32nd scale Bugatti 100p
I thought that the aviation enthusiasts would like to see something I worked on last year.
I was given a set of castings for one of the desktop models produced by J. Lawson Model Makers. They sell finished examples to raise funds to help pay for the full size flying replica being built in America (Mr Lawson is the engineering director for the project) Read all about this amazing build on their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/TheBugatti100pProject?fref=ts
I was asked to create a militarised “What If” version to help promote the full size build. I made a couple of twin .50cal gun pods and converted the pilot from a Hasegawa 109 into a French pilot of the period. The scheme is based on other French aircraft of WW2, please remember this is a totally fictitious scheme as the original 100p never flew. All the markings except the Bugatti name on the tail were airbrushed. The camouflage was done freehand.
Thanks for looking,
Rob.
11 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Editor said on May 24, 2014
This aircraft was just so absolutely cool. I remember when first seeing it I just couldn’t believe that it really existed. And – you’ve done it proud. Thanks for sharing!
AL HOFFMAN said on May 24, 2014
Martin took the descriptive word right out of my mouth.
Good imagination & execution.
Craig Abrahamson said on May 24, 2014
Amazing craftsmanship, Robert….I really like this…..never SEEN one before, but I really like it! And that pilot figure is awesome! Nice work, sir.
Johannes Gerl said on May 24, 2014
Such a cool project, Rob!
I’d love to see more of that.
Paul Wilsford said on May 24, 2014
According to the fellas here in Tulsa there is some sort of aerodynamic deficiency in the rudder/elevator assembly. I am not re4al versed on the workings of this particular plane but I did happen to see it in person before he took it to a museum. It was supposed to fly its maiden flight this summer.
Tom Cleaver said on May 24, 2014
That’s such a cool looking airplane. You’ve done a great what if. What’s the price of their kit?
Robert Aspinall said on May 25, 2014
Thanks everyone for your interest. Paul I’m envious that you have seen the real one and you are right there is some concern about the tail, the way the cooling air is ducted through the fuselage creates a small amount of thrust which counters the drag of the cooling system, I believe the P51 uses a similar principle. How this will work in reality and the impact the intakes will have on the aerodynamic efficiency of the tail is under debate.
Sorry Tom I doubt that Lawson’s will produce the model as a kit because of the uniqueness of the models produced for the Kickstarter funding. I will ask though.
Please follow the link in my initial post and see the build in all its detail, it’s incredibly fascinating.
Rob.
Robert Aspinall said on May 25, 2014
Halvar I have added some more pictures, taken from the 100p Facebook page. The one including the 109 shows just how small the 100p really is.
Rob.
Gregor d said on May 25, 2014
Awesome, Robert.
neil foster said on May 25, 2014
I like it a lot is that a contra-rotating prop ?
N.
Robert Aspinall said on May 25, 2014
Thanks Gregor and Neil. The 100p does indeed use contra rotating propellers. It was to be powered by two Bugatti car engines mounted in staggered positions behind the pilot, driving the props via two prop shafts that passed under the pilots elbows.
Rob.
Simon Whitney said on May 25, 2014
Great work there Robert. I like it a lot.
Well done sir.
Frank Cronin said on May 25, 2014
Robert,
Great job on this
bob mack said on May 26, 2014
really fantastic job…what an airframe
Robert Aspinall said on May 27, 2014
Thanks for the positive comments they are appreciated.
Paul,the following message has been written by John Lawson, owner of Lawson Modelmakers and engineering director for the 100p project. He answers your question far better than I could.
“With regard to the aerodynamic qualities of the tailplane, further research has shown that while the inboard portion of the tail may well stall as a direct result of the airflow breaking away in the region immediately behind the cooling intakes, the outer section will remain flying (un-stalled). In fact, it would appear that with the inner sectioned stalled, there is insufficient reaction to pull the nose higher to the point where the entire tailplane stalls. It would appear the the designer – Louis de Monge had this covered!”
Very interesting I think you will agree.
Rob.
George Williams said on May 28, 2014
I think ‘cool’ sums it up.
Paul Wilsford said on May 29, 2014
yes that is interesting Rob. Whats is unfathomable is that this design was done with out the aid of modern conveniences and research. I hope to see this thing fly soon. It is supposed to be at the old reserve air field in Muskogee, Ok.
I really am surprised that there is total and complete faith in this design and its designers. I want to be there if it is the last thing I do on this earth.
Robert Aspinall said on May 30, 2014
Louis de Monge was a man ahead of his time Paul and as you say all this was worked out using slide rules. His design was revolutionary but so far has checked out
I’m not sure where the maiden flight will be, I’ll check with John and get back to you.
Rob.
John Lawson said on May 30, 2014
Gents, I thought I would step in here and post a few comments to answer your questions.
The first thing is that Louis de Monge was a genius, no other word even comes close. Every time we have puzzled over something or had doubts, we’ve checked what drawings remain and old Louis had already figured it out. It is said that he was rarely seen without a slide rule in his hand.
We have some ongoing research into the whole cooling/tailplane/stalling thing going on, but so far everything we’ve learned suggested he had this covered too. “knowing” the man as we now do, it is inconceivable that he would not have thought of this well before he even put pencil to paper.
As for the first flight, it is likely to be sometime in the late Autumn Fall for you ‘mercain types) and may well be at Muskogee although we have been offered other alternatives that may prove more suitable/practicable. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more news as it happens