F.165 Bristol 138/A

[Ventora3300]

It's more efficient to have two kits on the go, isn't it?? This is another of the Frog Trail Blazers range which caught my eye as a unique subject, the Bristol 138/A.

 

From Wiki, the Bristol Type 138 High Altitude Monoplane was a British high-altitude research aircraft developed and produced by the Bristol Aeroplane Company during the 1930s. It holds the distinction of setting nine separate altitude world records, the ultimate of these occurring on 30 June 1937, during a 2¼-hour flight flown by Flight Lieutenant M.J. Adam, in which he achieved a record altitude, which was later homologated by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale as having attained a maximum altitude of 53,937 ft (16,440 m).

The Type 138 was designed as a dedicated research aircraft capable of reaching high altitudes; aeronautical engineer Frank Barnwell (connection with Stirling, my current home, here), had first proposed the design to the British Air Ministry during November 1933. The revised design was produced in response to the issuing of Specification 2/34 by the Air Ministry during June 1934, which sought an aircraft that would be capable of achieving the unheard-of altitude of 50,000 feet. In addition to Bristol's own work on the Type 138, the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) and National Physical Laboratory also made valuable contributions to the development effort on designing the type. On 11 May 1936, the Type 138A performed its maiden flight, piloted by Cyril Uwins. On 28 September 1936, Squadron Leader F.R.D. Swain set a new world record altitude record, having climbed to an indicated altitude of 51,000 ft (15,440 m), which was homologated as 49,967 ft (15,230 m). After this milestone, research flights continued, along with further attempts to break the altitude record. Further development of the aircraft after the first record-breaking flight led to a series of small modifications being implemented. The last record-breaking flight was flown on 30 June 1937. 

 

 

Very individual colour scheme. I hope the 'crewman' (do they mean pilot?) is to scale.

 

When you unfold the Instructions, it's like opening up a treasure map! Transfers look OK and a different type of 'Replacements' slip.

 

Here's the history on the reverse of the Instructions and 9 Gold Tokens this time. Two kit listings to compare.

 

Clear stand and canopy look like they need a wash and polish up. There is a very small 'hinge' type piece which is off the sprue and I have the feeling that there may be more required - must look in the corners of the box, which will double as a work tray, of course! With this kit's high altitude pedigree, it won't be happy until it's suspended from the ceiling!

 

[JOCKNEY]

Goodness me, the range of kits is amazing already, and we don't kick off till the 1st June !

 

Good luck with this one

 

cheers Pat

[stevej60]

This GB just  keep's getting better and better!

[PeterB]

I sometimes wish I had paid more attention to the "Trailblazers" range. The only true one I have is the so called Westland Wallace (the record breaking prototype was actually known as the PV-6 when it flew over Mt Everest), though my Vimy is a reboxed RAF version of a Trailblazer kit I believe - not sure about the FD2 and the Gloster/Whittle as although they might fit the definition, Frog seem to have only included planes from between the wars which did not really fit in with my plans at the time. In fact I only bought the "Wallace" to hopefully convert into a "proper" RAF machine a couple of years ago. A missed opportunity perhaps but I have more than enough kits in my stash to take at least 10 years to build, so I won't be buying anymore.

 

Cheers

 

Pete

[Ventora3300]

Pete, we need someone to weigh in with the very rare Trail Blazers R101 Airship. Plenty time yet.

[PeterB]

R101 crashed on maiden flight as I recall. I know Frog did an airship so perhaps it was the R100? Either way I have 4 in already and another 2 lined up on this GB and at least one on a parallel GB so I won't have time.  Also I have to shift at least half of my 150+ stash before I buy anything else or my wife will kill me!

 

Cheers

 

Pete

[KevinK]

1 hour ago, PeterB said:

R101 crashed on maiden flight as I recall. I know Frog did an airship so perhaps it was the R100?

Frog indeed did do the R-100 as part of the Trail Blazers series.

 

The R-101 did crash on its maiden voyage, an attempted demonstration flight to India, but made a number of test flights from Cardington as part of its development. My mother, a schoolchild at the time, recalled seeing the R-101 in flight over Wellingborough.

 

4 hours ago, Ventora3300 said:

Pete, we need someone to weigh in with the very rare Trail Blazers R101 Airship. Plenty time yet.

I'm thinking about it....

 

The R-100 kit is quite simple as far as the airship itself is concerned: most of the work is in the mooring mast / tower, so it makes into quite a nice diorama.

