1909 Bleriot XI Monoplane Scratch -N- Build Contest #3

[LipoPilot]

Hello all,

I decided to enter another scratch built plane.






I chose to build the Bleriot XI 1909 monoplane from Louis Bleriot. Story has it he crossed the English Channel first in this monoplane. He was not only the first pilot to succefully navigate the channel, he was also a creator of new things for airplanes of that time. He created the pivoting landing gear for planes. Which was first used on the Bleriot. Apperently in the old days if you came to land with a hefty crosswind you would risked landing sideways, and since the landing gear did not pivot, you would most likely end up off the runway or crash and burn. His design allowed the wheel to pivot slightly to counteract this keeping the plane on its intended course. Charles was also a poineer in wing warping which the Bleriot IX carried this feature also. I'm sure theres more about Charles I don't know, but its his slow plane the Bleriot XI I love.

I have always had a facination for the guys who created aircraft of this time. I think to strap yourself into the un-known was completly crazy. I have seen so planes of this era that the pilot himself was sticking out in front of a 7 foot prop with only a mess of level to control the plane. it just seem like sure suicide to me, but because of devoted chaps like Charles Bleriot, we fly today.

On my search for the Bleriot I found a large community of Bleriot lovers. I also found the Bleriot XI was changed by each owner to fit there flying likes. On the Bleriot the wing and fuse pretty much stayed the same, but the tail feathers and rudder seem to change on every owners plane. So what I did was I took the things I like just ass the real pilots did, and its how I constructed my plane.

Here is a plane for the real plane, it shows the two styles of rudders


My love for this aircraft is I am lucky enough to be close to a group of guys who build a 75% scale Bleriot and sell them as Experimental kits. Here is a great video of them flying and there design. The fly by is insane.

second bleriot video

There kit of Bleriot IX






Anyhow the only thing I will be changing is Im not using the lifting elevator, I will install a flat elevator as the kit plane has, but it will function like the real one with the outer moving surfaces. It just seems this was the part of the Bleriot that everyone changed to there own design. The top picture is the only I have seen with two elevators. The rear wheel will not be used either as I will follow the spring arm set up instead. My experience with rear wheels sucks so I going for a dragger rear end. The rest I am building to the scale of the plane. My next post I will start my build of the Bleriot XI.

[vax6335]

Those are pretty cool. Awhile back I downloaded a video of this guys Bleriot XI parkflier. Unfortunately the video isn't on his website anymore, wish I could post it.

http://www.zoom.rchomepage.com/bleriot/bleriot.html

Here's his RCG post on it
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=408162

[LipoPilot]

Originally Posted by vax6335

Those are pretty cool. Awhile back I downloaded a video of this guys Bleriot XI parkflier. Unfortunately the video isn't on his website anymore, wish I could post it.

http://www.zoom.rchomepage.com/bleriot/bleriot.html

Here's his RCG post on it
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=408162

Very cool didnt see that post, neato build.

[gramps2161]

Lipo good luck to ya may your razor blades forever remain sharp. This will be a cool build will be following real interesting airplane.

[LipoPilot]

Well I started the build by printing off the set of plans I found.

I went scale with the Bleriot 1-2-1. So the WS is 25 inches. The build is a combination of scrap 3mm and 5 mm foam. I built the fuse frame from match stick hobby sticks from Micheals. All other wood is 1/8 spruce from hobby store. The few pieces of 1/16 plywood were scrapes. I plan to wrap the fuse frame with wire "thread" after I paint the wood and canvas fuse covers.

The biggest thing i wanted was to remove the wing. I also wanted to be able to control the angle of attack on my wing. Working closely with my behind the scenes plane doctor Mister Larry, he suggested also that I not have the angle of attack on my wing like the plans, because I will power the plane with more then its intended and this will cause climbing or diving. So the wing will move its angle of attack if need be.

As far as power I plan to power it with a slowflyer low power thrust set up, 9 or 10 inch prop, not sure just yet but I want it to fly scale to the real plane.

Here is the start of my build, working up my fuse. The fuse was built mostly freehand and as I went. Wooden fram construction is cool, pile of twigs I get this 4 hours later.











Oh I HAD TO add me a pilot and babywipe scarf...I think I will make is scarf bigger...of he is cool.

[LipoPilot]

Well the fuse sits patiently waiting for me to make a wing...oh the fun this is going to be. After spending a nite thinking about it, here is how I will demostrate the Bleriot wing. I am not completely satisfied with this wing but it will work. I didnt know the strength of the foam curved like this so I use two 9mm wing ribs...YUK!!!! next wing will be 3mm like the rest.

Here is my own jig set up for my wing. I first fitted everything to see it was going to be right. I have never built a wing before like this, I sure it shows to you pros...as I said YUK my ribs...I am building a spare wing with two inches added to WS and thinner ribs and smaller spar. The spar in this wing is a 1/4 dowel and the back trim is 1/8 spruce. I used a brass tube for the front and rear wing supports. This is where the rubberbands will hold the wing to the fuse. they also apply my dehydral.

[gramps2161]

Lipo you build crazy fast looks great this will look sharp just puttering along at the flying field.

[LipoPilot]

Welp I'm messing around with painting and tail feathers.

[LipoPilot]

Originally Posted by gramps2161

Lipo you build crazy fast looks great this will look sharp just puttering along at the flying field.

Actually I have been building for 4 nights.

[LipoPilot]

Oh look 1909 comes to life...geez the landing gear I need them right away to set the Bleriot off. Fake motor too??? I'm still in the process of making my cockpit...should be simple as it only had a steering wheel and one gauge "RPM"...I also need a ken doll about 4 inches tall, toy are us tomorrow LoL

[LipoPilot]

Note to self...

