What can be better for improving your scratching techniques than a Flying
Flea?
Henri Mignet used to play with an apple crate as many kids do. He first
added wheels, then a dashboard, then a rudder, wings and by the time he
was a grown-up he finally installed an engine and taught himself to fly.
Or something like that.
In any case, he helped to promote what is now the home-made aspect of
aviation and the ultralight movement. Many amateurs around the world
constructed Pou-du-Ciels –or Flying Fleas-. His creation flew well, but
had a sneaky inherent flaw that led to some precipitated landings. The
flaw was later corrected, but the design got some bad publicity and most
Fleas got grounded.
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images below to see larger images
The Pou-du-Ciel had a tandem-wing configuration of simple lines that
accepted a wide variety of power plants, most of them from fields other
than aviation. It is difficult to get an idea of its relative size, so in
one image you will see a comparison with a medium size model in the same
1/72 scale.
The graceful lines of the Pou can be reproduced with little effort. As row
materials you may use the tiniest of the scraps in your styrene box, some
wire, stretched sprue and a few spares. What you will need in large
amounts is good sight –not my case, I am afraid- and patience –not my
case either.
I spent more time looking for parts that flew away to the great beyond than in
the actual building, but it was fun all right all the way.
There are a number of Pou-du-Ciels still jumping around or hanging from museum
roofs, and most of the liveries are very attractive, so scratch that itch: it
won’t take much of your shelf space.
Gabriel
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images below to see larger images
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