Edited May 28, 2019 by KevinK

[Rabbit Leader]

That looks quite neat Mike. I've never even taken a second look at one of these kits, however that plastic looks so lovely - you'd be hard pressed to not to start it straight away!

The problem with these GB's is that they have the habit of taking you well away from your normal modelling genre and you end up buying even more kits that you don't need! No guesses who's now on the prowl for one? 

 

Cheers and all the best.. Dave

[JOCKNEY]

Hi Mike

I have just been re-reading your great introduction to this build about the aircraft, when are you planning on making a start on it ? Do you think the finish was polished metal or grey ?

 Cheers Pat

[Ventora3300]

Pat, I think this will be my third build as I'm going to make a start on the Hotspur glider next while the Southern Cross is in progress - still a fair bit of detailing to be done there. I've still to do a fair bit of research on the Bristol 138 colours but others before me have gone for polished metal so either I need to start on the chocolates now or get some decent spray paint. I don't think it will take long to build this one.

[Jeepboy]

I remember building this when I was about 12 in the late 70's.  I remember it went together really easily, black and silver scheme was great, sort of spaceman pilot and it really dwarfed my Me109 and Spitfire.  Cant wait to see  this completed.  🙂

[Work In Progress]

On 6/8/2019 at 9:30 AM, JOCKNEY said:

Hi Mike

I have just been re-reading your great introduction to this build about the aircraft, when are you planning on making a start on it ? Do you think the finish was polished metal or grey ?

 Cheers Pat

It's aluminium dope and black

[JOCKNEY]

8 hours ago, Work In Progress said:

It's aluminium dope and black

Ok blimey I was only asking !

 

🤣

[Ventora3300]

22 hours ago, Work In Progress said:

It's aluminium dope and black

Doing a bit of research, I found on Wiki: Weight-saving was a priority across the aircraft; the airframe, other than the steel tube engine mount and cowling, featured a wooden rectangular monocoque structure. It had a glued plywood skin, fixed to the mahogany longerons and struts forming the internal structure, which was faired throughout to result in a low-drag extensions. A conventional fixed undercarriage was used; it had been deemed of greater importance to reduce the aircraft's weight than its drag, thus a retractable undercarriage was seen as counterproductive. The wings, which were constructed in three sections, had a centre section integral with the fuselage; the internal structure used three main spars with plywood webs and mahogany flanges, which were covered with plywood sheeting.

 

As well as weight saving, the power available from the engine was critical and this was a single Bristol Pegasus engine. This engine featured a highly powered supercharger, which was a critical element enabling the engine to deliver the required performance in order to attain the envisioned altitude performance. The supercharger's installation, the detail work of which having been performed by Clifford Tinson, was a two-stage system; the first-stage compressor was permanently engaged, but the second-stage incorporated clutches which enabled it to be manually engaged by the pilot upon attaining the correct height. This arrangement was necessary to avoid administering an excessively dense mixture to the cylinders when flown at low altitudes. The supercharger arrangement employed an intercooler between the first and second stages.

 

I'm sure I've seen on other builds that the engine cowling was finished as polished metal - hence the need for more choc wrappers or a suitable paint. I'll need to make a good job of this engine. Looking forward to it.

14 hours ago, JOCKNEY said:

Ok blimey I was only asking !

 

🤣

Now Pat, as you know, there is a wealth of specialist knowledge available from the 'members' of BM so asking is the first important step. This is a simple kit but a very unique aircraft so I'm looking forward to getting this as accurate as is possible, allowing for my current level of modelling skills (improving all the time, BTW!)

 

Weight-saving was a priority across the aircraft; the airframe, other than the steel tube engine mount and cowling, featured a wooden rectangular monocoque structure. It had a glued plywood skin, fixed to the mahogany longerons and struts forming the internal structure, which was faired throughout to result in a low-drag extensions. A conventional fixed undercarriage was used; it had been deemed of greater importance to reduce the aircraft's weight than its drag, thus a retractable undercarriage was seen as counterproductive. The wings, which were constructed in three sections, had a centre section integral with the fuselage; the internal structure used three main spars with plywood webs and mahogany flanges, which were covered with plywood sheeting.

Edited June 17, 2019 by Ventora3300

[Rabbit Leader]

Looking forward to seeing this one come together Mike. I'm not sure if you seen these period Flight Global Archives articles (October 1936), (July 1937), they might be helpful with a little more back story and airframe details. Now you'll also be happy to know that I've just ordered a Novo edition of this kit too, although will not be building mine just yet. I was quite surprised when I measured out the span of this 1/72 kit and it worked out to an amazing 280mm.... that's huge! And here's me thinking that it was probably slightly larger than a Hawker Hurricane!

