Bleriot XI in 1:32 scale

[petrov27]

wow - super cool subject and fantastic start!

[pepperman42]

Wow out of the gate fast!! Great looking motor. Looking forward to more updates!!

Steve

[Des]

Thanks guys for all your very nice comments, much appreciated.

Just a quickie update. I added the undercarriage suspension, just a simple matter of adding four small springs. I also fitted the two bracing belts to the frame work.

Des.

[Ian from Doncaster]

 just a simple matter of adding four small springs...

Simple?  did you wind the springs from scratch or were suitable sized springs available?  Either way they look spot on!

[Des]

Ready made springs Ian, I have a collection of very small springs of various sizes.

Des.

[Ssasho0]

Another incredible project to stun us all Des!
The springs looks spot on, but I have a question - I think I saw a version with bungee cords (is this the right word?) instead of the 2 springs and a bigger spring over the metal "leg" that is between the springs. Is this a matter of particular aircraft or an early - late version maybe?

Best regards,
Sasho

[rhallinger]

WOW!  That construct appears to be 1:1 Des!    Extraordinarily well done my friend.

Regards,

Bob

[Des]

You are correct Sasho about the bungee cords, I have plenty of photos of this aeroplane and there was quite a variation of systems used for the suspension, I chose the springs because I have the springs on hand and I like the look of the springs, it is hard to simulate bungee cords. There is also a photo showing a large spring over the main undercarriage leg, so we had springs like I have used, bungee cords, single large springs.

Des

[olfogey]

Looking great so far 

Every time I look at a "W.I.P." here, I get "performance anxiety" (LOL).

Jim J. -- "olfogey"

[ALBATROS1234]

are those cylinders from the wnw re8 kit? i remember when i noticed the extras in the kit that i thought the exact same thing. i can use those to make an anzani if i want for a bleriot scratcher. i really cant wait to see this gal unfold. i love a bleriot.

[Des]

Yes Scott, you are spot on with the cylinders, all the left overs from the WnW kits come in very handy when scratch building. The cylinders are not the correct style for the Anzani but if not examined too closely they are near enough.

Des.

[Nigel Jackson]

Hello Des

I too wondered about the cylinders. This is all shaping up beautifully - exactly what we have come to expect from a master of the craft !

Best wishes
Nigel

[IFF1418]

Hello Des,

As always I wonder how you do it. I like this plane very much and will be following this build, which will be amazing as always.

Kind regards
Patrick
 

[Zabu]

Excelence taking shape! More will follow just in a few moments!

[Des]

I have made the fuselage frame from 1.0mm x 1.0mm styrene strips, it is a fairly basic design. I also added the front undercarriage/engine support frame work to the fuselage frame, it all fitted together reasonably well. Next job is to paint the frame a wood colour.

Des.