forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Scratch builds => Topic started by: lone modeller on September 15, 2021, 05:46:32 AM
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Evening All,
The subject for this build came to my attention last year when I was walking with a friend on the Isle of Sheppy in Kent. I was unaware that Sheppy has an important place in the history of British aviation, as it was the site of the first successful flight by a Briton of an all-British aircraft. The machine in question was the Short Biplane No 2, an original design which drew heavily on the Wight Flyer and the experience gained from the Wright brothers' attempts to develop their design. 6 Short Biplanes No 2 were built: one of them was bought and successfully flown in 1909 by J. M. Brabazon (later Earl of Tara), from a grass field next to some sheds owned by the Short brothers:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51475234852_34474651e1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mqG2Xb)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51476249433_5bb0ec9a7c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mqMexX)
The field today has a cereal crop.
As I have been unable to find any line drawings of the Short No 2 I have had to make up some of my own, based on the Biplane No 3, (a smaller version of the Biplane No 2), for which there are drawings, and photographs of Brabazon's machine which were taken in 1909 which show a good deal of detail. I cannot be certain that I will have every feature of the aircraft 100% correct, but I will try my best to do so. I am led to believe that there was/is a model of this machine in the Science Museum in London: I am still making enquiries if this is so, but I do not fancy going up to Town to look at it so I will fall back on modeller's licence and intuition if am in doubt.
The following site shows some good photographs and drawings of the Short biplanes:
http://flyingmachines.ru/Site2/Crafts/Craft28384.htm
Excellent photographs of the Biplane No 2 taken in 1909 can be found at:
https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/short-biplane-no-2/
and there are many other photographs of the machine on the net, some of them being of very high quality indeed.
As usual with my scratch builds I have started with the flying surfaces which have been cut from 30 thou card. The card for the wings had been bent using a pipe filled with hot water:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51476314958_313343e95c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mqMz2G)
I have also started to make the Green engine which replaced the original Vivinus: Brabazon wanted to fit the Green but late delivery meant that the earliest flights were made with the French engine. I cannot find any photographs of the Vivinius so I am opting for the Green instead. The engine block is laminated card and the cylinders are rod. Paint and pipes are still to be added. The struts are leftovers from earlier projects which can be used for this one.
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
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This should be good.
Are you going to include the pig in the basket? :D
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If this build is performed with the same love and skills you built the Schooner with, it will be great seeing it come together bit by bit!
Another extraordinary aircraft Stephen, nice choice!
Willem
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Nice. Having not seen an image before I checked it up - it’s indeed closely resembles a Wright flier. Interestong to see what you do with it - there is nothing to hide on this one, except maybe wing structure...
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Great!
Another one of your interesting projects, Steve
Will follow with interest
Regards
Dave
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That looks very cool! You could use the photo of the field (No matter of the cereals) as a backdrop for a photo of the finished model?
Andreas
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Hi!
This looks very interesting! Cool work so far. This is of particular interest for me as I have had four different Short aircraft on the bench lately. Great and varied subjects, that seem to be somewhat underrepresented today if one thinks about their importance.
Cheers, Skyhook
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Another fantastic project, I'm excited about this one Stephen. I learn so much about aviation history as well as scratch building techniques from following your builds.
Richie
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Very interesting Stephen! A seat in the front row for me, please!
I know this "first pig to fly" picture from a book. I hope you will add the pig too?
I have a very little one, from a New Year's Eve surprise. But with 13mm may be still a little to big. There are also pigs in 1:87, may be with hoglet?
Cheers,
Frank
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Excellent subject Stephen , will be tagging along if you don't mind .
Nice start on the wings !
Alexis
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You are off to your usual terrific start Stephen! Looking forward to more!
RAGIII
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Evening All,
Thank you all for the very encouraging support - it is very much appreciated particularly at the moment when I do not seem to get much time to keep my tray company, and even when I do I do not have the urge to do much. However in the past few days I seem to have gained a little momentum, which is just as well because this is part of a GB and the deadline is fast approaching.
