| Project by Gary | posted 476 days ago | 1936 views | 15 times favorited | 17 comments |  |
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After building the Corsair rocker with gas springs, it became apparent that a less complex design for the base would make it easier to play with for a youngster. I used a P51 specifications to scale a smaller version for designing this rocker. The base allows the “pilot” to safely rock/pitch forward and aft, while also providing tilt to the sides and quartering angles. This plane was proof-tested at our preschool by a group of energetic 3 and 4 year olds. Adults were nearby to supervise and no mishaps were reported, only a great deal of fun.
I learned a lot in building this first P51 and applied that knowledge to a second one that I sold, and to future airplane rockers.
These planes are made from plywood and 2 by lumber with PVC pipe for the T-handle. The length is 66” with a wingspan of 72” and weighs about 40-45 pounds with the base.
-- Gary - just N of Great Falls, MT
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17 comments so far
greyspider
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25 posts in 1095 days
#1 posted 476 days ago
Man that’s cool !! That’s my favorite aircraft. I’ll bet she’s the envy of the flight line.
Thanks for posting
airfieldman
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154 posts in 1982 days
#2 posted 476 days ago
Flight line? I’ve been looking for some, to hoist a bucket of prop wash.
I like the theme you’ve got going here! You’ve even got a wind sock on the play gym…very cool!
-- Measure with a micrometer, mark with a crayon, cut it with a chainsaw.
HawkDriver
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452 posts in 804 days
#3 posted 476 days ago
AWESOME!!!
-- Patrick, Helicopters don't fly. They beat the air into submission.
a1Jim
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87312 posts in 1748 days
#4 posted 476 days ago
Wow Gary you have a whole squadron of rocker planes a fantastic job again.
-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/
Todd23
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1007 posts in 677 days
#5 posted 476 days ago
FANTASTIC!!! You sure have good taste in vintage WWII aircraft!!!!!!!
-- Todd http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid6255915
Eric_S
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1522 posts in 1367 days
#6 posted 476 days ago
Gary, that is COOL!
-- - Eric Indianapolis, IN
HuFlungoo
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6 posts in 476 days
#7 posted 476 days ago
Is carnival time in back of yard. Good for children. Happy times.
-- Simple Rules of Game: Smack the Donkey until he breaks.
Woodbridge
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1545 posts in 589 days
#8 posted 476 days ago
Wow another very cool rocker. You don’t happen to have a Spitfire version?
-- Peter, Woodbridge, Ontario
taoist
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86 posts in 662 days
#9 posted 476 days ago
Excellent craftsmanship…especially scaling them down. The F4U wings are perfect to my eye. Thanks for sharing.
Gary
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19 posts in 477 days
#10 posted 476 days ago
As a newbie to LJ, I appreciate all the positive feedback. Thanks for all the compliments and comments! The woodwork I’ve seen on this site is astonishing and is a testament to an incredible peer group of members.
I do have a few more projects to share, including a couple more airplane rockers. I haven’t built a Spitfire, yet, but would more than love to if I have a delivery customer. My flightline is limited for keeping an inventory.
:o)
Thanks!
Gary
-- Gary - just N of Great Falls, MT
jjw5858
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988 posts in 773 days
#11 posted 476 days ago
This is just a great project….wonderful job on it.
-- "Make something you love tomorrow...and do it slowly" JLB
Richard
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503 posts in 862 days
#12 posted 475 days ago
Gary, These are way cool for the kids. Next up a P38 .
lew
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8986 posts in 1927 days
#13 posted 475 days ago
Wow, I like it! The 4-way rocker is really neat!
Lew
-- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!
woodshaver
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2004 posts in 1524 days
#14 posted 475 days ago
Ok where is the airport ? I know you have one if not you need one!!! Oh NO! My childhood imagination is coming back to me!
Very nice work indeed!
-- Tony C , My high school shop teacher said "You can do it"... Now I can't stop!
ElmoSr
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225 posts in 1198 days
#15 posted 475 days ago
i have to build one of these sure hope i can get it correct,,very nice love it
-- ElmoSr,Ga. Life is Hard by the Yard,,,But a Cinch by the Inch
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