VBS - Bi-Plane Build

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First of three posts - In the Fall of 2011 my 10 y/o son learned that VBS 2012 would have an aviation theme.  He immediately asked the Children's Minister if he and I could build a plane for VBS,  Well, one thing led to another and we wound up with a 1/2 scale model based on a Boeing-Stearman PT-17.Please remember that I am a complete amateur when it comes to welding - in other words, my welds ain't pretty!It started out with a frame of 1/4" round and square stock that a local fab shop gave me (and some scrap 1/2 square stock).Another view.The top center wing section held up by 1/2" rebar and the lower center section.  Pipe is 1 1/2"  pipe from a trampoline (I think). Also note the addition of bed frames at the bottom. Wings done.  Pipe in wings is 1 3/8" fence rail.  Fits nicely into the 1 1/2" pipe.  Landing gear attached.  Tube is from a trampoline and wheels are from an old push mower.Stay tuned for two more posts......
Reply:A better view of the wings.Fitting the rudder.  Once again, 1 3/8” pipe inside of 1 ½” pipe.Rear landing gear. Used a propane fish fryer to heat the ¼” rod and wrap around the pipe to make the support.Rear wheel support was made by cutting notches in 3 ½” square tube, welding the top closed, and attaching a short piece of 1 ½” pipe.Stay tuned for post three.
Reply:At this point, things got real busy as the deadline loomed large.  Consequently, pictures were not taking of the ribbing.  Sorry.Here is the finished product.  The “cylinders” are coffee cans and are topped with old spark plugs.  I had fun building the septagon engine block!  The propeller is a swimming noodle and is pun by an electric motor from an old mainframe computer tape drive.Side view with proud pilot.Wing edges are covered with used aluminum offset printing plates.  Body is covered with sheets.Rear view.This was a lot of fun to build.  Next year's them is roller coasters......I have already said "NO WAY!".
Reply:Congrats, that's a good lookin' Father/ Son project !!!!                                                          MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Nice job, Anytime a father-son can spend time together on a project is good!! they grow up way to fast
Reply:Looks like you have a very happy Pilot, great looking job.
Reply:Originally Posted by powerNice job, Anytime a father-son can spend time together on a project is good!! they grow up way to fast
Reply:looks good. he will remember that for a long tim to come
Reply:Like the others said, good for you. Not enough kids get this kind of experience these days, which is a shame.   O.P. = "Rear landing gear. Used a propane fish fryer to heat the ¼” rod and wrap around the pipe to make the support." - I'll guaranty that's a first! Maybe you've got some British in you? Har Har Har. 200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Very kewl"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Thanks to all for the kind words.  "And you'll be gone way too fast, but the memory will last him his lifetime." - That was one of my goals.  When we moved the plane to the church (at 3 AM, no less) the thought crossed my mind that this would be one of the stories told at my funeral.  I'll call it an "Eulogy Moment"!."Maybe you've got some British in you?"  I'm sure I do.  I tell people I am 1/2 Louisiana Coona$$ and 1/2  Alabama Redneck.  Joe
Reply:Yo bro cheers, great job!!!!!!  I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Puts a smile on my face,great job !!!Brian
Reply:Terrific project. Local church on my way to work must be using the same theme, but they only have a cut-out of a bi-plane.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:First 2-3 sets of pics I thought you were making to FLY??? Sheesh... well no, just a real kool big model.  Coffee cans for jugs...theheehe  enjoyLincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:What is VBS?  It looks great and it looks like it was a fun project!  Looks like a lot of fun!Last edited by mb_welder; 07-13-2012 at 06:57 AM.
Reply:VBS = Vacation Bible School.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:AWESOME BUILT!!Like others said already great father son bonding thingy.....I don't see any instruments on the instrument panel???What happened to it after VBS was over?I can hardly wait to see the Roller Coast. Sure you said "No way"......Thanks again.Glenn.Sign on East Texas payphone: Calls to God 40 cents......it's a local call...
Reply:wb4rt - You are right - a lot of churchs use the the VBS material from LifeWay - which is what we use.PapaLion - More than one person has said "You know, I bet if we put an engine........".Stampeder - There is lot we (read my son) wanted to add, but we simply ran out of time.  The plane has proved to be very popular with the kids and the church will keep it for future functions.  So, we will have lots of opportunity to improve it!  I found out today that a church member has some property out of town that has a..........HANGAR! And they will store it there  How appropriate!  As for next year, someone suggested that maybe we just make a piece of the coaster for a photo op.....that I might be willing to try.   Hmmmmmm.......might need a BIG ring roller!Thanks again for all of the kind words!