Blackburn Heavy Monoplane

[Des]

Many thanks to Guy, Roy, Ernie, Nigel, Lukas, Martin and LM for your very nice comments.

It amazes me LM how many of these early machines got off the ground, this particular one did actually fly and was equiped with a very early "auto pilot" which apperently did work to some degree. The plane did crash and sustained damage but the pilot walked away unhurt, Blackburn decided not to repair the damaged aircraft but went on to develop more successful planes.

Des.

[Alexis]

 






Terri

[RAGIII]

Des,
Everything is up to your usual EXTREMELY HIGH STANDARDS! In particular the seat and chain are eyecatching!
RAGIII

[Des]

Thank you Terri and Rick, your comments are much appreciated.

Bit of a lull at the moment with photo updates, I am working on the engine so it may be a little while before I show the next progress shot.

Des.

[WarrenD]

Des, you seem to outdo yourself with every build sir.

Warren

[Ernie]

Thank you Terri and Rick, your comments are much appreciated.

Bit of a lull at the moment with photo updates, I am working on the engine so it may be a little while before I show the next progress shot.

Des.

Patiently waiting, Des.  I know that that is going to be sublime as usual, my friend.

Cheers,
Ernie

[Des]

Just a few photos of the engine, sorry for the poor quality of the photos but I'm using my old camera, new one has a flat battery 

I will post more photos once I get some better photos but this shows the engine to date, it is just about finished. It is a Green 35HP water cooled engine with outside fly wheel, the sprocket on the front is to accept the roller chain for the prop drive. Still need to add throttle linkages and the radiator pipes will be connected once the engine is in position.

Des.

[Russell]

What a wonderful gem of an engine. Impressive enough if it had dropped out of a kit box but to scratch build it is something else entirely.

These early aircraft which Des does are stunning for all sorts of reasons but even if some of us don't intend to model such 'flying machines' ourselves the demonstration of scratch building techniques is of immense value as they can be 'cherry-picked' to suit more modest uses - which may be just a simple bracket & instrument added to a mainstream kit. The demonstration of use of materials & technique as illustrated by Des can be used to enhance even the best kits.

Regards
Russell

[Royston]

very nice indeed Des

Roy

[IanB]

Let's be honest, there couldn't have been many 35hp patio chairs around! Stunning as usual Des.
Ian

[Pgtaylorart]

That little engine looks so cool! Very nice, Des.

George

[Des]

Thanks very much Russell, Bo, Roy, Ian and George for taking the time to look at my model and for leaving kind words.

Des.

[KitRookie37]

Hello gentlemen,
A jewel !!!! Amazing quality Des.
Best regards.
Alain.

[Des]

Thank you Alain for your very nice comments.

I have sat the engine and the seat in position just to get a general "feel" of what the assembly will look like, the engine is sitting on two timber bearers which will be bolted to the floor, got my new camera working again so the photos are a bit clearer.

Des.

[Ernie]

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