1/72 Burrito Biplane

[Brian da Basher]

In 1930 the Mexican Air Force was in poor shape, most of its aircraft were still W.W. I surplus and the entire fleet was in need of modernization. Unfortunately, the collapse of the Gordita market coming on the heels of the Great Depression meant that money was extremely tight. Luckily, the small firm of Enchilada Ingeniería de Aero under the direction of Senior Designer Jose Cuervo came to the rescue. Taking one of the remaining surplus Sopwith Camel airframes, he re-designed it, using an aluminum tubular framework. The tail was also reworked to have less drag and offer more manoeverability. He also added an uprated engine loosely based on the Clerget rotary and enhanced the overall aerodynamics by adding a prop spinner, headrest fairing and totally cool spats. The new engine was officially called the Chihuaha but was affectionately known by its mechanics as the Pinata, being very lightweight yet full of "surprises". The new aircraft exceeded all design specifications, and was a delight to the (Mexican jumping) bean counters since it was so cost-effective. Orders were immediately placed for two squadrons of the new Burrito Biplanes and an additional three squadrons were eventually ordered. The aircraft pictured here was the personal mount of Major Ramon "Babaloo" Perez, commander of the 417th Pursuit Unit also known as "Montezuma's Revenge". The Burrito Biplane served for many years until replaced by newer types at the outbreak of W.W. II and old #84 now resides in the Republica de Mexico Mueum de la Ciencia in Guadalupe.

1st of 6 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

Some of you may remember my Alamo from the Airfix GB a while back. Well, someone asked why the Alamo would need a tail gunner and I made up an off-the-cuff story about Mexican bandits flying Burrito Biplanes. Little did I know that bit of C.Y.A. would have such far-reaching implications and inspire yet another week-long project.

2nd of 6 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

The base kit I used for this project is the 1/72 Revell Sopwith Camel. Having built a few of these over the years, there were no surprises, only a lot of room for whiffery! I decided to keep this build relatively simple and decided first to swap out the rudder, using the spare one from an Eduard Albatross D II. Then I decided to "enhance" the struts by adding cross-members (I was really trying to save on rigging). Lastly, I added a headrest made from 1/4 of a drop tank, a prop spinner made from the tip of another drop tank and add a windscreen and, of course, spats!

Did I mention that I love spats?

3rd of 6 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

The entire model is hand painted using acrylics. I used Testor's Olive Drab on the cowling, spinner and the spats, Testors Tan on most of the wings and fuse, and Model Masters Dark Earth for the area around the cockpit, and Polly Scale Light Olive for the camo blotches. The outlines on those blotches were a mix of Polly Scale Light Olive and French Beige. The guns (to which I added barrels) and the engine were painted Tamiya Gunmetal. The prop and struts were painted with Model Masters Rust and I used Tamiya Buff for the laminate stripes on the prop.

4th of 6 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

The tailstripes were also painted by hand. I used Model Masters Euro Green, Testor's White and Polly Scale Red. The tires were painted with Mars Black Artists Acrylics and I used Polly-Scale French Beige for the undersides. I really think that French Beige is a nice way to capture the look of clear doped linen. Speaking of the undersides, here's a shot that highlights them nicely.

5th of 6 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

The decals were from my collection of spares. I used .009 steel guitar strings and Elmer's Glue for the rigging. Using a pair of nippers, I cut the strings to length and then carefully placed them on small dots of glue I'd already dabbed on appropriate parts of the model. This is by far the easiest rigging method I've used yet and highly reccomend it to anyone who's thinking of tackling a rigged aircraft. Here's a shot that shows of the rigging. I hope you folks enjoyed my little build as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

6th of 6 pics.

Brian da Basher

[B777LR]

It has spats! (how could i guess!)

[K5054NZ]

Excellent! I haven't seen many Mexican AF aircraft..............another fine job! I'[m so happy to see you posting (and building) regularly, it's great to see your creativity in overdrive.

So what's next for the Spatmaster? A biplane F-22 with spats and twin radials? A Rolls-Royce Merlin powered O/400? A monoplane Vickers Vimy?


BTW Lana says you deserve a customised member title.

[The Rat]

Another gem Brian!

Wife and I had spats yesterday, but we still slept together.

[Brian da Basher]

Excellent! I haven't seen many Mexican AF aircraft..............another fine job! I'[m so happy to see you posting (and building) regularly, it's great to see your creativity in overdrive.

So what's next for the Spatmaster? A biplane F-22 with spats and twin radials? A Rolls-Royce Merlin powered O/400? A monoplane Vickers Vimy?


BTW Lana says you deserve a customised member title.

I'm not sure what's next as it's a short week due to the holiday and I'll be away Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Thank Lana for me Zac, but around here, the less said about a member title, the better.

Thanks for the kind words gents! Your encouragement keeps me at this madness.

Brian da Basher

[Captain Canada]

Burrito Supreme !

...and I'll take a side of cheesy fries and a coke as well.

Great stuff, BdB !

[ysi_maniac]

I like the backstory, the paintjob, the spats (of course). I like your model          

[wolfik]

after seeing that must go and buy a burito....
good work!

[philp]

Hmmm... that kit looks familiar.
Nice job Brian.  Good to see you can still do a (semi) normal build.
And what Zac said about the O 400, little does he know...

[Chap]

Brian, another spatted work of art. She looks fantastic!

~Steve