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Aviation History
1911
1911 - 1045.PDF
DECEMBER 2, 1911. the evening. Each member was allowed to mount a box alongside the pilot's seat, and examine the various controls, &c, inside the body. After Mr. Blackburn hid explained several points about the machine, the visitors passed on to a single-seater monoplane, with travel-stained and signature-covered appearance, this being the identical machine used by Mr. B. C. Hucks on his missionary tour. Next came the room set aside solely for the manufacture of the well- k&own Blackburn propeller, and the ones in stock, for the various types of engines, proved very interesting to examine. The motor enthusiast had full opportunity to gain a little more knowledge, for three engines could be seen, viz., 1-50-h.p. Gnome, 1-50 to 60-h.p. Green, and 1-30-h.p. Green. Mr. Blackburn most generously proffered to lend his 50 to 60. h. p. Green to any member desirous of testing its capabilities on an inch scale model, but there are doubts as to the offer being taken up. Many were the comments made upon the neatness and soundness of the construction of the Blackburn machine, the representative of Yorkshire, lrom which so much is confidently expected. The members all joined in thanking Mr. Blackburn for a most enjoyable and instructive evening. Bristol Model Flying (3, ROYAL YORK CRESCENT, CLIFTON). A MODEL flying meeting was held on the Downs on Saturday last. Models of Messrs. Edgar and Smallcombe flew about 1,000 ft. One 15-inch Smallcombe made nearly a J mile, and was then lost to view over sea walls. ® ® SCHOOL AERO CLUB NOTES. By ROBERT P. GRIMMER, General Secretary, British Federation of School Aero Clubs. THE holidays are now rapidly approaching, and I hope our members will devote as much time as possible during that period to the greatest of all sports—model aeroplane flying. December and January are the ideal months for this, the annoying heat remous of the summer months are absent, our commons and open spaces are far less crowded with inquisitive spectators, the models no longer disappear from sight in a tangle of vegetation, and, moreover, one avoids the exhaustion and fatigue consequent on the sprinting of numerous half-miles in chase of long-distance machines under the fierce rays of a broiling sun. There is no question as to winter being the time far excellence for model flying, which is one of the few outdoor sports that one can indulge in at this period without feeling cold. Well, in a fortnight the holidays will be here, and it behoves our members to consider the purchasing or building of models for this joyous period. If the aeromodelist has had some considerable previous experience, he has two courses open, (1) to buy materials for constructing a machine of his own design, or (2) to invest in a parcel of materials for building some standard and successful machine which has already an established reputation as a real flyer. If, on the other hand, the aeromodtlist is more or less of a beginner, he would do well to purchase a machine of sound reputation, and one which he knows for a fact to have won prizes in public competitions. At the present time the aero-model market is flooded with cheap German-made models. In reference to my recent remarks with regard to cheap models and accessories, I have received quite a number of letters from those of our members who have been " had " by the Teutonic product, and I could quote cases where fellows were so disappointed that they assumed that all models were of the same category, and forthwith discontinued the sport. Two or three firms are great offenders in this matter of rubbishy accessories, and although for obvious reasons I can say nothing further myself I shall be very pleased to put any of our members who desire it into communication with other members who have been grievously victimised. Quite apart from this question of quality, it seems highly desirable that British school boys should purchase British products in preference to encouraging the foreigner at the expense of their own countrymen. Prominent among the schools which take a serious interest in aviation is Highgate Grammar School, and the Headmaster, Mr. J. A. H. Johnston, B.A., D.Sc, is worthy of the utmost credit for the liberal attitude he is adopting with regard to aeronautics. I am delivering a lantern lecture on " Aviation and the Aero Model" before the members of this school on Friday, the 15th, inst., at 4.0 p.m., at which some unique miniature flying- models