forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Pre and Early 1914 Aircraft Models => Topic started by: JoeDxMB on May 17, 2013, 03:04:33 PM
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Here's a couple of pics of some my Bleriot XI so far. Keep in mind that it is a 1:48 low detail kit but, to the naked eye it does not look too bad. Most parts had/have a lot of flash and ejector pin holes etc. that need to be addressed
I tried a few different materials for the Lg and fuselage wires but most nothing worked out for one reason or another . I finally settled on some .010 brass wire. It is easy to cut, work with and after CAing it in place, I just gave it a wash of silver paint.
The stab/elevator on the Bleriot is unique and since I had a perfectly good razor saw i had to segment it, etc.
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Looking pretty good so far Joe, I'm looking forward to seeing you make more progress on this kit. I have the Bleriot earmarked as a scratch build project in 1:32 scale so watching what you do here will be very helpful.
Des.
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This kit looks like big PiA to me, but you are doing good job:) Here is a link (http://scalemodelsclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=4642) to 1/16 scratch build Bleriot XI for some additional motivation! It is in Bulgarian but google translate can do wonders!
good luck with the model!
Best regards,
Sasho
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Thanks very much for the link Sasho, it is very interesting and shows a wonderful model, I hope when I build mine that it turns our half as good.
Des.
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Here it is so far.
It's actually almost done .....the hard parts anyway.
The .010 brass wire is probably a bit out of scale but, it was easy to work with.
I had to ignore the kit's instructions of how to assemble the fuselage and rely on my modeling experience for the best way to do it.
Be kind...... it's only 1:48. :)
BTW, what looks like wing misalignment is just the camera angle. There is some very minor misalignment in the dihedral but, it will be corrected with the rigging.
I wish I had an assembly jig.
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It looks great in my eyes Joe, I really like the colours you have used.
Des.
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It looks great in my eyes Joe, I really like the colours you have used.
Des.
Joe, I couldn't agree more. Very nice work.
Cheers,
Bud
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Thanks for the kind words. :)
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It looks pretty good from here!
Here's a link to my 1:72 scratchbuild, although mine was an XI-2...
http://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=2013.0
Hope it helps!
Ian
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HOW MUCH FUN IS THAT!!!! Really nice build, not to mention how many fond memories of building Pyro kits on the kitchen table come back to me :D
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Great work Joe, on a classic. I wish there were a Bleriot in 1/32. You're making a very fine job of the old Pyro kit! I think the fuselage structure looks very convincing, to my eye. Well done!
Regards,
Bob
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Joe,
Well done. Great choice of subject and kit.
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Thanks :)
Here is another pic.
All that still that needs to be do is the wing rigging /control cables and final weathering.
I will post a few final (and better) pics when completed.
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Looks really NEAT Joe!
More photos later I hope?
Cheers, :)
Lance
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I don't know how this beauty escaped from me.
1/48 humm? I wouldn't tell! Joe what a pleasure to see this build. That fuselage it's a must.
Thx for the pics and the joy of watching them. Very nice job.
Cheers
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Thanks guys :)
BTW Zabu, I won that MS type L kit
No one else bid on it and it was a great price.
It will be my next build..... another WWI aircraft ..... finally. :)
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It's finally completed! :)
No, it's not perfect but, I'm happy with it considering the low detail of the old kit.
Now, on to my Morane Saulnier type L. :)
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Hi Joe.
Your Bleriot it's a very beautiful sight. Your right in being happy!
I'm glad that you won the MS. Hope to see more from it.
Cheers
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Thanks. :)
I have to decide what version of the MS-L that i want to buld as it has PE parts for about 3 versions.
It has more PE parts than plastic parts and I first have to decipher the instructions.
Anyway, it will no be a quick build but, once I get stared it will hopefully go relativly easy if not quick.
I may take a break from it on occasion (to regain or keep my sanity) by working on a J-3 Cub that I have. ;)
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She's absolutely gorgeous, Joe. You did a brilliant job on the rigging.
Cheers,
Bud
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Congratulation Joe on completing this model, you have done a beautiful job with superb results, the rigging is excellent, very well done and I look forward to seeing your MS.
Des.
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Well done on the Bleriot, Joe. Superb job.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Nicely turned out Joe, great job.
Looking forward to your MS-L ;)
Andrew
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It really turned out great! I definately like it
Best regards,
Sasho
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Joe,
Congratulations my old friend. Absolutely Awesome!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Thank you all. :)
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Joe,
I completely missed this one. Excellent work on the rigging. You are a wiz with these pre war crates. How similar to the clipped wing 'Penguin' trainers was this aircraft?
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Thanks Rob.
BTW, the simulated turnbuckles are just tubes I got from "Bob".
Then, darkened a bit with a little Tamiya weathering powder.
I do not know too much about the "Penguin" but they do look similar.
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Excellent modelling and rigging. Interesting to see someone else use metal for the wires especially on one of these very early machines which are not easy to use thread on.
I am not an authority on French machines (or British either) but the Penguin had a 35hp Anzani engine and a shorter span wing: 18 feet 6 inches whereas the XI was 31 feet 9 inches. They were used as trainers at Avord, France where the "Bleriot School" of training was used. The student pilots gained experience by taxiing and racing back and forth at between 30 - 40 mph along the grass field to allow them to get a feel for longitudinal and lateral stability. When the instructor was happy with the student he was allowed to get into a full sized machine and repeated the Penguin lesson. Only when the instructor gave the command did the student pilot actually take off and then he had to hold the machine a few feet above the ground and fly in a straight line. When this skill was mastered the student was allowed to fly a little higher and for a little longer until he was ready to complete a three leg cross country flight of 225 km per leg, stopping at the end of each leg to refuel and collect a signature. This was an advanced system at a time when student pilots in other schools would stand on the ground while another student would fly around the airfield with the instructor on the ground shouting instructions as the aeroplane passed over! The other student pilots on the ground were supposed to listen to the instructor too!!
Although the Bleriot school had many accidents they had few casualties because the speeds were low and the steps were gradual and a handful of instructors could train a large number of pilots. This system was in use in 1914 and it could take up to five months to fully train a pilot. Later this time was reduced. It should be remembered that the RFC lost more pilots killed in training than in combat: when two-seat trainers were not available the Bleriot system proved to be relatively safe and effective.