Blackburn Heavy Monoplane

[Pgtaylorart]

This just keeps getting better and better! I agree that it is a strange aircraft, but I love the combinations of textures and materials.

George

[Alexis]

How was putting the chain together ?




Terri

[Cimmerian]

It just gets better with every update.

Back when I was a lad, my Grandmother worked for direct descendants of Blackburn. I wish I had the photos they used to have hanging around the house.

[jknaus]

Just amazing work Des. Its so cool how you can take normal modeling substances and turn them into such a realistic replica. More and more I feel the need to try and do this arcane art of scratch building. Does that make you a good or bad influence?? lol.
Cant wait for the next update.
James

[Des]

I would like to thank Eric, George, Terri, Ken and James for your very kind and generous words.

Terri - The chain is very easy to assemble, tiny but quite easy to work with. Melting the little plastic pins to hold the link plates in place can be tricky but if the correct temperature is used is works beautifully, I experimented and found 187ºC to work really well and a very fine tipped iron.

James - I was very hesitant when I took my first leap into scratch building, it was the Voisin III, but I have not looked back since. I have built 8 (including the blackburn) to date and have thoroughly enjoyed each one, and I have built up a good collection of materials over a short period of time. I find collecting the data required to build a model is very fascinating, then scaling drawings and plans is always fun. I feel that the model manufacturers are missing out on a huge slice of the market by not producing kits of the wonderful pre-war machines.

Des.

[Royston]

Des, i noted that at the base of each cylinder is a gasket, how are they made they look very nice.

Roy 

[Des]

Roy - I use Aeroclub 1:32 scale WW1 instrument bezels for the cylinder flanges, they just happen to be the exact size for the 3mm styrene rod I used for the cylinders.

Des.

[Royston]

Another item to add to my shopping list then, they look 
Thanks for the info

Roy

[Des]

You won't do better than the Aeroclub bezel set Roy, they are brilliant.

Just a small update, I made and fitted the "steering wheel" which involved a bulky frame which passes through a cut-out in the floor, apparently on the real aeroplane the steering wheel was actually from a car, the cane patio seat has also been fixed in position.

Des.

[radio]

Des this is a stunning work.
Martin

[Des]

Thank you Martin, your comments are always appreciated.

Des.

[RAGIII]

Des, this has to be the strangest looking aeroplane you have done
yet.  The one constant though, is your workmanship which is absolutely
lovely and I'm sure will create a silk purse out of this...well you know.

Cheers,
Ernie

Des, I think Ernie has really hit on the essence of your work. It is the constant quality you bring to the bench!
RAGIII

[lone modeller]

I have been away again and only just caught up with this one. Stunning is too mild a reaction - in fact any reaction would be too mild really….. I am left lost for words…….as usual.

Des I wholly agree with you about taking the plunge with scratch building/conversions. In an earlier incarnation as a modeller I regularly converted kits as the range then was much more limited than now. Since I have returned to modelling I have started scratch building too and find it infinitely more satisfying. I think the key is to try to overcome one's hesitation and fear of making a mistake. My conversions and scratch builds are far from perfect but they are respected by most other modellers and I enjoy making them - surely that is enough? I say to all reading this - if you have not given it a try then do so - it really is no more difficult that super detailing in many cases and it offers a whole new world which the kit manufacturers avoid - as Des demonstrates so ably.

[Des]

Thanks very much Rick and LM for your very kind comments.

I fully agree with you LM, scratch building is enormously satisfying and allows modelers to create subjects completely neglected by main stream kit producers. I can honestly say that the 8 (one still being built) scratch models I have built have been so much more enjoyable than any kit build I have done, and a lot more gratifying once completed. I realise that scratch building is not for everyone but for those who would like to give it a go please do so, you won't be disappointed.

Des.

[Des]

I completed the roller chain and added it to the model, the Model Factory Hiro P-941 chain set was a very easy kit to assemble and looks the part, if I ever need to use another roller chain somewhere this is the set I will use again. I engine has been fixed in position and the radiator pipes fitted, the fuel line from the fuel tank is also fitted.

Des.