Author Topic: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model  (Read 15623 times)

Fred

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Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« on: August 04, 2016, 07:51:09 AM »
And now, for something relatively out of the ordinary :)
I have been asked by Noel if I could produce a static model of the MayFly.
After having a look at the 3 view, and decided on the size (30cm WS), I had to say yes of course :)

I don't usually do them that small, so I knew with my big fingers it would be a challenge. I like challenges!

Back home, I had a better look at this thing, and started to decide the best way to build a small representation of the first woman to design and build an airplane in Ireland. And the best way, is to do it using materials used on the full size one. Noel, wanted it semi scale, I wanted it scale, so I cut it right in the middle. The "non essential" bits were omitted or simplified(like the number of ribs on the wings, the profile on the moving surfaces (flat)), but everything else is, I think, a fidele representation.

More about this great woman here: http://www.lilianbland.ie/

All the documentation came from this website, where you can find a great 3 views. I then drew up my plan from the information I gathered, and then, started to cut a bit of wood!
Build is all balsa (2mm sticks), Bamboo (3 and 2mm diametre). Everything is build up, the only parts that come from the shops are the wheels (Peck Polymer in the US).
Build is classic, so not a lot of comments there. You just need steady hands! All the parts were built by modules, then assembled together. I tried to use as less paint as I could, and left all the bamboo stick in their "natural" colors. Just 3 coat of varnish on all the wood give it a nice look.
Lots of wiring on this plane. I only represented about 20% of it, and left the "external" wiring out as they will be more than likely damaged during the life of the model.
The stand is home made too, and the fake grass (I wanted the model to sit on grass :) ) is a home made mix of grass from Hornby. And that does not look bad at all.

Anyway, here are a few photos, of the build first:
Education is important, but flying RC planes and gliders is importanter!

Fred

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2016, 07:52:09 AM »
Assembly
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Fred

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2016, 07:53:02 AM »
Getting there!
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Fred

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #3 on: August 04, 2016, 07:55:03 AM »
And finished!  :-*
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Nhalyn

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2016, 10:49:22 AM »
Très joli !  :-*
Il faut en faire un qui vole ! Il sera plus facile qu'un Wright Flyer avec son hélice unique...

You have to built a flyable one ! It may be more simple than a Wright Flyer with only one propeller...
"Flying is just the time between take-off and crash"

rogallo

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #5 on: August 04, 2016, 11:15:55 AM »
Looks Fab as always Fred, when will we see the 1/4 scale one though!
 :)
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Happy Days

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #6 on: August 04, 2016, 14:25:18 PM »
Oh wow, that's some work there. Far too fiddly for me to even contemplate. Amazing! :)

Keith

(The only thing that seems obviously missing is the control column or "handlebar".)
Try not to run out of airspeed, altitude and ideas....... all at the same time.

Alan_Perse

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #7 on: August 04, 2016, 17:35:25 PM »
Great work Fred  :). Is it going on display somewhere?

Spinifex

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #8 on: August 04, 2016, 18:20:54 PM »
Hi Fred;
A beautiful tribute to Irish aviation. Thank you for bringing this very significant part of history to our attention.
I had never heard of the Mayfly and  all you get on a search on aviation history in Ireland starts with the Vimy crossing in 1919.
I've spent the day going through all the links

What a wonderful and groundbreaking woman. Too bad she did not continue with her aviation  interests. However, she was also a pioneer in many other rapidly developing interests of the early 20th century. it appears to have had some unique  control  surface features which had not been used previously. We could do with more like her.

It would indeed be a great thing to develop an electric RC version of this model of about 1/12 scale. It would be a knockout. if you are not interested, I'll take up the challenge and you can do the cutting from my CAD drawings.

I have not flown in Ireland since 2 years ago at Mt. Leinster. I was over in Aug/sept last year with my daughter and grandson, but did not get flying. I will be back from Sept 13 to Oct 7 and will have a couple of models with me. Planning on getting to the Mt. Leinster fly-in on Sept 25.

Regards to all,
John

John O\'Sullivan
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Fred

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #9 on: August 04, 2016, 21:42:05 PM »
Thank you all :)
Labour of love! Would have been easier at 3m wingspan!  ;)

John, good to hear from you. Hope all is well with you!
You are back in Ireland, right on time for the September Glide in! We will cross each others when you land, as I will be on a boat on my way to France! Back the following Monday if you are around Dublin :)
Quiet an interesting woman and life! So you made some drawings for the Mayfly? I have my CAD ones also.

I can see it with a twin cylinder :) And as Nhalyn said, when you look at it, looks very flyable without too much issues! (maybe a bigger rudder).

Anyway, a very interesting build, a great history. Another great discovery thanks to this great hobby! (without forgetting Noel Barrett who asked for me to take up the challenge! :) )

Keith, you have eagle eyes!! So, below is the finished one :)
Education is important, but flying RC planes and gliders is importanter!

Happy Days

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2016, 05:51:33 AM »
Excellent! :)
Try not to run out of airspeed, altitude and ideas....... all at the same time.

Fred

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #11 on: August 05, 2016, 12:21:46 PM »
Thanks Keith :)
Education is important, but flying RC planes and gliders is importanter!

Noel

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #12 on: August 05, 2016, 17:26:39 PM »
Fred  It looks  Honey I Shrunk The Mayfly   Thanks no words can describe my appreciation  Fred looking forward to getting the model 

Fred

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #13 on: August 05, 2016, 19:40:40 PM »
I keep it! It's mine now :)

I do really like it I have to say.
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Noel

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Re: Something different... Lilian Bland Mayfly - Static model
« Reply #14 on: August 06, 2016, 14:12:47 PM »
Cant blame ye Fred