I have put the ribs on to the flying surfaces - Evergreen strip (10 x 20 thou) which I sand down until it is nearly flat and then add Mr Surfacer to the edges to smooth them out. Further sanding gives a slight ridge:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51538230903_a2ee7e910f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mwfUtZ)
The Short biplane was different to most aircraft in that it was basically a pair of wings on skids with a canard structure and a fin on poles at the rear. Therefore I decided that the next step should be to make the skids. I constructed these from 20 x 30 thou Evergreen strip which may be a little over-scale but has to be strong enough to support the wings and front elevator. The upper and lower frames were bent by marking out the curves on a block of wood, pinning the strip to conform to the curves and immersing the strip in boiling water for about 10 seconds:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51538230998_02e4d9e781_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mwfUvC)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51537988436_1e718ec7b9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mweEpw)
With the top and bottom frames bent to shape I could pin them to a plan and insert the uprights that held the structure together:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51538913180_6f3edf4c4a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mwjpio)
The gap between the rear of the skids and the wing was filled with a sheet of fabric - this was simulated with some plastic card. I have also made a fuel tank from an old plastic knitting needle which was exactly the correct diameter:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51538711034_54b0041156_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mwind7)
I have done some more work on the engine but I will not take any photos until it is finished. The next stage will be to start painting as most of the parts will have to be fixed directly to the lower wing or frame.
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
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Some really nice work there so far Stephen looking forward to how it comes together
Cheers
Paul
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Nice progress, Steve -
Love the idea of using a knitting needle for a fuel tank!
Regards
Dave
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I have also made a fuel tank form an old plastic knitting needle which was exactly the correct diameter:
Materials are where you find them Stephen! ;D
Willem
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More outstanding work Stephen. Clever use for a knitting Needle!
RAGIII
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Lovely update Stephen, you are a truly industrious man! Your wing making method is very tempting and I love the use of a knitting needle for a fuel tank. Without distractions this will be finished in no time! ;)
Richie
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Lovely start to this one Stephen, sorry I'm late but my phone died!
8.9 litres and only 62HP??? How is it possible to create so little power from such a huge capacity?
How engine technology has improved!
Ian
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This is becoming more and more interesting... your method of making the wings I must try one day!
cheers, Skyhook
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Nice one. I’m curious to see how you handle getting all the parts together. Feels like whatever is chosen to be added first, there’s something else that ought to go before it.
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Evening All,
Thanks to all who have dropped by and left comments - they are greatly appreciated.
Ian: I completely agree that engine technology has improved dramatically - indeed one of the major problems that early aviators had was finding power plants with high enough power weight ratios. That combined with reliability, held back development for many years - wartime changes notwithstanding.
Torbiorn: I have a feeling that you could well be right. However as that rule applies to most scratch built models, I think that I will find a way around most of the problems!
@Arpie on Airfix Tribute Forum has posted some super photographs of the scale model of this machine which is in the Science museum:
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/airfixtributeforum/1-72-short-biplane-no-2-t55960.html
If you are interested they really are the bees knees - so much detail, much of which I was guessing about but now are clear. I am not sure that my model will be anywhere near as good, but I will try. They show the aircraft as it was for the initial flights with the Vivani engine.
Stephen.
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Nice progress Stephen. The model at the Science Museum definitely shows some Wright Bros DNA. Those 'ailerons' look strange sticking out at weird angles.
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Evening All,
This is taking longer than I had anticipated, in part because I do not like painting. (There is no decorating on this model so I am relieved of trying to find suitable transfers or having to print my own). However I have at last painted the flying surfaces a mix of Revell white with a small dash of beige (314) to take the brightness out of the white. The wooden skids are Revell SM 382 enamel. I also painted the fuel and oil tanks in Humbrol copper and the radiator block matt black:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51573591578_6c14f22176_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mzo8YN)
Prior to painting I epoxied the booms to both wings. These are florist's wire and were held in place by my usual sophisticated and expensive jigs while the epoxy set:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51574036194_6b6a5fc02b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mzqq9A)
With the skids and wings painted I could cement the former to the lower wing and add the cross strut at the front of the skids:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51574279370_96e358f8c3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mzrErh)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51574279350_b86c741d16_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mzrEqW)
Now I could start on the "cockpit" and add extra details to the engine. Because I have excellent photos of the model in the Science Museum in London, I have been able to make reasonable representations of the seat and Vivani engine:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51574279445_75000b265e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mzrEsz)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51574279300_0a306d67f3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mzrEq5)
I am now pondering the next stage(s) in the build sequence, because the engine, seat, radiator, oil and fuel tanks will all be a bit fragile and in the case of the oil and fuel tanks, potentially difficult to mount. I may have to use some modellers licence with those parts just to be able to put them in their correct positions and keep them there. I also wish to avoid knocking things off at a later stage of assembly and rigging, so I am working through different possibilities. Hopefully I will be able to post results before too long.
