Homebuilt airplane? Check.
Homemade tools used in the build? Check.
Custom-built trailer to transport it? Check.
Military replica? Check.
Functioning replica WWI-era machine gun mounted on wing? Check.

Yup, it qualifies as a Best Build Thread.

This Nieuport 11 build by TC on FoxFlier.com is a great example of this WWI-era French single seat sesquiplane fighter-scout plane.

Like all builders doing military builds, TC shouldered the important historical responsibility of accurately replicating this vehicle's armament; in this case, a functioning propane-powered Lewis machine gun. The Lewis was not synchronizable; instead, it was mounted overwing, to fire over the propeller. Prior to the use of the Foster mounting system, the Lewis was stationary, and couldn't be slid down for access. So if you had to change an ammo drum in flight, you had to climb up on the wing. Vive la France!


Nieuport 11 build by TC on FoxFlier.com


Click image for larger version.  Name: nieuport1.jpg  Views: 332  Size: 380.7 KB  ID: 4985Click image for larger version.  Name: nieuport2.jpg  Views: 325  Size: 437.7 KB  ID: 4986Click image for larger version.  Name: nieuport3.jpg  Views: 310  Size: 350.2 KB  ID: 4987Click image for larger version.  Name: nieuport4.jpg  Views: 320  Size: 123.4 KB  ID: 4988Click image for larger version.  Name: nieuport5.jpg  Views: 333  Size: 69.6 KB  ID: 4989Name: nieuport6.jpg Views: 311 Size: 2.1 KBClick image for larger version.  Name: nieuport7.jpg  Views: 334  Size: 111.2 KB  ID: 4991

Nieuport 11 build by TC on FoxFlier.com

See more Plane builds on PlaneBuilds.net...