This instructable will detail how to make a small airplane bicycle trailer. I make these for sale, but am glad if other people try their hand at it. I make a plane, train, tank, taxi and tractor version of these. My son loves this particular trailer (it was my first) and I bet your child will love it as well. It is real simple - just knowing how someone else did it may make your day easier.
For some reason, when I edit this, it will not let me embed video - so here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BdvfXduUso to my son riding down the driveway in tow.
For some reason, when I edit this, it will not let me embed video - so here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BdvfXduUso to my son riding down the driveway in tow.
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Signing UpStep 1: Find Materials (aka The Three Lives of Pine Boards)
Your first step in this process is to procure what you will need for the plane. My main materials came from a bookshelf that I took down in one of our rooms. I began this project to submit it for the instructable contest where something is used for another purpose - and as you can see I didn't make that deadline.
Below is a list of what I used to make the little plane:
1. 1x12 pine boards (I used a handful of 30 inch long ones and two 10 feet long ones)
2. 2 wheels from Northern Tool
3. small brads (1 inch)
4. small screws (3/4 inch)
5. one L bracket (4 inch)
6. two 5 gallon buckets with lids (you really only need two lids - I just used this project to justify buying two more buckets).
7. one length of 2 inch conduit
8. assorted switches and an old alarm clock.
9. a one foot diameter concrete tube (or a compass...)
In regard to number 1 - the bookcase I had to take down had shelves thirty inches wide across and twelve inches deep - these dimensions influenced the dimensions of the plane because I didn't want to purchase any other materials.
Below is a list of what I used to make the little plane:
1. 1x12 pine boards (I used a handful of 30 inch long ones and two 10 feet long ones)
2. 2 wheels from Northern Tool
3. small brads (1 inch)
4. small screws (3/4 inch)
5. one L bracket (4 inch)
6. two 5 gallon buckets with lids (you really only need two lids - I just used this project to justify buying two more buckets).
7. one length of 2 inch conduit
8. assorted switches and an old alarm clock.
9. a one foot diameter concrete tube (or a compass...)
In regard to number 1 - the bookcase I had to take down had shelves thirty inches wide across and twelve inches deep - these dimensions influenced the dimensions of the plane because I didn't want to purchase any other materials.
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I read a comment about safety and before I read it I was thinking that maybe adding a roll cage around the cockpit making it look like windows and maybe adding plexiglass on it. That and a seat belt should make it a little safer in the case it will flip over. Just a thought incase someone desides to build one. I like to think of safety when it come to making things for kids. Just a thought I had!
This is a great instructable build. Makes me want to go and build one!
That propeller would be so cool if it rotate with the air when in motion.. =) Great choice of color too.. It reminds me of the Red Baron Biplane! So cool...
Since you are selling them, what type of safety regulations do you have to abide by? I know about the harness, reflectors, fail-safe on the hitch.. but if there are any docs or sites you could recommend i would appreciate it. police can be pretty anal around here. i'd like to make sure it's safe and legal.
Thanks
Although, if the kid's in a Red Baron plane, he'll top everyone!
Looks so funny for ride in the park !
Bytheway i live in Greece, could you send me a link of the store for these wheels. Here is hard to find except bikycle wheels but are heavy.
If you added a pair of paint ball guns on the wings (restricted from shooting the towing bike of course) you could teach the neighborhood bully a real lesson (just kidding - I especially like the dashboard)
When your son outgrows the trailer, you can use it to tow a cooler to picnics!!!
Cheers and happy towing.
- tmherrin
However, I should note that Manfred von Richthofen flew a triplane:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RoteBaron.JPG
Therefore, you need to add a third wing on top for authenticity and awesomeness :)
I would make one small addition - a bicycle safety flag - mounted on the tail. Many areas require a passenger trailer to have a pennant of some sort at a car driver's eye level for safety.
Again, awesome work!
Two little suggestions... One, maybe you should put a fender on your back bike wheel so you don't kick a rock in little-man's face. Two, I think the hitch should have some kind of break-away in case you fall over on the bike.
Other than that, I think you're on to a GREAT idea...!
Thanks for all of the instructions, including 'errors in the making'. (I would have thought that dry erase would come off of paint, too). Wasn't sure what the photo of the car was, but later learned of your constructive use of vehicle weight for pipe bending.
Well done!
Great job!