Next time you decide to build this plane Lipo Pilot make it BIGGER. Why do I want one with 4 inch wheels and real shocks...yea 12in prop. I need more wood.

Oh fly this one then make a 50...

I'm now ready for my guts to make her fly...the plane empty weighs 3.70oz as shown above...I could make it lighter but.

[gramps2161]

That looks fantastic lipo that's all I can say. Your to funny ya might as well go full scale and then you can fly into SEFF next year. Are you planning on flying this indoors if not hope ya get a dead calm day. I have builders envy now.

[LipoPilot]

Originally Posted by gramps2161

That looks fantastic lipo that's all I can say. Your to funny ya might as well go full scale and then you can fly into SEFF next year. Are you planning on flying this indoors if not hope ya get a dead calm day. I have builders envy now.

Well I actually start classes next week to fly a real plane. I have been debating for months now about this and I'm really digging the whole experiment aircraft thing. I dont wish to be a real pilot say for passengers, but I did place my order for the Bleriot from Airdome Aeroplanes in Mo. two days ago and plan to learn to fly. http://www.airdromeairplanes.com/bleriot.html

Im told my plane will be done in about 52 days.

As far as my model Bleriot, well she wont be flying indoors I can promise that. I plan to fly outside with wind. Notice I made some things heavy, I also mention changing the wings angle of attack..this will control how I fly in wind and no wind. I have full confidence this plane will fly real nice right outside...we will see.

OK I got wheels to install...and I need to think of a fake motor...hmmm I think I will wait for that...I'm almost to the point of CG...man i hope I dont have to cram everything in the nose..so far seems all will be in the closed part of the fuse...be back.

[CHELLIE]

Wow that looks great, Super nice job, do you want to race an SR71 with it Jk ing Take care, Chellie

[TDisaster]

It really looks great.

I love the attention to detail on the aft fuse.

[Larry3215]

Thats very cool LP!

[LipoPilot]

Originally Posted by CHELLIE

Wow that looks great, Super nice job, do you want to race an SR71 with it Jk ing Take care, Chellie

Heres a better idea...make a Bleriot from paper card stock, then we can have us a go at it.

Thank ya 3D thank ya very much, it was fun putting all the thread on there...

Larry...well you knew about this little joker..how could you be surprised..oh I forgot you only seen white parts...25% CG I got it.

Well to give an update...I tried a light weight slowfly motor and well its not heavy enuff..so I went with a 2409-12T, makes my nose weight just perfecto...leaving the battery to cg the plane..the motor i know is a work horse but hey 7.4 8.4 prop 20oz thrust...if i need it. Be back with some photos...

[CHELLIE]

Hmmmmmm A 50" Card stock 1909 Bleriot XI Monoplane, Now you got me thinking lipo pilot Take care and have fun, Chellie

[LipoPilot]

Originally Posted by CHELLIE

Hmmmmmm A 50" Card stock 1909 Bleriot XI Monoplane, Now you got me thinking lipo pilot Take care and have fun, Chellie

Fast as you built that paper dart a Bleriot would be a snap, you got time.

[Yota]

I got some tooth picks and tons of baby wipes bet i could hit 51"

[CHELLIE]

Originally Posted by LipoPilot

Fast as you built that paper dart a Bleriot would be a snap, you got time.

I am not going to Butt in, on your Super Neet Build after the contest i might make one, Take care, Chellie

Originally Posted by Yota

I got some tooth picks and tons of baby wipes bet i could hit 51"

Thats funny, bet you have little ones around there Take Care, Chellie

[Yota]

well I wouldnt bet against ya on that lol

[LipoPilot]

Good idea Yota...with your RC Powers funny guy attitude I could see you flying a 50' babywipe box in the next...lets see 10 days..contest ends then...hurry.

I am not going to Butt in, on your Super Neet Build after the contest i might make one, Take care, Chellie

Butt in? Please dont let me stop ya, I will be in your post taking credit for planting the idea DONT WORRY For some odd reason I just cant get bigger out of my head for this plane, the little stick building thing is fun. For you Chellie, 50 would not be your style, but a 11ft Bleriot now were talkin.

[Wrench66]

Hehe, Lipo......I got a real kick outta see'n you decide to mount a 200w outrunner (2409-12T) to the nose of your lil Frenchie there! LOL..... the ultimate phrase "throttle control" becomes a part of life here as you'd prolly tear the poor thing in half at over 1/2 thr!
Sheez...now I gotta go find a pic of your plane coming through the sound barrier "cone" ...LOL.

Love it

--Ray

[LipoPilot]

Originally Posted by Wrench66

Hehe, Lipo......I got a real kick outta see'n you decide to mount a 200w outrunner (2409-12T) to the nose of your lil Frenchie there! LOL..... the ultimate phrase "throttle control" becomes a part of life here as you'd prolly tear the poor thing in half at over 1/2 thr!
Sheez...now I gotta go find a pic of your plane coming through the sound barrier "cone" ...LOL.

Love it

--Ray

Considering I couldnt find the real motor, yea I chose to put in a hemi...no really I know its to much power and its not being use for the power really, but its more there for weight, there is no nose to speak of on the Bleriot, I need it to CG 25% of the wing and this aint happening with a bluewonder I really want to use. Anyhow I wont be shredding the plane nor ever using full throttle to see what happens. Doing a static last nite showed i will only need about 1/4 to half 1/2 throttle to fly. I now understand the lifting tail section and why its there. I'm learning.