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Aviation History
1916
1916 - 0218.PDF
f/PGHT MARCH 16, 1916. EDDIES IT was quite like old times up at Hendon the other day, when, on hearing the hum of a Gnome, I looked up and saw gliding along majestically one of the old type Short pushers with the little funny front elevator that suggests that it has only been put there to give the pilot something to look at, being not much larger than the invitation cards sported by some nouveaux riches. If I am not greatly mistaken the last time I saw one of these 'buses up Hendon way was away back before the war, when, one windy day, Gordon Bell arrived from East- church and, leaving the machine at rest by No. r pilon, adjourned to the pavilion for tea. During his absence the wind got under the wings of the lightly loaded Short and started it up for a brief " joy ride " on its own, from which it ended by landing on its back. However, the illusion did not last long, for presently the hum—or should it be hums—of two Anzani engines was heard, and one of the twin-motored Caudrons sped across the ground amid a spray of water with a distinctly muddy appearance, hopped off the ground and was soon lost to view in the distance. Starting off from a ground in a state like that in which Hendon finds itself at present is no mean test for a hefty machine like the twin-engine Caudron. Although the tracks made by the wheels were inches deep for the first part of the run until the wings began to take part of the load, the Caudron did not appear to experience any difficulty in getting away. The run along the ground was, perhaps, a little longer than usual, that was all. But then it should be stated that the man at the wheel was Rene" Desoutter, who is a past master in the art of handling these particular planes. x x x While on my way back from the aerodrome I passed by the old Caudron works at Hendon, and although a sign over the gates proclaimed to everybody interested that the premises were to let, my ear caught the familiar sound of saws cutting their way through wooden planks. On information bent, I ventured inside, and there found Mr. E. Baumann, who was hard at work erecting a school 'bus, which looked as if it was practically ready to go down to the aerodrome and commence its career at the Ruffy-Baumann school. So it came about that I learnt who had taken over the one-time Caudron works. In the future all the " R.-B." wood work as well as erecting will be done there, while the various metal fittings will for the present still be made at Kendall Mews. The premises, although being of a rather dis connected character, provide quite a lot of room for con struction, so that the making of spare parts as well as finished machines should progress at a very satisfactory rate. xxx Mr. Sykes, one of the instructors at the L. and P. school, had a somewhat unpleasant experience the other day when out for a spin in rather gusty weather. He had just turned down wind somewhere in the neighbourhood of the Hall sheds when his propeller got impatient and left the machine behind, persuading quite a fair number of the internal parts of the engine to keep it company. This dissolution of a working arrangement was accom panied by much noise, and at first Sykes did not know what had happened. He looked around to see, as he put it, " Whether his tail was still following him," and having satisfied himself on this point he got her nose down and made a beautiful landing, although, according to the onlookers, coming down wind at a rate that was reminiscent of a de Havilland scout. As a test of a pilot's nerve the incident was not without value, and Sykes says that he does not in the least regret the experi ence. xxx Welding is a job that requires such care and skill if the result is to be satisfactory, that one would not imagine BROOKLA.NDS AERODROME UNDER SNOW.—During the recent deluge of winter snow, plenty of exercise has been available during the luncheon interval by friendly contest between the mechanics who are putting in such a strenuous time In the various works there. A couple of snaps above, by Mr. R. N. Stephenson, give an Idea of the general melee In operation. 218
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