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
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Wow Stephen, the wings looks nice and the engine is sooo cute :-*
Cheers,
Frank
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Looking nice and symmetric.
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This is all looking great already Stephen!
I especially like the wings. You make it look so easy!
Willem
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Nice progress. The wings really look good.
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The wings, skids, and engine look Awesome Stephen!
RAGIII
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More super work Stephen, scratch building an engine in 1/72 must be a fiddly business. It looks great though and your wings are beautiful. I'm looking forward to seeing how you solve the riddle of the best build sequence. I have my notepad to hand!
Richie
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hi!
Looks very good... the wing especially looks extremely convincing. I might try your method over my own soon, as I have been thinking about doing an early DFW B-type (the one with the "banana" wings). Hard to do with my usual method of balsa core under a scored plastic sheet.
cheers, Skyhook
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Great progress, Steve -
The wings and engine look very good
Regards
Dave
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This is coming along very nicely Stephen. I'm impressed by the engine - I know how tricky they are in this scale!
As for the order of assembly, I don't think I can give any advice that you don't already know!
Ian
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Evening All
Thanks to all of you who have dropped by and left those very kind comments: I really appreciate them all.
Skyhook: I too have been pondering an early DFW B type as a project. If I were to make that wing I would need to be careful because the curvature of the wing plan would mean that the aerofoil section could be difficult to achieve using my method. I am not sure how much the plan curve would be a problem because I have not investigated it seriously, but I did make an HB W13 which also has slightly swept back wings and I got over that by making the wing in two halves and joining them at the centre. It may be a solution for the DFW - but as stated I have not looked into this properly - yet!
Well the best laid plans of mice and men..... Sometimes life offers distractions which we do not want or would prefer to come in an orderly, rather than disorderly manner, but then we rarely have a choice in such matters. Consequently I have either been unable to do very much or simply not had the energy until recently, and then I hit one or two tricky problems which have caused further delay. But to the model...
The first thing to do was to attach the top wing. Given that I do not have proper drawings for this one I used the wonderful model in the Science Museum and contemporary photographs to guesstimate the gap between the wings: it worked out at close to 6 feet (1.9m). I cut 2 pairs of struts and cemented these to the underside of the top wing, one bay inwards from the wing tip. I used Revell Contacta for this. When the cement was partially set I inverted the wing and dropped the lower ends of the struts into the holes in the lower wing into which I had placed drops of cement. I rapidly assembled a jig to hold everything steady until all of the cement had set:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51632672182_87648329dd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEAWzU)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51633721453_d0b24ff996_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEGjuM)
Note how my modelling tray is being used for the purpose for which it was designed, and the range of expensive and sophisticated tools on display!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51633496446_b7a6b2e76d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEFaBm)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634149289_efeee5a869_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEJvFg)
With the 4 struts in place I could insert two pairs of struts on either side to help stabilize and strengthen the wing structure:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634149164_987041e31f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEJvD7)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634149229_cc054f9e2f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEJvEe)
The inner pairs of struts have been left off to allow me access to the centre section where the engine and seat will be inserted at the appropriate times. Now I could add the radiator to the centre section: this extended the full space between the wings on the Short No 2 biplane. This was followed by the engine and flywheel (at the rear), and a return water pipe from the bottom of the radiator to the engine. I made the pipe from 20 thou rod:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634149049_6770596e75_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEJvB8)
To stabilize and strengthen the structure I added the fin between the rear of the booms:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51632672272_f8f8551d4b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEAWBs)
With the struts, radiator and fin in place the model is robust and can be easily handled, turned or rested on the skids or top wing as necessary.
