Author: Robb Wilson
Edition: Model Aviation - 2014/07
Page Numbers: 51,52,53,54
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Maxford USA 1/6-Scale Blériot XI ARF

First impressions

How often does one get to fly a trainer, sport-scale warbird, and racing-aircraft model all in one airframe? The Blériot Model XI by Maxford USA allows a pilot to do just that. As originally marketed by Louis Blériot, the Model XI could satisfy any pilot’s desire and be used as a trainer one day and a light bomber the next. Aircraft from the Pioneer Era of aviation were often used for more than one application. Blériot himself originally used the Blériot Model XI to cross the English Channel — the first heavier-than-air aircraft to make the crossing — an act that earned him 1,000 British pounds and secured a spot for both Blériot and his airplane in the history books.

Blériot took off from France without a compass and with a French destroyer escort, crash-landed on English soil on July 25, 1909, and prompted the newspaper headline, “Britain is no longer an Island.” He flew the airplane equipped with a three-cylinder, semi-radial, 25 hp Anzani engine (a modified motorcycle engine that was lightweight and air-cooled). The Blériot prototype also featured wing warping instead of ailerons, a single-piece rudder, elevators that encompassed the outer section of the horizontal stabilizer, and an undercarriage with spoked, individually sprung front landing gear attached via a large wooden structure reminiscent of a medieval rack.

The Maxford ARF nearly matches the Blériot prototype. From the preassembled open-truss frame to the three-cylinder dummy radial engine, this ARF is a work of art as well as a model airplane. Other pilots at the airfield commented that the Maxford Blériot looked as though it belonged in a museum; my wife even remarked how attractive this model is.

The original aircraft featured wing warping and undercambered wings, but with the limitations of balsa, Maxford substituted ailerons and a flat-bottom airfoil. For scale purists, Maxford includes instructions on how to eliminate the ailerons and make the Blériot a three-channel airframe. Not included with the kit were extra details that add to the model’s realism — a dummy engine, pilot with seat, and vintage spoked wheels (roughly $55). Many purchasers may feel these optional parts should be included; they definitely add to the overall scale realism of the model.

The Maxford Blériot requires a radio system, servos, a 400-watt brushless power system, and a propeller. We used four Tactic TSX5 micro high-speed servos, a Cobra 2826-12 brushless outrunner, a 40-amp speed controller, and a HobbyKing DRX DSM2 OrangeRx receiver with a Spektrum DX7 radio.

Construction

I first laid all of the pieces out in a “semi-exploded view” to get an idea of how much work lay ahead. The pieces were well protected in the box, taped to the inside of the corrugated container; removing them required a sharp hobby knife and patience.

The photos in the assembly instructions do not fully convey how much work is required to assemble this model. With all parts laid out it was obvious I had several long nights — and ultimately weeks — of work ahead. Assembly is not always straightforward; I often had to read steps several times before I understood them, then test-fit pieces and reread steps. “Measure twice and cut once” should be your mantra. The instruction manual has you start at the tail and work forward to the nose.

The servos I selected were slightly large for the locations provided by Maxford, but I was able to create the additional space needed with an emery board. The horizontal stabilizer exactly matches the prototype: the outer sections function as elevators (instead of the more typical single TE elevator). This unique design feature was faithfully reproduced by Maxford.

I have assembled a few ARF kits, but this model required more attention to detail because of the number of parts and the rigging wires. The assembly guide includes many black-and-white photographs to help. Intermediate builders will have no problem, but less-experienced builders should carefully read each step.

The kit can present some glue-adhesion issues on the horizontal stabilizer joint. Allow plenty of time for glued joints to dry and fully cure; after letting joints completely dry, stress-test the surfaces to verify they won't fail in flight.

When I moved to wing assembly, I decided to permanently glue the wings to the fuselage because I wanted the rigging to be 100% cosmetic. The pilot can instead opt to use the rigging wires to hold the wings to the fuselage. Because of various motor-size options, the preassembled landing gear can be slid forward or backward to fit different motors. If you purchase the dummy engine, mount it before installing the main landing gear.

Installing the rigging is fiddly but rewarding. I borrowed one of my wife's sewing needles and used a toilet-paper roll as a spool to thread the rigging. The kit’s bundle of string will tangle easily; the needle and makeshift spool kept things flowing. Tying knots in the thread proved difficult because they tended to slip; instead I used thin CA to attach the rigging to the airplane. This worked well for the wing rigging wires, the open-truss frame, and the tail section.

The last step for every build is to check the CG. The aircraft balanced perfectly with the battery placed as far forward as possible. I devoted many evenings to the Blériot and intentionally took my time to get it right. When complete, the model looked magnificent on the bench.

