Although originally designed
and built for free flight, this fairly large scale mode of the Bristol Scout monoplane
could easily be adapted for control line or radio control flying. With a wingspan of
46 inches and a robust airframe, it can withstand the rigors of aerobatic flight. Replacing
the glow fuel engine with a modern brushless motor and LiPo batteries helps keep the
vibration and therefore wear and tear to a minimum, and also avoids getting messy fuel
all over your nice airplane. Since these plans are no longer available, you can click
the one presented below to get the full resolution version. It was only one page wide,
so it is a bit fuzzy.
Bristol Monoplane Scout
Specifically designed for easy yet true to scale construction, this one-eighth
scale fighter from W.W.I. by Brian Barton is ideal for 1cc to 1.5cc.

Designer with his Davies-Charlton Spitfire powered prototype in picture opposite shows
off the realistic transparent wing panels and single gun. Model is a slow flier, very
easy to build with scale stringers and rib positions.
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A typical example of British procedure for dealing with a new and advanced type of
aircraft that will outclass all others, was displayed in 1917 when R.F.C. squadrons were
eagerly awaiting delivery of the Bristol Monoplane Scout in France. The Monoplane, first
flown in 1916, then having a maximum speed of 132 m.p.h., with a 110 h.p. Le Rhone rotary
engine, was highly manoeuvrable and very aerodynamically clean for its time. These features
of the aircraft were altered very little in the production version and the design appeared
promising especially to the pilots in France who had "got wind" of the aircraft's performance.
But despite this the Monoplane was only ordered in small numbers and did not even see
service in France on the Western Front, but was relegated to duties in the Middle East
that did not warrant an aircraft of such quality. Many reasons have been given as to
why the Monoplane was rejected for use on the Western Front, one being that the ban imposed
on monoplanes in 1912, was still present in the minds of some when the type was considered
for acceptance into the R.F.C. (The ban was imposed after a number of accidents involving
structural failure with Morane Monoplanes, and was never quite forgotten until the Spitfire
and Hurricane had flown and were proved safe and successful). The official reason, however,
was that the landing speed was too high (at 49 m.p.h.!) This in turn was thought to have
been created to hide the unwanted publicity that a certain high ranking officer obtained
through his lack of skill, resulting in the crashing of one of the Monoplane prototypes.
Knowing we British, this may well have been the reason!
The service that the Bristol Monoplane did see, in the Middle East, was in Mesopotamia
in the hands of 72 Squadron, and in Macedonia with 17 and 47 Squadrons, A few were also
sent out to Palestine, but other than the capture of the towns of Kifri and Kirkuk from
the Turks in May 1918, the Bristol Monoplane Scout did not contribute greatly towards
the success of the Allies in the First World War, and after the War had ended, what appeared
to be a most successful single seat scout aircraft and by some, was thought would gain
complete air supremacy for Britain, disappeared unnoticed from the service scene.

At right, a ground shot illustrates the realism of stringers on circular section fuselage
while designer's family play their part in recovery after a flight
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Our model, scaled down to one-eighth size (in keeping with many of our other W.W.I
subjects) from 30 ft. 10 ins. to 46 ins. span incorporates all the details
of the full-size, such as scale ribs, stringers, Vickers gun and downward vision panels
at the wing roots.
The aim was to obtain a realistic model with relatively light weight construction
methods to reduce wing loading and so get true scale appearance in the air. Stringers
on the fuselage are disposed to obtain correct effect, and with the muffled note of the
1 c.c. or 1.5 c.c. engine behind that large spinner, the Bristol Monoplane is as near
as one can get to being a perfect replica of the full size. Flying speed is slow, and
stability such that it will recover from any dud launch or gust upset.
It is also remarkably easy to build. Designer Brian Barton is one of the most prolific
model builders of our acquaintance, and likes building so much that he is continually
engaged in making ranges of Astro Hogs, Smog Hogs and the like for lazy radio control
flyers. So when he wanted to create this scale model for his own flying enjoyment, he
sensibly applied his accumulated experience of kits and plans from all countries to produce
a building system that almost qualifies for beginner status. Moreover, it is quick construction,
and abbreviated stage by stage information is included on the plan.
The multi-stringered circular section fuselage is built around a horizontal crutch,
first made over the plan view. By applying half-formers and lining up with master stringers,
the torpedo like fuselage is soon taking shape. Cowling is not at all involved, and the
only part likely to bog down the novice is the large spinner. While it might not be a
scale model any longer, the Bristol Monoplane could very well be flown without the spinner
if need be.
Wings
are one-piece with ingenious seating on the fuselage for knocking-off in the event of
a crash, and the transparent sections for pilot downward visibility add to the appearance
of centre section weakness although in fact the wing is very strong. Cabane and bracing
over the wing are dummy only, not contributing to strength.
All tail surfaces are sheet, and inset stiffeners in the tailplane prevent warping.
What could be more simple? Wing tip washout and the flat bottomed airfoil are non-scale
aids to model stability, permitting a wide centre of gravity position tolerance although
the ideal balance point is that shown on the plan.
Coloured olive drab on the upper surfaces and buff on the undersides, with the roundels
outlined in white, the Monoplane can fly on a scale prop diameter of 12 inches, even
with only 1 c.c. power. The Davies-Charlton Spitfire used on the prototype was turning
very slowly indeed; but nevertheless most surely with so large a fan when on test flights.
For the man who wants his realism to come without too much effort we cannot think of
a more suitable choice than this World War I subject.

Bristol Monoplane Scout Plans
Full size copies of this 1/7th scale reproduction are available
price 8s. Including post from plans service, quote plan FSP 759 when ordering.
Notice:
The AMA Plans Service offers a full-size
version of many of the plans show here at a very reasonable cost. They will scale the plans any size for you. It is always
best to buy printed plans because my scanner versions often have distortions that can cause parts to fit poorly. Purchasing
plans also help to support the operation of the Academy of Model
Aeronautics - the #1 advocate for model aviation throughout the world. If the AMA no longer has this plan on file, I
will be glad to send you my higher resolution version.
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Posted December 13, 2014
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