car, the cane patio seat has also been fixed in position.
Des.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Zn_CTqAFSg/VQKzZfPcDSI/AAAAAAAAQcs/e--PB1Rkblk/s800/blackburn%2520x%252086.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-11gnzsffzBQ/VQKzZzkOVyI/AAAAAAAAQc4/GjbzihjAIdc/s800/blackburn%2520x%252087.jpg)
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Des this is a stunning work.
Martin
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Thank you Martin, your comments are always appreciated.
Des.
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Des, this has to be the strangest looking aeroplane you have done
yet. The one constant though, is your workmanship which is absolutely
lovely and I'm sure will create a silk purse out of this...well you know. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
Des, I think Ernie has really hit on the essence of your work. It is the constant quality you bring to the bench!
RAGIII
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I have been away again and only just caught up with this one. Stunning is too mild a reaction - in fact any reaction would be too mild really….. I am left lost for words…….as usual.
Des I wholly agree with you about taking the plunge with scratch building/conversions. In an earlier incarnation as a modeller I regularly converted kits as the range then was much more limited than now. Since I have returned to modelling I have started scratch building too and find it infinitely more satisfying. I think the key is to try to overcome one's hesitation and fear of making a mistake. My conversions and scratch builds are far from perfect but they are respected by most other modellers and I enjoy making them - surely that is enough? I say to all reading this - if you have not given it a try then do so - it really is no more difficult that super detailing in many cases and it offers a whole new world which the kit manufacturers avoid - as Des demonstrates so ably.
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Thanks very much Rick and LM for your very kind comments.
I fully agree with you LM, scratch building is enormously satisfying and allows modelers to create subjects completely neglected by main stream kit producers. I can honestly say that the 8 (one still being built) scratch models I have built have been so much more enjoyable than any kit build I have done, and a lot more gratifying once completed. I realise that scratch building is not for everyone but for those who would like to give it a go please do so, you won't be disappointed.
Des.
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I completed the roller chain and added it to the model, the Model Factory Hiro P-941 chain set was a very easy kit to assemble and looks the part, if I ever need to use another roller chain somewhere this is the set I will use again. I engine has been fixed in position and the radiator pipes fitted, the fuel line from the fuel tank is also fitted.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ngd0yyRk3Zw/VQYQJ4NYf_I/AAAAAAAAQdc/3MveQqXAz14/s800/blackburn%2520x%252090.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-a5BJdOm3EbI/VQYQJt95U4I/AAAAAAAAQdY/pnZ46DL86Zc/s800/blackburn%2520x%252093.jpg)
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It looks perfekt to this model Des.
Martin
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Coming along nicely Des
Roy
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Thank you Martin and Roy, your kind comments are always appreciated.
Des.
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Super!
I can never think of anything adequate to say!
Guy
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It's a joy to watch a master craftsman at work, but blimey, Des, this Blackburn thingy looks like a souped up early twentieth century version of a spinning Jenny or some form of loom from the cotton industry.
Best wishes
Nigel
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I have to agree with you Nigel, it looks like a piece of machinery that should be sitting on a factory floor, it has no resemblence to an aeroplane at all at this stage of the build. I'm working on the tail plane at the moment, maybe that will give some indication that it is going to be an aircraft ??? ??? ???
Des.
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Nice update, Des. The connected chain looks terrific.
As you mentioned, adding the tail will start the "transformation"
into a flying machine. I am looking forward to that
and more updates, my friend. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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The tail has been added, I have very little, next to none, information on the rigging for the tail so the control rigging will be mainly guess work, at least it has a tail.
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HKKRzl_UV3s/VQfgFBNBeuI/AAAAAAAAQd8/8dc_RDhMyGQ/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520101.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yJrT6nmMOt4/VQfgFOnhOYI/AAAAAAAAQeA/PqCOAOgDTEo/s800/blackburn%2520x%252095.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JC7KRmI93QQ/VQfgIJlnQCI/AAAAAAAAQeY/l2yezZ_-5sI/s800/blackburn%2520x%252098.jpg)
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Well, if anyone can guess how something like this would be rigged it would be you Des! I look forward to each update.
George
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The aircraft had wing warping along with a fixed tailplane and, at the extreme end, a cruciform, all-moving, non-lifting Santos Dumont type empennage mounted on a universal joint. 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 as a rudder, moved up and down when it functioned as an elevator and from side to side when warping the wings.
Des.
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:) :) :) :)
Terri
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Very nice update Des.
