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Aviation History
1934
1934 - 0648.PDF
FLIGHT, JUNE 28, 1934 SCALED DOWN Model Aeroplanes Fly at Warwick for the Wakefield Cup LUinneD STEADY drizzle of rain was falling, and the clouds were very low at Warwick race- course last Sunday, June 24, but, quite undismayed, some 45 model aeroplane enthusiasts turned out with their machines before noon, at which time the eliminating trials were held to find a British team of six to represent this country in the international contest for the Wakefield Cup. This handsome trophy, pre- sented by Lord Wakefield for annual competition, is awarded for duration of flight by rubber-driven models which must be within certain specified dimensions, and weigh not less than 4 ounces. The winning machine last year made a flight of 321 seconds, and was built by Mr. J. W. Kenworthy, of Manchester. The take-off has to be made under the machine's own power, and to this end a platform of boards had been placed on the grass, pointing into wind, which was rather patchy and troublesome. In spite of this some very good flights were made with plenty of incident, more amusing to the crowd of spectators than to the anxious owners of tiie machines. Quite an appropriate diversion was caused when Sir Alan Cobham's Air Circus roared out of the haze in perfect formation, led by the big Handley Page, on their way to Leamington. At last a team of six was chosen, consisting of Messrs. Allman, Howse, Fillingham, Ives, White and Liggit ; there- upon one and all retired to the refreshment tent to dry out models and wet the inner man—with hot drinks. A large crowd of spectators had gathered long before 4 p.m. to see the actual contest ; two French competitors had arrived and were busy rigging their machines, one of these being notable in having a single surface wing. The American machines were being flown by proxy, and had been unpacked and assembled. They proved to be very well-finished specimens, all monoplanes—as were all the machines in the competition—two of them of parasol type. The machines were then sent off one after another, some THCCUP climbing and staying close to the starting point, others travelling almost out of sight, and yet others meeting an early fate in the crowd. The American machines flew beauti- fully, noticeable features being their extremely slow-speed air- screws, and beautiful landings due to their slow gliding pro- perties. The French machines did not seem too happy, one of them having difficulty with the take-off. The machine built by Mr. Howse, of Bristol, had a, , terrific initial climb after which it flattened out, and held its height to such good purposes that had its third and due to its Shapes and Sizes at Warwick. Altaian's winning machine. last flight not terminated abruptly, for some inexplicable reason, the result of the contest might have been quite different. Then the most promising American machine (W. Getsla) was unfortunately rendered hors de combat, airscrew spindle pulling out, the sudden release of tension wrecking part of the fuselage. Its first flight was one of 116 seconds. Another American (F. Zaic) which flew very steadily was a parasol with a fuse- lage constructed entirely of Balsa wood. Mr. Allman's last flight, and one which gave him the Cup, was thrilling to watch. The machine took off and climbed rapidly, and eventually disappeared behind the race- course grandstands ; it reappeared well over the neighbouring town, and once more was blotted out of sight by the Tote building. Then seemingly hours afterwards it sud- denly shaved the corner of the Tote, return- ing at high speed, a great cheer going up from the crowd. At the conclusion of the meeting the Cup was handed over to the winner by Dr. A. P. Thurston, Vice-President of the S.M.A.E. The lucky winner was Mr. J. B. Allman, of the Leamington and War- wick Club, with an average of three flights of 111.8 seconds. A worthy effort in view of the weather conditions, and the fact that his first flight was only one of 8.5 seconds, his best being 163 seconds. The weight of his machine was 5J ounces. Second was Mr. Howse, of Bristol, whose average was 90.2, whilst third place was annexed by an American machine built by Frank Getsla, of the Bamberger Club, New York City, and flown for him by Fit. Lt. Bullock, with an average of 85.2 seconds. J. P. F. 65)
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