Nieuport-Delage NiD-37 racer -1922- Scratchbuilt 1/72

[fjaweijfopi4j48]

A build from 9 years ago

 

Racers are usually thought to be sleek and slim. But that’s not always the case.

Suffice to remember the Bristol Type 72 Bullet, the Arnoux “flying wing” racer, both posted here, and the subject of this article, the portly Nieuport-Delage 37. They are all examples of what a fast-food diet can do to you.

Conceived to race on the Coupe Deutsch, a technical problem (overheating of course, the thing was huffing and puffing) prevented its participation and the machine was put on a strict diet. No more Croque-Monsieur and French toast for you, mon ami.

Nevertheless, the NiD 37 exhibited interesting technical features: a cantilever wing of advanced airfoil with no struts or wires, a completely enclosed engine, a clear vision field for the pilot atop the fuselage, hidden surface control mechanisms, carefully-studied contours and streamlining of the landing gear. A “lobster pot” Lamblin radiator was installed to avoid cumbersome, large frontal area ones.

Not much, as sometimes happens, is around regarding this remarkable racer; a few photos on the Net, a side view in the Speed Seekers, and a couple mentions on a Flight Magazine of the time.

Based on that material a 3view was devised and a wood master was created to vac the parts, which barely fitted into the Mattel plate, producing two very thin (the Mattel can’t handle heavy-gauge plastic) fuselage sides.

The rest was also scratchbuilt with the usual techniques you are familiar with: the ever-trusty alchemy set.

A couple of Lamblin radiators were created and the better one was used.

Exhaust stubs were made stretching a styrene tube, painting it and then cutting the necessary sections. A wood prop was carved and a tail skid was made of tiny laminated aluminum soda can strips to replicate the “springs” on the original. Decals were home made.

Racers have an enormous appeal. Their lines, their stance, are always evocative and inspiring. A very small model in 1/72, but with a lot of pizazz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dennis_C]

Another unique bird, we could never know about. Moa, I suspect you possess the largest collection of 20-30s types in the world! That's fascinating to look at all these cuties

[fjaweijfopi4j48]

6 minutes ago, Dennis_C said:

Another unique bird, we could never know about. Moa, I suspect you possess the largest collection of 20-30s types in the world! That's fascinating to look at all these cuties

Very glad you enjoy them, Dennis

Cheers

[pheonix]

I agree with Dennis - simply a superb collection and all built to the very highest standard in every case. The build photos are very useful indeed.

 

P

[fjaweijfopi4j48]

1 hour ago, pheonix said:

built to the very highest standard in every case.

Hum, not the highest may be, but I would take fair 😉

 

[Baldy]

A lovely model of a very interesting type. As you mention, it looks to be very modern thinking for 1922 and the problem with streamlining vs cooling was a never ending problem for piston power.

 

I guess this is about the perfect shape and size for your Mattel gizmo. Looks great!

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

[fjaweijfopi4j48]

31 minutes ago, Baldy said:

the problem with streamlining vs cooling was a never ending problem for piston power.

You put it perfectly, Malcolm.