Farman 224 "Le Centaure II" by Ingenia

[Rata]

I like your taste in the unusual Rob. Flawless build so far.

Regards, Garry G.

[papermodelfan]

Nothing like a two year gap! I did finish the construction, replacing a failing camera so I do have better pictures. I'll go ahead with the construction report now. This model has some endearing traits. It is carefully engineered, with good fit and robust design, interiors and moving parts, but it has a toylike quality as well. The cockpit details are minimal (I suspect the designer never sat in one), and there are dotted fold lines, visible tab boxes and and other guides to the builder that put ease of building above verisimilitude. I decided to build it with detachable wing tips, for ease in transport.


The landing gear go in a transverse box fame, that I strengthened. They retract, though there is nothing to hold them in place either up or down (I used a straight pin, for now). Here is the forward cabin (first class, with a little bar) and cockpit enclosed, an the aft cabin interior attached.

[Rata]

Good to see the production lines up and running again Rob.

According to this link the F-224 was rejected by Air France on safety grounds: it's inability to keep flying if one of the engines failed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6grevNQCpno

Your last post also made me look up the word 'verisimilitude'.

[papermodelfan]

Now to build the wing's center section. This has to be installed before you can glue on the skin ofteh rear fuselage. I strengthened the ceiling of the aft cabin to make a sturdy base for the wing. Then a few peeks at the interior, including the pilot's cabin - two rudimentary seats and a drawing of two big wheels, and a shot through a side window at the bar in the first class cabin. How wonderfully gallic. The champagne is already iced down - let the good times roll!

[papermodelfan]

Now the center wing section is installed, and the rear of the fuselage is skinned. The fit underneath is pretty good. The end of the wing is a rib section - to be glued but to butt with the same rib section on the wing tip. Having all the parts labeled (in French) is almost like having a little conversation with the original designer. So much more interesting than "Tab A" or "X marks the spot". The double ended motor nacelle is built like an old breadbox, covering the retracted wheel, with cowlings fore and aft.

[papermodelfan]

Then you can attach the cowlings (only a dark circle for the actual motor - one of many ways that this model could be easily dressed up). the wing struts cried out for bass woodstrip reinforcement. They go out to the end of the center section of the wing. The little tail wheel is minimal, and is next to the signature of the designer, E. A. Schefer (mid 1930's). A view form below, of the port engine nacelle.

[papermodelfan]

Now all motored up, with all the struts in place (which took a bit of trimming). The empennage is simple, though all struts seem to be present and accounted for. Finally - everything but the minimally representative props, and the wingtips. It is a big beast, and the color scheme is a bit dull, but there is a certain 4 motored magnificence to it as well. And it is trying very hard to be a monoplane.

[papermodelfan]

Here it is in finished form. It really is a child's model in simplicity, but offers some challenge and satisfaction. The original prototype flew May 26, 1932, and Air France ultimately operated a fleet of 5. Most of the production went into bomber versions. It is odd and ugly, but I have never seen a paper model of it otherwise, nor in any other medium.

Sorry for the 2 year gap - family matters intruded. I hope you enjoy this one. If so, I have other Ingenia preWW2 aircraft to share.

[Rubenandres77]

That's really lovely!
Thanks for sharing the process of this unusual kit of an uncommon plane.
Looks really charming.

[YOAVHOZMI]

it came out very nice.

YOAV