 

Cheers.. Dave    

[Jeepboy]

2 hours ago, Rabbit Leader said:

Looking forward to seeing this one come together Mike. I'm not sure if you seen these period Flight Global Archives articles (October 1936), (July 1937), they might be helpful with a little more back story and airframe details. Now you'll also be happy to know that I've just ordered a Novo edition of this kit too, although will not be building mine just yet. I was quite surprised when I measured out the span of this 1/72 kit and it worked out to an amazing 280mm.... that's huge! And here's me thinking that it was probably slightly larger than a Hawker Hurricane!

 

Cheers.. Dave    

....my post #11 - The model looked very elegant in black and silver and just so glad my memory wasn't playing tricks on size.   

[Caerbannog]

Will you detail the cockpit? I did not yet start as I was considering to show it canopy open... No one makes my life as hard as myself...

 

I seem to recall a build report in some model magazine. I will try to find out which and when. Then there was a replacement decal set by Rising Decals including colour guide (wood colour prop, NMF cowling and panels aft the engine, rest aluminium dope and black). I also got me a Quick Boost replacement engine as a start.

 

[Ventora3300]

On 17/06/2019 at 12:02, Rabbit Leader said:

Looking forward to seeing this one come together Mike. I'm not sure if you seen these period Flight Global Archives articles (October 1936), (July 1937), they might be helpful with a little more back story and airframe details. Now you'll also be happy to know that I've just ordered a Novo edition of this kit too, although will not be building mine just yet. I was quite surprised when I measured out the span of this 1/72 kit and it worked out to an amazing 280mm.... that's huge! And here's me thinking that it was probably slightly larger than a Hawker Hurricane!

 

Cheers.. Dave    

Thanks for that and these links, Dave. these are excellent. I've been studying these to confirm a few details and am amazed at the spring-loaded steps in the port wing and even below the cockpit to allow the pilot to step safely up and into the cockpit. I can't promise to reproduce those in working format but at least I can get the prop to spin!

On 17/06/2019 at 15:00, Jeepboy said:

....my post #11 - The model looked very elegant in black and silver and just so glad my memory wasn't playing tricks on size.   

You're right, Jeepboy. It looks like a kit in 1/48 and the black and silver scheme is simple but effective - I've just got to get the curves in the right places. Not forgetting the polished metal cowling and panels, of course.

On 04/07/2019 at 10:10, Caerbannog said:

Will you detail the cockpit? I did not yet start as I was considering to show it canopy open... No one makes my life as hard as myself...

 

I seem to recall a build report in some model magazine. I will try to find out which and when. Then there was a replacement decal set by Rising Decals including colour guide (wood colour prop, NMF cowling and panels aft the engine, rest aluminium dope and black). I also got me a Quick Boost replacement engine as a start.

 

This kit is worth a bit of detailing, Caerbannog, see the pic below.

 

And we're off - gets this Build Thread rescued from well down Page 6! Wings are together with working ailerons, some sink marks to fill, and stabilisers/elevators made up. I've test fitted the rudder and a bit of trimming was required to get a snug fit on the fuselage tail. Backplate for the oil cooler is in and I'll do a bit of internal 'grille' next. Cockpit bulkhead, floor and seat are in - I'm making up an IP to try to get some of the detail in the pic below. Basic fit is good and no warped parts so looking forward to an enjoyable build

 

 

 

[Rabbit Leader]

Great seeing this thread resurrected Mike. Your sticking to a workable plan for your proposed GB completions, something that I should have followed myself!

 

Cheers and enjoy the research as much as the build.. Dave

[Rob S]

On 5/27/2019 at 11:02 PM, Ventora3300 said:

From Wiki, the Bristol Type 138 High Altitude Monoplane was a British high-altitude research aircraft developed and produced by the Bristol Aeroplane Company during the 1930s. It holds the distinction of setting nine separate altitude world records, the ultimate of these occurring on 30 June 1937, during a 2¼-hour flight flown by Flight Lieutenant M.J. Adam, in which he achieved a record altitude, which was later homologated by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale as having attained a maximum altitude of 53,937 ft (16,440 m).

