Bi-Plane Alternate model from set 6745 - "Propeller Power"
About this creation
July 18, 2009
After building the wind turbine with this set, I wanted to make another airplane. This time I wondered if there were enough large plates included with this set to make a Bi-Plane. I figured that there was going to be enough pieces, but I didn't know how large I could make the model and still end up with a well proportioned model.
After looking around the internet for some ideas about bi-planes, I came across an early US Navy bomber called the "BG." It was used between 1932 and 1941. Interestingly, the Navy only ever had 61 of these airplanes. The BG had a closed cockpit, and a positively staggered wing.
As I have written before, limiting yourself to use just the parts from one set is a fun experience, because you sometimes have to be creative on how you render a feature of a model. For instance, the supports on this model that appear at first glance to help support the upper wing are actually not even attached to the upper wing--but the visual effect of the support is achieved though.
On a bi-plane, a wing is said to have a positive stagger when the top wing is forward of the lower wing. This is the case with the "BG" and with this model. According to Wikipedia, as a general rule, the top wing contributes a greater portion of the total lift when the arrangement of the wings is a positive stagger. Some bi-planes had a negative stagger (where the lower wing is positioned forward of the bottom wing), this however is a less common arrangement.
I am assuming that with the length of the canopy on this model and on the Navy's "BG" airplane that the plane carried two people, a pilot and a bombardier.
The position of the wheels is not very steady with this model. The only thing preventing the struts' angle from changing is the friction in the black technic pin that connects the upper part of the strut. Consequently, you have to be careful when you are landing this plane or the landing gear will collapse and you will end up with the belly of the plane on the runway!
From the top, you can see the overall shape of the design. You can also see that in the top wing, there is a little cut-out above the forward canopy this is an aid for the pilot the have a better view. Another advantage of the upper wing being set forward from the bottom is increased visibility for the pilot. As far as I know, it is always better when the pilot can see easier!
It is incorrect for a plane of this type to have a three blade propeller. However, that is the part that is included with this set, so I am OK with making an allowance for that.
My second daughter's favorite color is pink, so for some extra fun, I used a computer program to change all the yellow colored elements of this model to pink! There you go sweetheart, a PINK bi-plane for you!
July 25, 2009 Update
I have posted an LDraw file for this airplane so you can see how it is made. This LDraw file is the first one that I have ever made so I apologize in advance if it not perfect....There were a couple of parts that I did not have in my LDraw parts library so there are a couple of substitutions, like the grey part on the rear elevator, the axel for the propellor, and the missing wheels, but I think you will get the idea of how this plane is made...enjoy!
Wow! This one is absolutely great, both the proportions and colourscheme are excellent. I love the presentation techniques as well; it adds to the realism. Definitely your best and much better looking than the official alternates in my opinion. I feel almost bad that I have built only one alternate of this set so far... btw the windmill was also a creative idea.