Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by antique aircraft, and the Sopwith Camel embodies everything I love about them. So imagine my delight when I learned that LEGO is about to release this badass version of World War I’s most successful fighter.
The 883 piece set introduces a number of new pieces and is intricately detailed, from a spinning propeller and rotary engine right down to functional control surfaces linked with string to the control stick. As a purist, I’m a little bummed that they didn’t add the signature 5 degrees of dihedral to the lower wing panels, but all in all it’s an awesome representation of the machine.
The LEGO Camel is slated for release in June at $100. A mini version will also be released around the same time. Check out a demo video and some additional pics after the break.
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A Chinese student built this impressive transformer that actually morphs into an airplane. Details on the project are scarce, but you can check out a series of photos after the break.
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The idea of an airplane landing on a perch like a bird is an interesting one, and researchers at MIT have begun studying the possibility, producing a foam glider with a single motor on its tail that can land on a wire. They are currently looking at incorporating the idea into robotic aircraft, with the goal of increasing their maneuverability and possibly allowing them “to recharge their batteries simply by alighting on power lines”.
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Some genius decided that airplanes had the perfect shape to hang shirts and coats from. Combine that with the similarities between the words hangar and hanger and you also have a delicious play on words. The only problem is that these aren’t available as actual products; they were instead designed as a tribute to the closing of the Tempelhof Airport in Berlin. Either way, I bet Douglas didn’t see this coming when they designed the DC-3.
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Apparently building radio-controlled model airplanes isn’t just about having a fun hobby; it’s also about bombing shit. This plug-n-play system includes a 1:6 scale, 103 gram bomb that operates using a servo wire connected to a spare channel on your radio. It also splits in half in order to carry virtually any payload you wish and comes complete with an impact protector and a bomb release pod that ensures a positive release every time. Why do I get the feeling these things will be horribly misused?
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The Airplane Jumper Pendulum Wall Clock has a unique design with the parachutist being the pendulum and the rotating prop area as the clock. I certainly hope that biplane is a two seater or that plane is now flying itself. Made of hand painted resin.
Product Page ($59)
Yeah, you could have been a fighter pilot, but why go through all that training when you can simply look the part by grabbing this ejection stool made from an original F-4 Phantom bucket seat and buddying up to the bar with beer and tales of things that never were? If you handle yourself well enough, the rush of Gs caused by the B.S. factor of your stories won’t hit until you end the night by passing out and wetting yourself. An additional design is pictured after the break.
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I’m sure this is what the manufacturer of Continental radial engines had in mind when they designed and built these in the 30′s. Rather than powering an antique aircraft, this “pristinely restored ” engine is now available as a limited edition coffee table and conversation piece for your home, office or hangar with a nicely polished splined propeller shaft as your centerpiece. A limited edition stripped down Jacobs radial engine is also available with exposed pistons and crankshaft. A photo is available after the break.
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Even though the F-117 Nighthawk has been retired, you can still pick up this giant 50″ x 61″ x 10″ model and display one of the coolest designs in aviation history. And, like most model enthusiasts, you’ll probably have to fight the urge to play with it like a child; pretending to launch little missiles while making obnoxious engine and explosion noises. Other aircraft models are also available, from the Fokker Triplane to the F-16. Additional photos are available after the break.
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Think of all the fond memories of previous flights you have had. Missed connections, cancelled flights and trying to sleep in a sitting position. So of course you want to remind yourself of all that. You already have the pictures to remember your activities once at your destination, but not enough people celebrate the journey from hell that each normally feels like. It is even way overpriced to remind you of the fares you got as well.
Product Page ($1500)
