Blériot XI (1909) - 1/10-Amati [COMPLETED BUILD]

What a most excellent build. Amati makes wonderful kits. But they went Lady Ga Ga on this one. One is able to utilize what’s provided, rewarded with a Museum piece. And 1/10 scale too boot! Thanks for sharing. Might I add your photography is good to.
Rick

PS: studying plans/instruction for a Model Airway’s Sopwith Camel F1 with goodies from Shapeways, Cabbage Patch and the following company. You place order, allow fella to hand make and ship.
 

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PS: the long blue item. I believe the item is mis-represented in some plastic and Balsa kits. I have seen it smaller and referred to as fuel tank. But if I remember correctly, was a float as is installed for flying across the Channel. Is that correct. Might I point out, the Amati kit is very accurate.
Might I ask, what was your technique for a flawless covering application.
 

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Thanx ! :cool:
It's cool to see this ever popular Blériot!
You are right, the oblong object in the middle of the fuselage was a simple buoy to allow Louis Blériot to float in case of water landing... He could not swim !
This model went to the USA to a pilot to decorate his living room.

I think I'm going to make another one, but closer to reality, adding details and especially respecting the period colors.

The canvas was made with a product used in aeromodelling: the Solartex or Oratex which is applied with a small iron. The realism is closer to the original than the canvas proposed by Amati that must be coated with wood glue ... ;)
 
Thanx ! :cool:
It's cool to see this ever popular Blériot!
You are right, the oblong object in the middle of the fuselage was a simple buoy to allow Louis Blériot to float in case of water landing... He could not swim !
This model went to the USA to a pilot to decorate his living room.

I think I'm going to make another one, but closer to reality, adding details and especially respecting the period colors.

The canvas was made with a product used in aeromodelling: the Solartex or Oratex which is applied with a small iron. The realism is closer to the original than the canvas proposed by Amati that must be coated with wood glue ... ;)
Solartex, what a great covering material. Back in the day I build many ole timer aircraft and used the very same material to cover. Thanks.
Rick
 
Our friend @Foxtrott found this video and posted it on a german forum. (and I just realized also @Jimsky here in our forum)
I guess this could be also very interesting for our members
"easy" ...... ;)

Amati's Blériot XI built in stopmotion

by Tom Grigat


check also his other videos ......
 
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I had the weakness to commit a second one... The first one having left for California.
But I wanted to make it closer and more authentic to the assembly of the real Blériot (which is in a museum in Paris).
The colors are more real, the materials closer to the original, some additional elements, and a half canvas voluntarily to let see the construction of the ribs.
Every part of the wooden frame has been refined and profiled like the real one, the cables are made of piano wire and not wire, the seat has a backrest, the cockpit has a lap counter, the engine has real iron hoses, copper gaskets and exhaust pipes, the canvas has fabric gaskets on top, etc...

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As a 50+ years model aircraft builder I say “Very nice work”
 
Thanks Uwek ! :)
Two questions

For wood, a simple dye medium oak color. No varnish to keep the wood matte.
For the engine, and all the parts "steel", a double spray paint steel and darker type Gun. And an aging with a bitumen of Judea passage (a type of tar).
For the propeller, same shade as the wooden frame and a very light bitumen of Judea.


Overall, it's the kit out of the box. Except the interfacing wings and fin for which I used Solartex antique heat shrinkable. More simple and older yellow.

Here are some pictures of the montage:














I am new to model building, have ordered this Amati kit, arriving next week. Wondering what adhesive you used on the wooden frame. No sign of glue in your staining.
 
Thanks, have Titebond II, thought I might add a little brown die to help disguise glue joints.
 
I am new to model building, have ordered this Amati kit, arriving next week. Wondering what adhesive you used on the wooden frame. No sign of glue in your staining.
Hallo @Rjwarr
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Birthday-Cake
Did you start in the meantime the work on this model?
 
Excellent !!! I can add this to the Gallery too.
 
excellent work!!! you have created
very beautiful and interesting model.
 
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