At a glance

Specifications

  • Model type: Semiscale ARF
  • Skill level: Intermediate builder; intermediate pilot
  • Wingspan: 51 inches
  • Wing area: 552 square inches
  • Length: 42 inches
  • Weight (kit estimate): 70 ounces
  • Ready-to-fly weight (test model): 69 ounces
  • Power system: 400- to 500-watt brushless outrunner
  • Radio: Four-channel radio; four micro servos
  • Construction: Balsa/plywood
  • Covering/finish: Iron-on Mylar covering
  • Street price: $219.99
  • Propeller: 12 x 6 Master Airscrew (recommended)
  • Radio system used: Spektrum DX7 2.4 GHz DSM2 radio; HobbyKing OrangeRx receiver; four Tactic TSX5 micro high-speed servos
  • Flight duration: 7–15 minutes

Test-model details

  • Power system: Cobra 2826-12 760 Kv brushless outrunner
  • Speed controller: Cobra DL40A+
  • Battery: Turnigy nano-tech 4S 25–50C 3,300 mAh LiPo

Pluses

  • High level of detail and a unique design that attracts attention on and off the airfield.
  • Solid, low-speed performance allows enjoyably long flights using a 4S 3,300 mAh LiPo battery.
  • Scale appearance and in-flight performance make this ARF look convincing in the air.

Minuses

  • Tail-wheel steering can be vague during the takeoff roll due to the control linkage design.
  • Some glue joints (notably the horizontal stabilizer joint) can be slow to fully adhere; allow ample curing time.

Flying

Slipping the recommended four-cell LiPo flight battery into place is easy thanks to the open forward fuselage. I was not satisfied with the single piece of surface-mounted hook-and-loop material provided to hold the battery, so I used a hook-and-loop strap from another aircraft.

Using a 3,300 mAh battery put the Blériot's all-up weight at 4 lb 5 oz, 1 ounce less than Maxford's specified weight. The wing’s leading edge sits even with the firewall, which would normally promote a tail-heavy condition, but the mass of the suspension-equipped main gear negates the need for ballast.

The landing gear’s unique design is styled after the full-scale Blériot. The tail wheel at the aft end classifies the model as a taildragger, but the airplane’s stance is relatively flat and more reminiscent of a tricycle-gear airplane. The large-diameter wheels and springy suspension create a smooth, “Cadillac-like” ride. Ground operations are smooth and it glides over rough runway surfaces; the optional pseudo-spoked wheels help recreate the full-scale look.

On the first attempts to take off I experienced strong left veering as speed built. After several attempts I discovered the tail-wheel control linkages were the culprit. The rudder servo horn connects to the rudder via a long pushrod; another pushrod transfers rudder motion forward to the tail wheel. This assembly has inherent free play and could benefit from being slightly stiffer. To keep the Blériot tracking straight, I found it necessary to roll into the throttle quickly and firmly so the rudder could achieve authority fast enough to control heading — not scale-like, but effective. Builders should consider stiffening the linkage or reducing play where possible.

In the air, the Blériot is a joy to fly if you enjoy mimicking the behavior of a vintage monoplane. The Cobra brushless power system provides slightly more than 500 watts with a Master Airscrew 12 x 6 propeller, but the model cruises happily at half throttle.

Although equipped with ailerons, the Blériot tends to make turns using mostly rudder input. I flew it in conditions ranging from light to gusty winds; it performed most predictably in light winds. The large frontal area and open fuselage contribute to drag, which is exacerbated in higher winds and can make handling less pleasant.

The Blériot’s slow-speed capabilities are impressive. With a modest headwind, it can nearly slow to a walk. Basic aerobatics — rolls, loops, and stall turns — are possible, though I did not push the model aggressively. Landings are beautiful and easy; the Blériot glides in and reconnects with the ground with a light, springy bounce or two. Given its efficiency, 6–7 minute flights often consumed only about 1,000 mAh from the flight battery.

Conclusion

I have always had a keen interest in less-frequently modeled aircraft. Although I’ve flown several Maxford USA models over the years, the Blériot is, without a doubt, my favorite. Some aspects of the assembly were challenging but eminently enjoyable. I was enamored with the completed model’s appearance and even wanted to find an appropriate place in my house to display it between flights — it looks that good.

The fuselage’s open-truss design, complex rigging, and spring-loaded landing gear create a model with a much higher level of detail than a typical ARF. The optional dummy engine, pilot figure, and spoked wheels are icing on the cake.

Although truly scalelike takeoffs are nearly impossible because of the tail-wheel steering linkages, the Maxford Blériot does not disappoint in the air. Superb slow-speed performance lets this model putt around in a scalelike fashion. If you favor scale aircraft and want to own a model that dates back to the infancy of aviation, the Maxford USA Blériot is an enjoyable way to experience that era.

— Robb Wilson [email protected]

Manufacturer / Distributor

Sources

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.