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Aviation History
1913
1913 - 1026.PDF
JOcJtfJ not be at all surprised to learn that further experiments should lead him to add still further to their diameter. There is always more than one road reaching to any desired goal, and that the present type of aeroplane Is the only one which Can be made to navigate the air successfully we do not for a moment believe. Since the above was written, we have personally seen the model (which weighs over 10 lbs.) rise from the surface of the water (with floats attached) under its own power. The motor used was a C02 one, which, as many of our readers will know, is not the best type for the purpose. Model Clubs for Edinburgh, Ilford and Nottingham. Mr. G. T. Cooper, 41, Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, informs us that a model section of the Edinburgh Aeronautical Society has been formed ; subscription, zs. 6d. the half-year. A model avia tion meeting will be held on Saturday, October 4th, at which there will be several competitions for silver medals and prizes, particulars as to place, &c., will be published later. Mr. H. Oliver, 194, Kingston Road, Ilford, E., will be pleased to hear from anyone in that district interested in models, with a view to starting a model club in that neighbourhood. Mr, G. Thorpe, 171, Castle Boulevard, Nottingham, desires to hear from anyone in Nottingham or district, who may be interested in model aviation, and who may be desirous of assisting in the for mation of a club for models in that district. Messrs. T. W. K. Clarke and Co.'s Catalogue. The present catalogue issued by the above well-known firm, con tains many interesting examples of the latest types of models, three examples of which we reproduce herewith—viz., a tail-type r.o.g. model, a " Blfiriot Canard " ditto, and a Canard type hydro-aero plane. The firm also supply (amongst others) a Sopwith biplane model, either for use on land only or with floats and extra attach ments for use on land or water. Length 30 ins., span 25 ins., carved 10 in. propeller, flies 150 yards after rising. la addition to complete machines, sets oi materials or parts are also supplied for those who prefer to make or fit up their own models. The first model aeroplanes ever placed on the market, viz., " Clarke's Flyers," are still supplied, from a shilling upwards. There is scarcely anyone, we should think, interested in aviation who has not at some time or another flown one of these most interesting and instructive little models. Probably aviation owes more to them than to any other model. A few years ago one saw them in almost every toyshop. In the ordinary toyshops of to-day one can still see something that generally has a very high-sounding name, but is far inferior in every respect to these admirable little models. The " something " is almost invariably of French extraction. Query. A correspondent writing under the nom deplume of'' Canard " says : " I have nearly completed a biplane glider of some 200 sq. ft. surface, and am at a loss to know what 10 dope it with. There are several excellent dopes on the market, but owing to cost they are quite out of the question for one's first machine. It has been suggested to me that linseed oil would make it air and water proof. It would be interesting to hear the opinion of the Birmingham Aero Club and others, who have done tome practical gliding, on the above. My fabric is a fine twill unbleached calico." [In any machine designed to carry a person anything in the nature of cheapness is the last thing that should be indulged in—allowing that a gallon of dope covers approx. 100 sq. ft. of surface—a proper dope can scarcely be considered prohibitive. Why not have used l'egamoid instead of unbleached calico? An active supporting surface of about 150 sq. ft. is sufficient to carry the weight of an ordinary man; a larger machine means of course soaring at a reduced speed ; but, the larger the machine the greater the weight and the greater the difficulty to control the same when in the air. Personally, I have not found linseed oil proofing very satisfactory. —V. E. J.] ^ The Fulbam and District Aero Club. We understand that a club under the above title has recently been opened at 561, Fulham Road (opposite Walham Green Station). Hours 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. ; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the club, and 3 p.m. to dusk at the flying ground. The objects of this club being to encourage mechanical engineers and students who desire to study