Author Topic: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane  (Read 30507 times)

Offline Des

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Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« on: September 29, 2014, 08:51:58 PM »
This will be my next scratch build, it is the 1911 Curtiss Hydroaeroplane, the U.S. Navy's first aeroplane.

I received a fantastic book in the mail today which gives the full history of this plane, the book also has great plans, drawings, engine details, and airframe details which will all help in the build of this model. The model will be 1:32 scale and is my first sea plane scratch build.

I'm not ready to start the build yet, I need to scale the plans and drawing to 1:32 scale then compile a list of materials needed, I will also need to scratch build the Curtiss V8 engine. The picture below is from the front of the book written by Bob Woodling and Taras Chayka

The picture on the front of the book show the later E version with extended wing tips, I will be doing my model as the original 1911 version with equal span wings.

A full build log of this model can be found on my website here;  http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/page51.html

Des.

« Last Edit: October 05, 2014, 09:24:29 AM by Des »
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Offline Nigel Jackson

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #1 on: September 29, 2014, 09:10:59 PM »
Wow Des! This will be one to look forward to. A very interesting choice.

Best wishes
Nigel

Offline bobs_buckles

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #2 on: September 29, 2014, 09:20:14 PM »
Another 'must watch build' to keep the inspiration ticking over.
Excellent!

 ;)

VB



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Offline lcarroll

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #3 on: September 29, 2014, 10:45:03 PM »
    A new adventure in the making, looking forward to seeing this one unfold, Des! Getting structural integrity and strength on this one could be a real challenge by the looks of the main and wing extension floats and their attaching frame work.
Cheers,
Lance

Offline IanB

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2014, 12:04:39 AM »
What a great looking machine, this should be fun to watch!

Ian

Offline Chris Johnson

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2014, 12:14:20 AM »
I'm looking forward to watching this unfold Des. As Lance pointed out in regards to structural integrity, I'm sure that there will be enough engineering challenges along the way to keep you motivated.

Cheers,

Chris
You can have it good; You can have it fast; you can have it cheap. Pick any two, but all three are impossible.

Offline rhallinger

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2014, 01:24:51 AM »
Wow!  Great choice Des. ;D  I am fascinated by early seaplanes.  Glen Curtiss has his early shop in, I believe, Hammondsport, NY, on Keuka Lake, where he was able to experiment with floatplanes and flying boats.  Cool stuff!  I am sure that your techniques on this one will be a guide to others for future seaplane projects. ;)  Thanks!

Regards,

Bob 

Offline sobrien

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2014, 01:55:53 AM »
Big Curtiss fan, can't wait to see this build Des! What book are you using?
Sean

Offline radio

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2014, 02:53:54 AM »
Des I will watch your build.
Martin

Offline Dirigible-Al

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #9 on: September 30, 2014, 03:13:00 AM »
Hi Des

That is an ubelievable coincidence as I was hunting thru the net on saturday using Google image to see if any interesting stuff comes up (I find this a good way to search for subjects, if you see something cool just click on it to find out more) and this little beauty was there. I clicked on it and saw it was a Curtiss, it is unlikely I will build it any time soon if at all because I have so many other projects lined up but I cannot wait to see your efforts with this.

Cheers, Alan.
I heard that it all started when a bloke called Archie Duke shot an ostrich 'cause he was hungry!

Offline lone modeller

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #10 on: September 30, 2014, 06:02:30 AM »
Another of your incredible choices of fabric and wire - on floats! Looking at the picture I can only admire those early aviators - they needed a head for heights!
I am looking forward to see how you will get around the problems that this build will pose - as usual you teach the rest of us a great deal.

Offline Des

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #11 on: September 30, 2014, 08:42:52 AM »
Sean - here is a picture of the book I purchased, it has fantastic illustrations which are great for the scratch builder.

Des.

Late Founder of ww1aircraftmodels.com and forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

Offline sobrien

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #12 on: September 30, 2014, 09:47:43 AM »
I'm going to have to get a copy.
Looking forward to you're build.

Offline coyotemagic

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #13 on: September 30, 2014, 09:54:11 AM »
Gonna be another sensational project, Des!  Really looking forward to it.
Cheers,
Bud
"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream in the dark recesses of the night awake in the day to find all was vanity. But the dreamers of day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, and make it possible." -T. E. Lawrence

Offline RAGIII

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Re: Curtiss Hydroaeroplane
« Reply #14 on: September 30, 2014, 02:00:23 PM »
Gonna be another sensational project, Des!  Really looking forward to it.
Cheers,
Bud

Me TOO!
RAGIII
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