1/72 Scratchbuilt Bleriot VI

by Gabriel Stern

--------------------

 

Indeed I should say Bleriot VI look-alike, because in this scratch endeavor I had to make my own plans, based on the few available photos that describe at least three different modifications of the same plane. One has a long, pointy fuselage with a narrow track landing gear; other has a very large fin and rudder, and the third is the one presented here. Conflicting references quoted span as 10.5 meters or 7.5 meters, same span for both wings or 5.5 meters for the aft wing. Go figure.
Since I am not a devoted historian and I have this irresistible build itching, I made my (mostly arbitrary) choices. In any case, the Bleriot VI was a tandem wing design, where CG changes were achieved by the displacement of the pilot seat in a back and forth motion. Movable wing tips were located in the fore wing, acting as ailerons, although apparently they could operate deflecting in the same direction in unison too. Fortunately it seems that the rudder at least was conventional. Remember, it was 1907 and these guys were trying to figure things out!
Did it fly? yes indeed, although not very far.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

    May be in the next generations bionics or genetic engineering may produce the ideal four-arm, magnifying-capable eye, adjustable finger length supermodeler. Meanwhile we have to cope to whatever we have.
As you may notice I am getting lazy and doing boxy things which construction solves easily with just a few pieces of sheet. This simple and cute model was made out of plastic card and rod, plus some brass wire and an extremely beautiful, well done and well packed set of photoetched wheels by Fotocut. I used it as they are for the aft wheel, and clumsily modified things a little for the front wheels, messing things up in the process. I feel that I didn't make justice to the set and I'm looking forward for the next chance to use them again.

As usual airbrushed acrylics were the choice for the finish. this time I drew, before paint was applied, a few "rib lines" with a brown watercolor pencil. I am pleased with the general effect. A leftover scratched Antoinette engine from a previous project was also used.
Although perhaps a bit questionable, laboriously flying-in from a sepia past, another "rara avis"  lands at ARCair airstrip.

* I would like to add a big thank you to all the fellow modelers that in many ways were helping me with my projects. I found that there is a very much alive and unselfish community of very knowledgeable people always willing to give you a hand.
The thanks go also to the people that host the various modeling sites that we all enjoy.

Gabriel 

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

  

Photos and text © by Gabriel Stern