The Type 138 was designed as a dedicated research aircraft capable of reaching high altitudes; aeronautical engineer Frank Barnwell (connection with Stirling, my current home, here), had first proposed the design to the British Air Ministry during November 1933. The revised design was produced in response to the issuing of Specification 2/34 by the Air Ministry during June 1934, which sought an aircraft that would be capable of achieving the unheard-of altitude of 50,000 feet. In addition to Bristol's own work on the Type 138, the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) and National Physical Laboratory also made valuable contributions to the development effort on designing the type. On 11 May 1936, the Type 138A performed its maiden flight, piloted by Cyril Uwins. On 28 September 1936, Squadron Leader F.R.D. Swain set a new world record altitude record, having climbed to an indicated altitude of 51,000 ft (15,440 m), which was homologated as 49,967 ft (15,230 m). After this milestone, research flights continued, along with further attempts to break the altitude record. Further development of the aircraft after the first record-breaking flight led to a series of small modifications being implemented. The last record-breaking flight was flown on 30 June 1937. 

 

 

Continuing on I found this bit really interesting : 

 

"During 1935, a second machine was ordered, designated the Type 138B.[3] This was to be a two-seater aircraft, powered by a Rolls-Royce Kestrel S engine, which would be fitted with a similar two-stage supercharger installation, enabling it to generate 500 hp (370 kW). In 1937, the airframe was delivered to Farnborough Airfield for completion, but the engine installation was never completed.[6] The Type 138B was used as a ground instructional trainer instead, and accordingly never flew.[3]"  

 

 

[Mr T]

I used the same photo for the interior of mine and there seems to be the same sink marks as on my kit, which is a Novo repop. Some of the aileron linkages were missing or badly formed and I have replaced them with scratch built items. One of the small intakes was missing and guess what happened to other one when it was being cleaned up. 

[JOCKNEY]

Delighted to see this one back on the workbench, as I recall its bigger than you think !

 

cheers Pat

[Ventora3300]

On 23/08/2019 at 10:52, Rabbit Leader said:

Great seeing this thread resurrected Mike. Your sticking to a workable plan for your proposed GB completions, something that I should have followed myself!

 

Cheers and enjoy the research as much as the build.. Dave

Thanks Dave and watch this space!

 

On 23/08/2019 at 11:08, Rob S said:

 

Continuing on I found this bit really interesting : 

 

"During 1935, a second machine was ordered, designated the Type 138B.[3] This was to be a two-seater aircraft, powered by a Rolls-Royce Kestrel S engine, which would be fitted with a similar two-stage supercharger installation, enabling it to generate 500 hp (370 kW). In 1937, the airframe was delivered to Farnborough Airfield for completion, but the engine installation was never completed.[6] The Type 138B was used as a ground instructional trainer instead, and accordingly never flew.[3]"  

Now that would be an inspired WHIF! Very do-able though. I suppose a kestrel would give the nose a completely different look, less drag too.

 

On 25/08/2019 at 19:04, Mr T said:

I used the same photo for the interior of mine and there seems to be the same sink marks as on my kit, which is a Novo repop. Some of the aileron linkages were missing or badly formed and I have replaced them with scratch built items. One of the small intakes was missing and guess what happened to other one when it was being cleaned up. 

Yes, there are a lot of extra small pieces to keep track of and I think I have also got a couple of aileron linkages missing. I keep the box with the loose bits very level....

 

On 25/08/2019 at 19:32, JOCKNEY said:

Delighted to see this one back on the workbench, as I recall its bigger than you think !

 

cheers Pat

Thanks, Pat. yes, it looks like something in 1/48. I wonder if the pilot figure is correct in scale to really show the size of the aircraft itself?

 

Moving along with the Bristol 138.A now - more detail in the way of 'switches' and 'levers' added to the cockpit consoles and the IP painted in black ready for a print or decal of some sort, I hope. Still to sort out a 'stick'.

 

 

Also, I searched for a pic of how the front end equipment looked and came across these views of the engine and oil cooler plus some internal detail on the two-stage supercharger.

 

This is my effort (not sure you would see much else through the front) - some dry brushing to bring up the detail to do then I'll be ready to close the fuselage.

 

 

 

Edited September 2, 2019 by Ventora3300

[Mr T]

Coming on well now, I have done a bit more to mine and putting some photos up today.

[Rob S]

21 hours ago, Ventora3300 said:

Now that would be an inspired WHIF! Very do-able though. I suppose a kestrel would give the nose a completely different look, less drag too.

 

 

Unfortunately there appears to be absolutely no photos or drawings anywhere which fortunately means if anyone has a go at one no one can say whatever it looks like (Two Seat arrangement and Kestrel and Cooling layout etc) is inaccurate!