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Aviation History
1925
1925 - 0738.PDF
NOVEMBER ft, 1925 CORRESPONDENCE The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by correspondents The names and addresses of the writers, not necessarily for publication, must in all cases accompany letters intended for insertion in these columns. MODEL FLYING[2099] I have wondered many times recently why model building and flying has dropped out so much since the war,or, to be exact, about 1916, when most of us were on other work and in H.M. Forces. Prior to this year, model flyingwas really developing to a wonderful degree, particularly in the way of power models, C.A. and steam ; then, just atthe critical stage, everybody seems to fall to the background (not their own laxity I know), and here I would like to askwhere are these gentlemen now ? Are they still model building ? Mr. Slatter, Mr. Houlberry, Mr. Louch, Mr. Bond,Mr. Dutton, and Mr. Pavely, Mr. Holman, Mr. V. E. Johnson, and many others that made history with models and articlesin FLIGHT. In Liverpool here we were all dispersed in war-time, and now I am making a great effort (with Mr. Kilshaw's aid) to re-start a club in the spring of next year, by lookingup the old members, and making an initial start, when we hope to increase the membership. Our aims will be thesame as in pre-war days, except perhaps a little more ambitious—the scientific side of model flying and design,kite flying, and I hope I shall not appear over-enthusiastic, but in the not too distant future—gliding. The best flightswitnessed here before were about 1 minute R.O.G. (twin propellers) and approximately 25 seconds tractor R.O.G. Mr. Kilshaw developed new tail designs and a huge tractor;Mr. Bennet developed the tail type with twin propellers ; others, including myself, flew various types, including smallertractors. The only types we did not touch were hydros, and power machines—the most interesting of all, I should think.However, if any of the gentlemen mentioned see this article, I hope they will give some information about themselvesand their clubs, and publish any developments which may have taken place, for the good of all. Is it too much toexpect of FLIGHT to take up a model section again, as I firmlybelieve it was the means of arousing enthusiasm in many fellows ? Where are the London clubs' reports now ? Finally,if there are any enthusiasts in the Liverpool area, I would be . glad to receive a letter from them, and wishing FLIGHTcontinued success, and the desire for a model section as in the " good old days " (if not a bigger one). Hoping youcan publish this letter. F. A. LOWE (Member of Liverpool Aero Research Club). P.S.—Did Mr. Groves develop his steam-driven model anyfurther ? Has this machine ever accomplished the minute ? It seemed to be the best-designed power model in existenceat that date. " Aircraft Transport Economy "THE paper under above title, read by W. L. Cowley before the Royal Aeronautical Society on October 29, wasprobably the longest ever presented before that society, and in the end the lecturer arrived at the conclusion that A LYMPNE REMINISCENCE: Bert Hinkler on the Avro"Avis" leading Boyes on one of the D.H.53's. The picture gives some impression of Hinkler's masterly handling ofthe " Avis." 738 the number of variables was so great and the data availableso scarce that the results obtained must be received with a very open mind. It was considered, however, that thepaper would prove useful in indicating which parts of the very complex subject showed promise, so that in these casesmore elaborate calculations could be made. The lecturer considered that any increase inreliability during the winter months would, if it resulted in levelling out the seasonal variationin traffic, greatly increase the economic efficiency of air transport. On the question of economicsize of machines the lecturer pointed out that all statistical evidence showed an increase ineconomy with increase in size, although from theoretical stress considerations the proportionof structure weight to total load should con- tinually increase with size. The three-enginedmachine was considered to make for reliability of service, and if the economical efficiency didincrease with size, the three-engined machine would be a natural development. Apart fromthis, however, the lecturer considered that the increased comfort and improved reliabilitywould be sufficient justification for adopting this type of machine. The cruising speed ofaround 95 m.p.h. as used at present appeared to be fairly near the economical optimum. In conclusion, the lecturer stated that apartfrom any abnormal development that might occur in aerial transport, one of the mostpromising fields for research would be upon the reduction of body drag, and the deter-mination of the most suitable form to give the smallest drag for a given cabin space. Air Mails to RussiaTHE Postmaster-General announces that the despatch of letters for Russia and beyond bythe London-Berlin-Konigsberg-Moscow Air Mail Service (i.e., by the route numbered 4B onpage 2 of the current Air Mail Leaflet) will be suspended for the winter after the despatch ofOctober 30. The London-Berlin Air Mail Service (Route 4 A)will still offer, on days of regular flight, a saving of up to 24 hours in the transmission of lettersfor Russia and beyond posted by night mail from the provinces, or in London too late forthe ordinary night mail. R.A.F. " Skill at Arms "ON November 2 the Secretary of State for Air presented to Flight-Lieut. Frederick G.Sherriff, M.C., Royal Air Force, of the R.A.F. School of Physical Training, Uxbridge, the" Skill at Arms " certificate which was awarded to him for his success at the Royal Tournamentheld in June last. i I
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