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Aviation History
1913
1913 - 1157.PDF
OCTOBER 25, 1913. A MODEL AEROPLANE FACTORY. [/TIGHT] AN invitation from Messrs. Mann and Grimmer, Ltd., to visit their factory at Arlington Road, Surbiton, Surrey, was readily accepted the other day, as I thought, apart from its own interest, there was promise of some very instructive comparison with the methods and practice employed in works devoted to the turning out of full-sized machines. As, of course, is common knowledge, Messrs. Mann and Grimmer, following the success of their experimental models, have developed them commercially, and for this purpose have organised a factory at the above address, in which all the processes are carried out in a very careful and thorough way. Looking at one of the finished models it hardly seemed possible that such a simple appateil of wire, wood, and silk passed through so many processes and " departments" as it does. Accuracy is an all-important feature, a standard accuracy of ^th of an inch being employed throughout, and the works are equipped with a number of ingenious iigs and position on the j use/age, the latter is laid on a gauge which marks the exact position. Perhaps the most important item that makes for the success of the Mann monoplane is the propeller, which is of Mr. Mann's own design, and its construction is the most difficult job of the whole model. It is first cut to shape from thin birch planks by means of a fret machine, and then smoothed down on carborundum wheels. When smooth, the wire spindle is affixed, and the wood steamed prior to placing in a specially-designed clamp-mould. This, con taining the propeller, is placed in a regulated furnace, thoroughly drying the propeller, which is then impregnated with varnish. It is thus rendered proof against damp, and the blades retain their shape indefinitely. A similar process is carried out in the con struction of the elevators, in which two thicknesses of birch are employed. So far, only the important stages of construction have "HUtu t.opyriKul. THE MANN AND GRIMMER MODEL AEROPLANE WORKS.—1. Erecting machines and building fuselage. 2. Scale model department; a Henry Farman in the making. 3. Constructing the planes, and covering the same with fabric 4. Shaping the propellers. In the centre a view of the staff. formers whereby each part is, so to speak, automatically turned out to a wonderful degree of exactness. The planes, for instance, which are made of a special highly tempered steel wire—not ordinary piano wire—pass through several stages; the outer frame is first made (in halves) to shape in a former. These halves are then put into another former and joined into one, producing the outer frame of correct shape. The frame is next placed into another former in which the ribs are attached and given their correct curvature. The fuselage is made of a very good quality Canadian silver spruce, carefully selected, and each member of the fuselage is not only exact in size, but it is also weighed so that all are of the same weight to within a few grains. They, also, are built up in a series of jigs, thereby ensuring that all are alike. A special glue is employed in joining the members of the fuselage, and the latter, when put together and wire braced, has the planes attached, after which it is sized and varnished. In order that the planes may be fixed in the correct been mentioned, many other jobs having to be completed before the finished model is turned out to be tested by Mr. Mann himself. With all this care and exactness, it is not surprising that nearly every model flies, and flies well, at the first time of asking. In addition to these flying models, a new department has recently been started, for the construction of scale models of any full-sized aeroplane. One of these models, an 80 h.p. Henry Farman, was being constructed on the occasion of my visit, and I was favourably impressed by the fine workmanship and accuracy of detail displayed. This model can be seen in two of the views in the accompanying illustration. There should be a good demand for such models from those who are seeking to educate the public, either through displays in museums or by special exhibitions of models. I also hear that Messrs. Mann and Grimmer are also tackling the question of power-driven models, and have also under consideration the question of building a full-sized machine. "VEE JAY." 1183
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