1/12 Birkin Blower Bentley single seater

This very much comes under the heading of future projects, but I believe it can be built from the Airfix kit, with a scratch built body. I've already found some 3D print files for the body, which even if not accurate, could be used as the basis for a body buck.

Has anyone attempted it?

Attachment 30614

Hi,

In my opinion it is the same undercarriage. I've got similar project because at the moment I am scratch building Bentley Blower in 1:72 and intend to use it's undercarriage for other Bentley models. I plan to build Birkin single seater and a Gurney Nutting boat tail. That is why I cast resin parts.

Hi Joe,

The single seater's chassIs is the long one, that is 3.302 mm wheelbase. You have to insert 28 millimeters into the side rails.
This is a project which thrills me. Hope to see you do iit.

Regards,

Klaus

Thanks for that!
In English that would be 10' 10 1/2" wheelbase for the standard chassis, and 9' 9 1/2" for the short chassis. I'll need to add 13 scale inches, presumably in front of the rear spring hangers.
As far as I have seen so far, I can use the engine, firewall and instrument panel straight from the kit, as this car also existed with a standard body which could be easily changed.

I'm on vacation right now. When I'm bacm in about two weeks, I'll supply more information.

Klaus

Hi it looks like a great idea, I built this kit a little while ago and was tempted to do what you are doing but someone wanted to buy it so I stuck to the standard setup, incidentally I wired the wheels (a nightmare) I've since seen it built with the kit wheels and with a bit of clean up you can't tell the difference, if I ever build the kit again I will use the kit wheels.

I have wanted to do this version for a while and have been collecting information about it. Interesting car and interesting history. The old British Model Cars magazine published a set of drawings for it and I have started updating them but would be very interested in a 3D print if it was available.
The other one I am contemplating is the "Blue Train" coupe...anyone have anything useful for modelling it?
David M
Sydney, Straya

Quote:

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Originally Posted by David M

I have wanted to do this version for a while and have been collecting information about it. Interesting car and interesting history. The old British Model Cars magazine published a set of drawings for it and I have started updating them but would be very interested in a 3D print if it was available.
The other one I am contemplating is the "Blue Train" coupe...anyone have anything useful for modelling it?
David M
Sydney, Straya

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I don't know where there might be technical drawings for the Blue Train Six but I've found lots of good photos here:
http://www.speedhunters.com/2015/08/...ockade-runner/

and here:
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/cg/16...-Special-.html

Here's the link for the Birken Blower Bentley. Hope these are helpful.

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/cg/37...Monoposto.html

Many thanks for the links...very helpful indeed especially as the Speedhunters link has a further link to the Napier Railton...another of my favourites.

Thanks for the links! Of course, now I come to look for it I can't find the 3d file 1confused1. I think it was from one of the on-line blueprints sites.

Looking through my references I have:
Cars in Profile No 9 on the 4.5 litre Bentley - mostly on the LM cars, but good background
Automobile Connoisseur no 4 - article on the Birkin car in 1970 when it was a two seater, and historic pics too - interesting info about the radiator (specially made, much lower) the "horizontal" carburettors (other blowers carbs are "vertical") and the oil pump on the front of the blower. The lower radiator raises a question as to whether the firewall was also lower
Motorsport January 1989 -general info on the blown 4.5
Motorsport February 1994 - Blue Train Bentley
Classic and Sportscar July 1995 - track test of 3, 4.5, 4.5 blown and 8 litre cars
Classic and Sportscar May 1995 - Tim Birkin by Doug Nye

This picture shows the special low radiator and "horizontal" carbs

Attachment 30729

I found this picture of the singleseater which allows to infer the measurements of the body from the wheelbase. The hood is considerably lower than that of the "standard" body.

I have bought the old version of the kit...it includes the drive gears, if anyone is interested in motorising one. Now begins the fun of drawing up the body, and finding out what is missing or different on the Airfix kit. For instance, the Birkin car has no front brakes (in 1932 - it does now) and triple Hartford friction dampers [I]and[/I] a lever arm hydraulic damper at the rear. (the kit has two friction dampers)

I've tried to rationalise the parts in the box. Here are some of the bits that I won't be using, even as a pattern gringrin

Attachment 30774

Jo,
I am not sure if you have the Model Cars drawing of the Birken; if not PM me and I would be happy to send a hard copy across the ditch by snail mail or email you a copy.
David M
Sydney, Oz