SPAD S.XIII

ABOUT THE MODEL

Based upon the same idea than the official Lego set #10226 showing the Sopwith Camel or than my projects representing the Fokker Dr.I (see https://ideas.lego.com/projects/118389) and the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a (see https://ideas.lego.com/projects/119428), here is another project to build a SPAD S.XIII, one of the most famous French fighter airplane of the World War I.

The model is very detailed, as shown on the close up images:

• Detail cockpit with seat, rudder, stick and controls,
• Adjustable flaps and empennage,
• Curved fuselage,
• Two synchronized Vickers guns,
• Precise color scheme and decorations.

It has a wingspan about 49 cm and a length about 37 cm. Its scale is about 1:17, exactly the same than other sets and project listed above. This model can be exposed on a pedestal with an explanations panel, a bit like if it was shown in a museum. The minifig is not at the same scale. It only shows the pilot's equipment.

Due to building constraints, some parts don't have correct size or position, for example:

• The fuselage should be a bit more curved,
• The rear crutch has not the exact shape it should have,
• The hole for the cockpit should be round and not square.

Of course, this list is not exhaustive. But, during all the conception process, I have paid great attention to details and to respect the real plane's proportions.

Some parts are inspired from the official Lego set #10226 representing a Sopwith Camel. For example, this is the case for the propeller.

ABOUT THE REAL PLANE

The decoration is the one of SPAD S.XIII with serial number S254 piloted by Georges Guynemer, one of the most famous French aces of the World War I, when he was flying within Escadrille SPA3 of the French army.

When searching on the Internet, sometimes this serial number and this color scheme are given for a SPAD S.VII and sometimes they are given for a SPAD.XIII. However, the model shown here is a SPAD S.XIII.

SOME POSSIBLE UPDATES

If this project get enough support, I will probably update it with some other color schemes showing some other real planes of the same period.

Of course, any suggestion will be much appreciated!

I hope you will enjoy this project. If so, please support it!