1/3 scale Bleriot XI

[Don Coe 9]

Here's some pics. of my latest project, a Bleriot from Mick Reeves drawings.

 

[Don Coe 9]

Here are some of the build so far.

 

 

[Don Coe 9]

I notice that the previous pictures are posted in reverse order so it's going to be difficult to keep it simple!!!

 

Better luck this time....[/u]

 

 

 

[Trevor 25]

Don,

As usual you are making an excellent job. I was wondering what type of wood you are using for the longerons and cross pieces and how you slit them and shape them so neatly. Any tips you can give would be much appreciated

 

Looking forward to seeing more of this model and I hope you can give another talk at club night when it is finished.

 

Trevor Searle

[Don Coe 9]

Trevor

 

The wood is Cyparis, available in six foot lengths from Blackburn models.

 

I'll post details of the method when I've finished this morning's work - earning a living, some call it!

 

Thanks for your input!

 

Don

[Don Coe 9]

Trevor. I promised to post the methods I employ to fix the uprights and cross members of the Bleriot's fuselage.

I shall have to post more than one message because the system allows just three pictures per post - so bear with me!

 

No glue is used in the construction. (Refer to the photo numbers, will you, 'cos they come up in a funny order! Maybe the Admin Team can sort this out sometime).

 

[Don Coe 9]

Here's the next three.

 

I think that that's all that can be said about it, Trevor. If you want more just say so!

 

Regards,

Don

[Don Coe 9]

Here's progress to date.

 

The bulk (?) of the fuselage is completed all 7-1/2 feet of it!

It's had two coats of clear varnish over stained woodwork.

 

First pic - the tailpost has been fitted.

 

Second pic - Rigging completed.

 

Third pic - Typical of the dozens of studding fasteners

 

Fourth pic - Undercarriage top spar.

 

All has to be rubbed down and another coat of varnish applied!

 

That's all for now

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

(Apparently I am still only allowed three pictures at a time so have run out of time!)

[Don Coe 9]

here's a few more pics.

[Don Coe 9]

...and a few more!

 

Must go for me supper!

[Darren 0]

Don,

 

Looking good, just don't know where you find the time

 

Also, you make it look so easy - I'm sure plenty of practice is required with those joints.

 

New new year.

 

p.s.

Do you get an error/message with the 3 picture thing? I certainly can post as many as I like. I'm just off to see if it's anything to do with me being 'administrator'

[Darren 0]

Yep, it looks like everyone other than Gary & I were limited to 3. It can't be unlimited so I've set it to 12.

 

As for the picture order, I've found that as you add files it fills bottom up, i.e. add your last pic first and work to your first pic last - make sense

 

Finally, I've switched on the attachment posting control panel - supposed to make it easier to do attachments. Please let me know what you think (i'm yet to use it myself)

[Don Coe 9]

Thank you, Darren, for your rapid response. I'll give it a go sometime soon and let you know the result

 

Regards,

Don

 

EDITED:

 

I attached a picture which has gone missing!

 

I'll try it with this edit.

[Peter 0]

Hi Don,

Glad to see you are still alive. Nice work as always

Happy new year

Peter

[Don Coe 9]

Thanks, Peter. Thought you might like to see how I spent my New Years Eve afternoon!

 

First I resolved the problem of joining the two sections of fuselage together at the field. (The plane is 8'-4" long now that the rudder in added!)

The full size A/C is also in two sections so I copied the method of using four square section tubes to support the longerons. It's all held together with 18g. rigging wires and turnbuckles.

 

The other thing I completed today was to design and build the rudder. Micks drawings are accurate in outline but I have access to copies of M.Bleriot's original drawings so went the scale route. The hinges are an arrangement of interlocking tubes and spacers. This is your only chance to see the construction 'cos I'm covering it tomorrow!

[Don Coe 9]

Joining the fuselage - method - four square metal sockets all held together with the rigging. Just four 10BA bolts and nuts to do up.

 

[Don Coe 9]

The tailplane is now completed and all the associated fittings made.

[Don Coe 9]

here's the thing with the rib stitching and tapes completed

 

[Her Klunk 0]

Don

 

What a great project, I have a similar small 36" span electric project on the go but is semi scale a Howard Wright mono plane. You pictures have inspired me to get on with mine which is small fry compared to your excellent work.

 

What engine are you going to use a nice radial.

 

Keep up the excellent work.

[Don Coe 9]

Mine Herr

This may interest you! One I did earlier. From David Boddington drawings with a PAW diesel in it. Never flew - couldn't get the engine to go! Considering converting to electric!

Regards,

Don

 

[Don Coe 9]

Thought I'd update this post with recent pics.

[Don Coe 9]

....and one of the Driver!

 

He's one of Pete's head and body parts kits for the owner to paint, dress, and otherwise modify!

[Don Coe 9]

Moved on a bit with the beast.

 

It's now on it's wheels and the rigging has been started.

 

The next operation will be to install the radio gear, Spektrum DX7

[Don Coe 9]

Here's an update on the Bleriot build.

 

The standing rigging is complete and I've made a start on fitting out the fuel tank with it's various bits & pieces such as fill, vent, levels. and feed circuits. It will need two feeds each with it's own filter and on/off cocks.

 

The radio gear is in as are the control surface runs. These are from stranded stainless steel cable.

[Don Coe 9]

On with the tank... this is of the suspension straps. They're from 22g. phosphor bronze strip and 1.5mm brass rivets. The rods are 1.5mm brazing rod threaded 10BA.