Martin
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Thank you Terri and Martin for your much appreciated comments.
Des.
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Sorry Des but I have been out of action again, this time with a bug! Lost for words is normal for me when admiring your work. I already have a headache from the bug - now I have to go to hospital again to get my jaw reset!!
(Reminder: stick a very large cushion on the floor BEFORE looking at Des' latest updates).
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Hi Des,
You need a sculptor to make up some Dastardly and Mutley figures ;D
Great work!
VB
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tclaNIvCcao/Ts0qY1m_ouI/AAAAAAAAATs/_jSIm61SwYY/s1600/DickAndMuttley.jpg)
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Thanks LM and Bob for dropping by and having a look, your comments are always appreciated.
Des.
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Hi Des,
You need a sculptor to make up some Dastardly and Mutley figures ;D
Great work!
VB
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tclaNIvCcao/Ts0qY1m_ouI/AAAAAAAAATs/_jSIm61SwYY/s1600/DickAndMuttley.jpg)
Clunk must have had a hand in it somewhere!
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Great work. I will remain silent and continue enjoying.
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This build reminds me of this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQhh__67Avs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQhh__67Avs)
Some pieced together with stuff just laying around ....
Terri
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Thank you Jak and Terri for your comments, they are much appreciated.
Terri, great little video and I can quite easily see why you connect my model to this film, it would fit in perfectly with the other bits and pieces aeroplanes :) :)
Des.
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Very good Terri
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Your welcome guy's . I watch the video from time to time and always get a chuckle out of it .
Terri
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Thank you for show us this film Terri.
Martin
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The wing has been formed by gluing two sheets of 0.4mm styrene cut to size, then they were wrapped around a piece of 56mm PVC tube and taped with duct tape to obtain the correct airfoil shape. It was left for a full 24 hours to dry thoroughly before the tape was removed and the wing now retains its shape and the curve adds stength. I still need to sand the leading and trailing edges and the tips, then all the rib tapes need to be added. These pictures show the unfinished wing just sitting roughly in position, it is only a small wing with no dihedral.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FWS6u-6qRVQ/VQy9veKtVwI/AAAAAAAAQg8/arUTUuePkNs/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520102.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ahyGW142pik/VQy9uQBx96I/AAAAAAAAQgw/btjQkzoVIqo/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520103.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RCWsO3LFzrs/VQy9ul11dxI/AAAAAAAAQg4/N1j-rQgg9Hs/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520104.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jSKxliGt68g/VQy9wbz967I/AAAAAAAAQhE/ux6jbGtBk40/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520105.jpg)
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Just so cool. Loving this build Des.
James
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Des,
You make things look so easy.. I am always amazed at the quality and speed of your scratch builds!
RAGIII
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Fantastic Des.
Martin
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What more to add? Ah I know! Bravo!!!!!!
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It just gets better and better, Des, and is so impressive.
best wishes
Nigel
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Hello gentlemen,
It's fitting as well as possible. Very good work, you're an artist Des. :)
Best regards.
Alain.
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My many thanks and appreciation to James, Rick, Martin, LM, Nigel and Alain for your very kind comments.
Des.
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Hi Des,
there are modellers and then there are artists. You belong to the artists group. ;) I really admire your scratch building skills.
Cheers
Ondra
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A wonderful scratch-build as always Des.
Warren
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Thank you Ondra and Warren for your much appreciated comments.
Des.
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Taking shape nicely Des.
What do you intend on using for the rib tapes
Roy
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Thanks Roy. For the rib tapes on the top of the wing I will be using 1.5mm half round styrene strips and under the wing will be 0.5mm Bob's strippers.
Des.
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interesting, but leads to another question Des.
Why the difference in width for upper and lower.
Roy
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I was left wondering as well after looking at the very few photos I have of the original aircraft. The top ribs were very pronounced with a scallop effect of the fabric between each rib whilst the bottom of the wing has very taut fabric and only a small indication of the ribs. The 1.5mm half round styrene I used on the top wing will be reduced in size once all the sanding is completed and the scallop effect highlighted.
Des.
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Cheers Des, that explains it nicely thanks
Roy
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very nice des, i wonder if you keep this up where you will put all these masterpieces.
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Thanks very much Roy and Scott for taking an interest in my project, your comments are much appreciated.
