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Aviation History
1911
1911 - 0051.PDF
JANUARY 21, 1911. Conisborough and District Model Ae. Soc. (18, CHURCH ST.). THE benches have been put up, the workshop is now in full swing, and there is a supply of tools including practically everything used in model making, for the use of members. The glider has been started, but the work at present chiefly consists in rounding the spars, &c, to stream line form. It has been decided to give a prize every month for the longest flight by a model, officially observed, during the month. On Monday, 23rd inst., at 8 p.m., a lecture will be given entitled " Aviation, its Performances and Prospects," by the Secretary to the Conisborough Literary and Debating Society. Mr. W. W. Norwood has kindly placed at the disposal of the club one of his large fields for the monthly compeiitions, and flying will take place every Saturday, weather permitting. Kite and Model Aeroplane Assoc. (27,VICTORYRD., WIMBLEDON) ON Monday, January 9th, at the offices of the Aeronautical Society, Mr. V. E. Johnson, M.A., lectured on the subject of the gyroscopic control of aeroplanes. By means of models and lantern slides Mr. Johnson explained some experiments he had made with a view to maintaining the stability of an aeroplane by gyroscopic control. As far as he was concerned, he said, he had completed his experiments, but if he were a rich man he would try the system on a full-sized machine. Properly made by a qualified engineer, and worked out on a scientific basis, he did not see why it should not be a success. Major B. Baden-Powell, who presided, said they might control an aeroplane so as to prevent its rolling, pitching, or dipping, yet they had to remember that in the navigation of the air they continually required the aeroplane to do those very actions. They often wanted to tilt up or turn a little to one side in turning a corner. Although the gyroscope might keep the aeroplane on an even keel, yet they had got to make some arrangements so that when they wished to alter that evenness the gyroscope would not prevent it. After a discussion and many questions had been answered, the chairman proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Johnson for his able lectures. Any readers of FLIGHT wishing to attend Mr. S. F. Cody's lecture, entitled " From Kites to Aeroplanes," which will be given at the Imperial Institute on Thursday, February 9th, at 8 p.m., should write to Mr. W. H. Akehurst, who will be pleased to forward tickets (which are free). The President, Major B. Baden-Powell, will preside. Midland Aero Club (GRAND HOTEL, BIRMINGHAM). THERE should be a large attendance of members at the meeting to be held on the 24th inst. at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, [/UGHT] lfe*LJk39flll -^r? 1*7$ 2*-\ fUWt j | , .- ^J&" j ftjte^ 3 S5* • £&tB|; Group of the members of the Birmingham Aero Club, taken on the occasion of the model competition at Edgbaston Reservoir on December 27th. Dr. J. Ratcliff, President of the Club, is seen in the middle of the group, while on the extreme right is Mr. Noble, of Wolverhampton, who claims to be the champion flyer of models in the Midlands. when a lecture, illustrated by limelight views, on the subject ot " Competitions for Aeroplanes—their Past, l'resent and Future," will be given by Mr. H. Massac Buist. Mr. Buist has had a unique experience in that he has attended practically all the important flying meetings, and his observations are bound to be vastly interesting. Olton and District Model Aeroplane Club. IN order to band the large number of model aeroplane makers in the Olton district together, the above club has been formed and promises to have quite a successful career. Already a workshop has been obtained, and is in fact in full swing. Full particulars can be obtained from Mr. V. L. Thompson, St. Elmo, St. Bernard's Road, Olton. "RUB-METAL" SHOCK ABSORBERS. ONE of the most important constructional details in connection with aeroplanes is the shock absorber, for although this part only comes into action when the machine is on the ground, or when landing, a nasty smash is not improbable should it fail to act. If rubber be employed much depends on its quality ; and it is essential that it should be capable of withstanding fairly heavy strains and shocks. Almagam, Ltd., have put on the market a new shock absorber, made of a patented material named "Rub-Metal," this apparently possessing all the advantages of rubber, but having greater strength and lasting properties. " Rub- Metal" iscomposed of a combination of metallic salts and gums, amalga mated with pure Para rubber in certain proportions, according to the resiliency required. The accompanying sketch shows one of these " Rub-Metal " shock absorbers applied to a Farman type landing chassis. It will be noticed that instead of having a series of single bands side by side there are three bands, one within the other. Considerable additional strength is thus obtained. Among the many claims made for "Rub-Metal" over ordinary rubber and gutta-percha is ability to withstand greater extremes of heat and cold. It is also non-adhesive, and is proof against any deleterious actions of oils or acids, this latter feature making it possible to employ " Rub-Metal" for flexible tubing for use with petrol and lubricating oil. In fact, the firm in question supply various sizes of " Rub-Metal " tubing for this very purpose, and we learn that it is being used with success on several aeroplanes now Sketch showing a "Rub- Metal " shock - absorber applied to a Farman'type landing chassis. AIRSHIP AND BAILLOOH NEWS. A Miniature Dirigible. THE German military authorities are watching with interest the construction of a miniature non-rigid dirigible which is being built to the design of a Swedish engineer, Forszmann, at the Riedinger balloon works at Gersthofen, close to Augsburg. The envelope is 37 metres long, 6 metres in diameter, and has a cubic capacity of 800 metres. Its total weight is said to be 450 kilogs., and the car, which weighs 17 kilogs., is made of steel tubing. It carries a 24-h.p. motor, weighing 38 kilogs. It is being built for the Russian military authorities. The inventor is said to have got his plans ready for a similar airship, but with a capacity of only 600 cubic metres. Fate of Missing Balloonists. LIGHT has now been thrown upon the mysterious disappearance ot the two aeronauts Kohrs and Keidel, who left Berlin on the 29th of December in the balloon " Hildebrandt" and were not afterwards heard of. Wreckage of the balloon was found this week submerged beneath the half-frozen surface of a lonely lake near Wilderbruch in Southern Pomerania. The lake is in a very desolate part of the country, but it was noticed some days ago that there was a peculiar formation of the snow over the lake. When this melted away it was seen that the remains of a balloon lay below it. As soon as access could be obtained to the spot it was found that both the aeronauts were still in the car, where they had apparently met their death through exposure. The balloon had obviously been brought down by use of the ripping-cord, and it is supposed that in the darkness they mistook the frozen lake for a meadow, and owing to the breaking of the ice by the basket they were unable to make any effective effort to reach the shore, although it was only some 20 yards away. 53
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