Half-Scale RC Bristol Bulldog!

Half-Scale RC Bristol Bulldog!

Half-Scale RC Bristol Bulldog!

Designed, built and flown by Ian Turney-White,  the Bristol Bulldog features traditional model building methods and copied the full-size construction, using clear, knot-free Columbian pine instead of steel tubing.  Evostik exterior-grade glue was used throughout. The longerons were tapered towards the tail and the fronts were slit with a bandsaw and glued with a filler strip and clamped to a curved
piece of wood to match the side view contours. Diagonals were added and lots of corner gussets help reinforce the structural glue joints. The wings have dual built-up spar construction and the ribs are reinforced 3/16-inch hard balsa. The landing gear is 100% scale in design and function and the huge biplane is powered by a 425cc JPX 2-stroke twin-cylinder gas engine running with a Weslake target drone ignition system and a home-made 44×14 laminated beech propeller.

Half-Scale RC Bristol Bulldog!

Flight Certified

To gain an exemption certificate, which allows you to fly a model weighing over 20Kg at public events, it’s necessary to complete a flight test program. Ken Wooten, the owner/operator of the airfield near Withernsea, East Yorkshire, was asked to witness the flights. The British Large Model Association operates on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority and LMA Safety Officer John Townsend acted as the inspector.

Half-Scale RC Bristol Bulldog!

Be sure to see the November 2013 issue of MAN for the full story!

Updated: July 27, 2015 — 10:16 AM

5 Comments

  1. Absolutely great effort, especially the “tin work”. Looking forward to further details in the upcoming issue of MAN.

  2. It is interesting to note that the aircraft uses 14 inch spoked bicycle wheels, tires and rims with hand-made, scale fiberglass covers added.

  3. Being a flyboy long standing, this is one fine beautiful Airplane. All Ian say is WOW.

  4. Beautiful job on a not so well known subject here in the USA. Just recently watched the new series “Air Aces” on the Military Channel and found this is the type of plane Douglas Bader was flying when he had the accident that cost him both his legs. Should be a nicely aerobatic bipe in the traditional sense of the term. Best of luck with it and am looking forward to the November issue.

  5. Have you decided on a paint scheme yet? Would like to compare notes on the Bulldog.

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