models of well-known flying machines by exhibiting these at the club, and also to take up practical work at our afrodrome with a full-sized aeroplane and glider. These latter are to be bought or built for the use of members of the club, no exhibitions of or encouragement is to be given to " flying-sticks," but it is hoped to have the youth and young men of the district as members. Any lady or gentlemen interested in aeronautical development will be made heartily welcome. Public meetings are to be held to further the formation of the club, and both aero planes and seaplanes will be considered to meet the requirements SEPTEMBER 20, 1913. of the members. Further information (in booklet form) will be given to anyone who will write or call at the club at Fulham or write to " Pioneer," 17, Parrock Street, Gravesend, where a similar club is in course of formation. Bristol and West of England Aero Club. Autumn Flying Meeting for Models. This contest is to be held at the Sea Walls, Durdham Downs, on Saturday, October 4th, and includes : (A) Rising from the ground and weight-carrying duration contest; (B) Ornithopter and heli copter duration contest (minimum duration 10 sees.); (C) Duration contest for aeroplanes carrying no forward elevator or tail (Dunne type) (minimum duration 10 sees.) ; (D) Hand-launched duration contest. Event B is for club members of the model section, the other events are open. No entrance fee will be charged. In Event B there is a minimum weight of 3 ozs., and the models must be capable of horizontal propulsion. Further particulars, entry forms, &c, can be obtained from Mr. R. V. Tivy, 42, Royal York Crescent, Clifton, Bristol. As the reader can at once see, the above competition contains several novel features (so badly wanted in model work generally), and should prove of especial interest. Mr. J. F. Leeming's Olympia Model. "The main object," says Mr. Leeming, " in designing this model, was to obtain a flyer as near scale as possible, and the only points that materially differ from the full-sized ' plane ' are the length of the fuse/age, and the fin or rudder, which are rather longer and larger than is usually the case. The model has not proved a very good flyer (longest flight about 120 yds.), but as it was not tried before the Show, and afterwards on the journey home a box was dropped on the top plane, it is not to be wondered at. The chassis was designed of materials which were much too weak ; so a stronger and simpler one than that shown in the photo has been fitted. Also the rubber shock absorbers have been replaced by Mr. J. F. Leeming's Olympia model. small spiral springs ; while at the tip of the bottom plane two small skids have been fitted, which are found to greatly assist matters when the model lands sideways. The wheels shown in the illustra tion have been altered to Clarke's 2-in. disc type. The screw is a 10 in. Centrale, driven by two 12-strand skeins of ^ in. square rubber by means of gearing. In the front there is a hatchway of veneer wood, in which are two small mica windows ; these are removable for the purposes of lubri cation, cleaning, &c. A point that should be noted is that the tail may be adjusted to any angle from this hatchway, a control lever being fitted just under the back window. The control is worked in the following manner : The tail is kept down by a tensional spring, while the lever carries a wire (passing over the top of the tail) so as to adjust this pull to the required degree. The following are the chief particulars : Weight 8 ozs.j length 38 ins., span of top plane 32 ins., span of bottom plane 24 ins., chord 3-5 ins. ; planes staggered forward at 68°. ® ® ® ® KITE AND MODEL AEROPLANE ASSOCIATION. Official Notices. Competitions.—The fourth annual competition for the Association's Cup took place on Sept. 13th on the 100-Acre Field, Greenford, and as usual attracted a good entry. It was pleasing to see Mr. Bagshaw, representing the Sheffield Aero Club, present as a competitor. The judges, Messrs. J. Jewitt, B. Kirchner and W. H. Akehurst, made the following awards :—1st, C. C. Dutton, with 95 marks ; 2nd, L. H. Slatter, 92^ ; 3rd, J. E. Louch, 79 ; 4th, H. R. Weston, yo%; 5th, H. G. Bond, 61 ; 6th, D. Laing, 52 . Mr. C. C. Dutton flew 55S yds., and be holds the trophy for one year, and takes the Association's Gold Medal; Messrs. L. H. Slatter and J. E. Louch taking the silver and bronze medals respectively. Mr. Akehurst, in presenting the prizes to the winners, stated that the President, I052
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