will be exhibited. I can make arrangements for any of our members who desire it to attend this lecture if they care to communicate with me at 15, Arlington Road, Surbiton. In reference to a compositor's error in the last instalment of " School A^ro Club Notes," it was not a hare that was struck by the " projectiloplane " on Wimbledon Common but a horse. Still, I doubt if even a hare could outstrip some of thtse dangerous instruments that have come under my observation during this last season. The next flying meeting is on the Downs to-day (Saturday), at 3.15 p.m. The first meeting of the Bristol Aeronautical Society will take place at No. 16, Berkeley Square, Upper Byron Place entrance, Clifton, on Wednesday, December 6th, at 7 30 p.m. All interested in flying are welcome, and are invited to bring models, drawings, &&, with them. No one will be under any obligation to join. SCHOOL AERO CLUBS. Arundel House School Ae.C. (15, ARLINGTON ROAD, SURBITON) ON Saturday, the 25th ult.,Mr. R. F. Mann, who remains an honorary member of the club, flying a standard Mann monoplane, at Mitcham Common, made a straight flight of just over 1,400 yds., or considerably more than three-quarters of a mile. Ilford County High School Model Ae.C. (83. KNDSLKIGH GDNS.). A MEETING of the above club was held on November 21st, when about fifty members were present. Mr. Silver kindly accepted the presidency, and B. Fitzsimons was unanimously elected secretary. A committee consists of Masters Potter, White, Cawthorn, Fozzard, Nicholls, Mees, and Mr. Silva and secretary. The club, through the secretary, will be very pleased to receive lists of accessories Irom dealers. ® ® AIRSHIP NEWS. Speed Trials with " Sells de Beauchamp." ON Monday the Lebaudy dirigible, " Selle de Beauchamp," was put through its official speed trials, and twice covered a course, of which the points were Moisson, Rosny, Mantes, Limay, and Moisson, the time taken being two hours. Although the aggregate speed was not announced, it was stated this exceeded by 9 kiloms. the stipulated minimum. The airship was under the command of M. Leon Berthie. "Ville de Bruxelles "Again at Work. HAVING been re-inflated after a long period of rest the " Ville de Bruxelles " was cruising over the Belgian capital for a little over an hour on Sunday afternoon, and during that time it was steered above the royal carriages carrying the King and Queen to the Patronal festival at the Cathedral. It subsequently returned to its shed at Etterbeck. "Adjudant Vincenot" Out Again. DI/RING the morning of the 21st ult. the dirigible " Adjudant Vincenot " made a lengthy voyage of the neighbourhood of Nancy, and had a good testing, as, in addition to the rain, there was a stift breeze blowing all the time. "Z2" Back at Cologne. THE modifications to the new Zeppelin military dirigible having proved satisfactory during an hour's flight over Lake Con stance on the 21st ult., the airship set out on the morning of the 23rd to return to its headquarters at Cologne. Friedrichschafen was left at 7.30, and after passing Ulm at 9.45, Stuttgart at 10.15, Mannhein at 11.40, Mayence at 12.45, Bingen at 1.15, Coblentz at I.45, the airship arrived at Cologne at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Major Neumann was in command, assisted by Capt. Schoof and Engineer Ebrsbach. After a preliminary cruise of half an hour on the 25th it went to Dueren and back, a 2\ hour trip. On the 21st "Zl" was out at Melz for over an hour, preparing for a voyage to Cologne. "Schwaben " Goes to Baden-Baden. WITH a crew of 13 and 4 passengers, together with provisions for 20 hours, the Zeppelin liner " Schwaben " left Johannisthal on the 22nd ult., to return to Baden-Baden. Berlin was left at 6.45, and Liepzig reached at 9.42. Going on, the airship passed Apolda at 10.50 and Erfurt at 11.20, and reached Gotha at mid-day. There, in view of the rain which was falling, it was decided to seek the shelter of the airship harbour. The journey was resumed on Monday last, Gotha being left at 9.15, and after passing Eisenach at 9.45, Heidelberg at 2.8, and Carlsrue at 3.10, the dirigible landed safely at Baden-Baden at 4 o'clock. " M 2 » at Bensberg. ON the 25th ult. the Gross military dirigible " M 2" went from Cologne to Bensberg, where it was examined by the officers at the military school. While there a despatch was ltceived ordering an immediate return. The airship started back ».nd was at Cologne in ten minutes under the hour. IO47
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