I purchased two sets of Spad spoked wheels from John Vojtech at Scale Spokes, they were on special for $20 per set but even at their full price of $26 they are excellent value. The wheels have been fitted to the aircraft, I needed to make the front sing arm suspension assembly for the front and also the sprung frame for the rear wheel. I still need to add the bungee cords to the front suspension. The wing is also nearly ready, the ribs have been added and the painting done, I have fitted the top rigging single ended turnbuckles but still need to fix the bottom ones.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6B2dasseHWI/VRdfxL6Cq0I/AAAAAAAAQl8/vhsQaJmKdr4/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520114.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MnPBJTSFwrE/VRdfxifscCI/AAAAAAAAQmE/6PkJOPNNyGc/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520116.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AScBJCiVuao/VRdfzo1ya8I/AAAAAAAAQmM/TtvoBJLZz6o/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520117.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2AfRFyguc7Y/VRdf0RWDAwI/AAAAAAAAQmc/2SlhuwuqJZ0/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520119.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SHyV_xiTcMM/VRdf2-CpzpI/AAAAAAAAQm0/n-G08WNROUA/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520121.jpg)
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Hello gentlemen,
Again, a masterpiece !!! Yeah !! I like it. :D
Best regards.
Alain.
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it is turning out into a magnificent masterpiece, Des
A great work!
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Your builds just keep getting more mind-blowing, Des!
Leaf springs? Oh man! I can't wait for the main rigging to
begin. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Curiouser and curiouser.....(plagiarism? Me?) Lovely work as usual Des!
Ian
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Des,
Outstanding work as usual. This one is one of the oddest Flying Machines I have ever seen...but I Love it!
RAGIII
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;D ;D ;D
Terri
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Des, you never cease to amaze with your builds.
Warren
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Wow, that's looking great, Des!!
George
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Des
I love your build. ;D
Martin
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I thought that I had seen some odd designs pre 1914, but this one must take the biscuit! If there was not photographic evidence of its existence I am not sure that you could have made it up.
Outstanding work as usual Des - just mind-blowing what you achieve.
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Magnificent, Des!
Best wishes
Nigel
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Veery beautiful work.
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Ooooooooooooooo Nice 8)
Looking good Des
Roy
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I need to thank all these people who have taken the time to look at my model and to leave wonderful comments.
Bo, Alain, Ermeio, Ernie, Ian, Rick, Terri, Warren, George, Martin, LM, Nigel, Jak and Roy, your comments are much appreciated.
LM - It was stumbling across a photo of this aeroplane on the net that first drew me to its unusual design, it looked completely unorthodox and in my mind was not capable of flight. The short history of this plane revealed that it did actually fly and I found a few more photos, enough to get me interested enough to attempt a scratch build.
I completed the under wing rigging last night, I'm using the Modelkasten 0.13mm elastic rigging line and so far it appears to be very successful, I am hoping to have the top rigging completed today.
Des.
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The Blackburn Heavy Monoplane 1:32 scale scratch built model has now been completed. I have posted two photos here with more photos over in the completed model board. Thanks to all those who followed this build and many thanks for all the wonderful comments that have been posted.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--kTM4e3HMfA/VRjBLPFhSeI/AAAAAAAAQno/qwpMR41LACk/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520126.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YiPzlG2C8m4/VRjBOPvAjKI/AAAAAAAAQoA/61hYoxS2UOE/s800/blackburn%2520x%2520130.jpg)
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The rigging sets off this beauty perfectly! Another incredible piece of art finished!
RAGIII
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A masterpiece!
I followed all the build and I must say that you achieved a great result :D
Andrew
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Like Andrew! ;D! ;D
Martin
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A masterpiece!
I followed all the build and I must say that you achieved a great result :D
Andrew
Could not have put it better if I had tried to!
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Rick, Andrew, Martin and LM, thank you all so much for your extremely kind comments, they are greatly appreciated.
Des.
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Another work of art, Des. Your attention to detail
is awe-inspiring, my friend. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Thanks very much Ernie, your comments are very much appreciated.
Des.
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Truly wonderful work, Des. I've been enjoying this build since the beginning. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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Thanks Ken for dropping by and leaving your nice comments, it is a very unusual aircraft but I enjoyed the build, a little difficult at times due to a lack of information but all in all it worked out in the end.
Des.
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A very lovely build..early aviation comes to life..!!
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Beautiful work. Such an interesting looking aircraft too.
James
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Thanks very much UFAG and James for your kind comments, they are very much appreciated.
Des.
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Stunning Des
Guy
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Des...I just stumbled in this one...man..that is a work of art..
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Labor of love this must be...!!