The drive shafts for the propellors were mounted between the rear struts of wing bay 2. I made these using 30 thou rod for the drive shafts, 25 thou rod for the supports and the wheels were cut and shaped from pieces of 40 x 125 thou strip:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634149109_515e31f87d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEJvCa)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51632672317_b03728e75f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEAWCe)
It was at this point that I went on a fool's errand. I thought that the plastic structure might not be strong enough to hold the large propellors, so I tried to make up a structure using brass rod. Having cut the rod I found that everything was so small I would have had a major problem keeping it all aligned and inserting the tip of the soldering iron between all of the stabilizing pins. I gave up in exasperation, only to discover that, when I had assembled the plastic structure and allowed it to set it was more robust than I had originally thought. The drive shafts have been duly inserted between the wings:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51632672242_60576084f4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEAWAW)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51634349650_f8218f5981_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mEKxeL)
I will put in the (motorcycle?) drive chains next - these will be made from waxed black cotton thread. The waxing stops the thread absorbing moisture and slackening over time, but more of that next time.
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
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Coming together nicely! I too would try soldering (without the wheel, so the pieces can lie flat and clenched to the bed), but it if it’s robust enough the plastic certainly looks the part. You have captured the fragile look of the these old kites.
How will you make the chains? I did a short chain for the wing warping control on a.. was it a Fokker maybe? I tried simulating the appearance of a chain by making knots, soaking a bit with PVA and squeeze for a flatter look - but with moderate success.
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Stephen ,
It has been awhile since I last drop in on viewing your build . You have made excellent progress with getting the wing mounted ! Really loving how this is coming together !
Alexis
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You are really fast Stephen, great progress! That really looks like an aeroplane, what you are creating in your high-sophisticated jigs 8)
Very interesting, that is shows many features of the Wright Flyer. On my Flyer kit the chains was done as PE.
Cheers,
Frank
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Logical build sequence, Stephen- first make a strong base structure onto which additional pieces are added. You accomplish a lot with basic tools and techniques.
If I were ever incarcerated, this is how I would build models. ;D
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As always I Love your Jigs! The aircraft is looking great. The prop mounts and structure are awesome!
RAGIII
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Great work, Steve -
Really quick progress now
Regards
Dave
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Nice progress, Stephen! I really like the shot of the field in the beginning too!
Dan
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This is fascinating to watch as always, Stephen. From curiosity about "I wonder what this is?" to "Come on, man, get it done!!" in just a few build posts!
As an aside does anyone else suddenly have an urge to get to the Isle of Sheppey with some cleaning materials to give the memorial plaque some TLC?
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Another great scratch build project, Stephen. Really lovely!
Andreas
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Evening All,
Thanks to those who dropped by and left comments - as ever they have been much appreciated.
I have been incredibly slow with this build recently as I have been distracted by other things in life, including having a bathroom revamped. That has sapped a lot of time and energy but is at last nearing completion. In addition some of the model has proved more tricky than anticipated so a combination of tiredness and awkwardness has hindered constuction.
I used black cotton thread which I waxed from a candle to stop the thread from absorbing moisture and slackening later. The thread was wound around the small "wheels" on the drive shafts between the wings and the drive shaft at the rear of the engine. I secured the ends with superglue. The right side was just a little slack when fitted but that was corrected easily when I inserted the chain guides:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51679557481_6318e82bbe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mJKeX8)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51680231924_08e3b72de2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mJNGrs)
Apologies for the second photo but I could not quite get the image in focus. My model differs here form the Science Museum model because the latter does not have the chain guides: why this is so I am not sure because all of the contemporary photographs of the aircraft clearly show them to be present. In addition the Wright Flyers (upon which the Short design was based), also had these guides. A mystery indeed.
The front elevator was constructed by putting in the numerous struts:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51680444100_2f03d7f4b6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mJPMvE)
The control rod and supports under the elevator was made from strip and rod:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51678755312_ba15c1ae9d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mJF8uC)
This was attached to the underside of the elevator and the struts and mechanism painted:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51679814993_103e066f6a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mJLyuZ)
Further progress is likely to be hampered because I have to visit a family member next week - more time lost! However further updates will follow when I have made more progress.
