 WW1
Aero
The Journal Of The Early Aeroplane
Nos. 180 - May & 181 - August 2003
I screwed up and let my subscription to WW1 Aero and Skyways lapse,
so now I have to play catch-up. I apologize for doing such a disservice
to these fine journals.
The cover photo on No.180 shows the bare structure of George Marsden's
superb 1:7 scale RAF BE2b radio controlled model; the cover of No. 181
presents a dramatic telephoto shot of a head-on pass of a repro Sopwith
Camel and Fokker Dr.1 at an airshow in Melbourne, Australia. This centenary
year of the Wright's first powered flight continues to be celebrated with
several articles and photos relating to that momentous event in both issues
of this journal. The Gallaudet Story continues in both with Parts 2b,
3 and 4. Part 3 features the very modern looking "Bullets" designed and
built for the Gordon Bennett Cup Race to be held in Chicago in September
of 1912. The Bullets were pushers of generally conventional layout with
a 14 cylinder, 100hp Gnome rotary completely buried in the nose driving
the three bladed, 6' 4", prop located behind the cruciform tail group.
Its warping wings were of variable incidence to permit takeoff. It, reputedly,
flew at speeds in excess of 100 MPH in testing. A crash landing and handling
problems dictated a significant redesign during repair. The rebuilt airplane
was dubbed "Bullet II" and was said to be faster than its predecessor.
 On the
first post-rebuild flight, Edson Gallaudet lost control and crashed heavily,
destroying the plane and injuring himself seriously. In the event, the
no-contest race was won by Jules Védrines in the "long-winged" 140 hp
Deperdussin racer with team mate Maurice Prevost, the only other finisher
of the three French entries, second in his 100 hp Deperdussin. Védrines
averaged 105.5 MPH for the 200 kilometers becoming the first man and machine
to officially exceed 100 MPH. Either Bullet would make a great model subject.
Part 4 of the Gallaudet Story deals with the Model B, single-engined,
twin pusher prop, flying boat; another imaginative design. Other features
in these two issues deal with: the Spad A Series of "Pulpit Fighters",
which had the gunner in a pulpit-like appendage in front (!) of the propeller
and with pioneers Lillienthal, Pilcher, Curtiss, Vlach and Janin. The
Curtiss-built Langley Aerodrome and Goupil Duck - both executed in the
course of the long running patent suit fight with the obfuscating Wrights
are also featured. All the usual features; historiography, letters, models,
reviews, etc. are as absorbing as ever.
If you are at all interested in the period of aviation covered by this
journal, you really ought to subscribe. Subscriptions cost $35.00 for
a year in the US and $40.00 in Canada and elsewhere. Write to them at:
World War 1 Aeroplanes, Inc.
WWI Aero
15 Crescent Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
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