Bleriot XI in 1:32 scale

[Adam]

I can't believe, that it is model, not real  plane.

Adam.

[pepperman42]

Excellent execution Des. Your techniques bring perfect results!!

Steve

[rhallinger]

I agree with Adam.  I want to know where Des found a prototype replica being built in a pristine white hanger?  . 

Regards,

Bob

[Ian from Doncaster]

Speechless, again!

[Des]

Thanks very much for all the nice comments, I feel very humbled.

I made the rear wheel today, it's a 24 spoke wheel laced up with 0.1mm monofilament, the rim is a plastic ring and the 24 spoke holes where drilled through the rim, the hub is a short length of 1.5mm brass tube. All the rear wheel 'undercarriage' frame is made up from 0.5mm copper wire, I still need to add two more bracing struts. The channel crossing Bleriot XI had the auxiliary fuel tank at the rear of the fuselage so the rear wheel was locked in position, it was not steerable.

Des.

[IFF1418]

Words fail me Des. Wonderful!

Kind regards
Patrick

[Ernie]

That tail wheel is absolutely stunning, Des.  Amazing work.
I'm running out of adjectives, my friend, and still much to come.  Wow!

Cheers,
Ernie

[olfogey]

THAT is just gorgeous modeling!!!
Jim J. -- "olfogey"

[lone modeller]

I agree with all that has been written: what else can I write? Brilliant!

[coyotemagic]

Truly spectacular in every way, Des!  Can't wait to see the wings on her.
Cheers,
Bud

[bobs_buckles]

wunderbar! 

VB

[Des]

I made the two main wheels today, these are fairly simple straight spokes with very narrow rims, just like a bicycle. The photos show the wheels as being quite large, they were actually 28" so compared to the rear wheel they are big, as can be seen the tyres still need to be fitted, I will be using O Rings which I hope to get tomorrow when shops open again after new year. The rims are plastic with the holes drilled for the spokes, the hub is brass tube with styrene washers through which I drilled the holes for the spokes, the spokes are 0.1mm invisible thread and it is all held together with CA.

Des.

[Ernie]

Super work on the wheels, Des!

Cheers,
Ernie

[Chris Johnson]

You must have the patience of a saint to tackle the things you do. Simply superb workmanship. I popped over to your build log on your main site to see how you made the rims. Heck, I couldn't even cut the plastic straight let alone drill 24 holes equally spaced around the wheels!

Cheers,

Chris

[coyotemagic]

Extraordinary job on the wheels, Des.  I really must overcome my inherent laziness and give that a try...someday.
Cheers,
Bud