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
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Very nice progress! The "chains" looks good.
I have been distracted by other things in life, including having a bathroom revamped. That has sapped a lot of time and energy but is at last nearing completion.
As long as you don't start sticking ceramic tiles on the wing (and turn it into a Space Shuttle) everything is ok! ;D
Cheers,
Frank
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Nice progress there Stephen. The front elevator looks the part!
Family comes first though, even if they don't appreciate it!
Ian
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Outstanding progress Stephen! The chain Drives look awesome as does the elevator assembly! Superb modeli ng as always.
RAGIII
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wow! beautiful!
I don’t know how I missed this, but it is an oustanding build indeed!
ciao
edo
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I'm missing too many great builds, this is excellent so far. I like the delicacy of flying surfaces.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Hi Stephen, It's good to catch up with your build. Slow progress is better than no progress and this is coming along beautifully. Those control rod supports look very delicate and precise. You solved the problem of the chains and supports really well. It's all coming together now. It must be nearly time to start thinking about the next project!
Richie
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Evening All,
Many thanks to all who have dropped by and left a comment - I much appreciate all of them. I can assure you Richie that at the moment the next project seems to be far into the distant future so I will not be thinking about that for a while...
I have been very slow recently - life has rather got in the way and I had a setback as I had to make a completely new elevator. I had rigged the original elevator and was looking at some of the photos of the model in the science museum when I noticed that there were three lines of transverse struts and not two as I had made..... I decided that it would ultimately be easier to make, paint and rig a new elevator. The struts were placed in the sequence:
outer struts first - allow to set;
the under frame was transferred from the original elevator to the new one;
inner struts which were rigged with 40 SWG rolled copper wire when dry as they were easier to access at this stage;
the remaining struts were added from the centre outwards:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51729699616_e28d13d9c5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mPbesG)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51729699601_d5be3f425a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mPbesr)
The inner struts were rigged first, followed by the front and rear sets:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51728889512_77f46522dc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mP75Do)
The wings were rigged and the wingtip struts put into place:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51730350339_bcc3fb8cda_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mPeyU4)
The pilot's seat was glued to the leading edge of the lower wing:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51729949113_2e7bbd6464_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mPcvCn)
Finally I have made the "elevators" - unusual structures which were attached to the wingtip struts and were intended to give a degree of lateral control:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51729949063_87a9fa098a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mPcvBv)
I hope by the next post to have completed the model, but at the current rate of progress that could still be a little longer yet.
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
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Good progress and update, Steve -
Some really lovely details here including engine, drive chain and pilot seat. Rigging looks good too.
Regards
Dave
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I'm glad to see you back on this one Steve, despite the changes needed for the elevator. It's great to see how a project like this comes together.
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That tail assembly looks a right nightmare. Nicely done!
Ian
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More incredible work Stephen! Your redo of the elevator looks outstanding! Looking forward to the finished Model as always!
RAGIII
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Evening All,
Thank you Dave, KiwiZac, Ian and Rick for the very kind comments which are much appreciated. Ian this aircraft was a canard type so the elevator was at the front!
I fixed the elevator to the front of the skids: the contact between the skids and elevator is not large so this had to be done with care and a little license used to make a secure union. The two control rods were fitted from the levers at the sides of the pilot's seat to the base of the rudder and under the elevator:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51742312833_c4f851f3c4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mQhSVX)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51742717344_3f8253eb17_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mQjXbh)
The rudder was fixed with the support arms on the top of the elevator:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51742960630_1f8aebfdec_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mQmcuS)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51742312743_7e27ab87dd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mQhSUp)
Finishing the rigging was straightforward and was completed before I put on the "balancing planes" on the outer struts. When the latter had been fixed the control wires were rigged too. Finally the propellors were fitted and the model is complete.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51742633669_db42eb0fea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mQjwiB)
More beauty pictures will be put into the completed models section shortly.
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
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Stephen,
Fantastic job! What a build!
Stuart
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As always it was a real treat to follow your build Stephen. More comments in the completed Model section ;D
RAGIII
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Stephen, you never cease to amaze me and awe me with your modeling skills.
WD