Warning:
This article has contents known to the State of California
to produce modeling disorders such as (but not limited to):
-
MI (modeling
itching) symptoms: you feel like having to build something, right now.
-
MSE (modeling
sudden evacuation) symptoms: you go and sweep clean your building board in
preparation for that next project.
-
MAD (modeling
aesthetic disorder) symptoms: you find the material aesthetically horrifying
thence you finish your beloved and much more beautiful ongoing project.
Click on
images below to see larger images
In the same
concept group as the Flick-Reinig Apteroid
http://www.arcair.com/Gal10/9301-9400/gal9363-Apteroid-Stern/00.shtm
and the Argentinean Correa
http://www.arcair.com/Gal9/8801-8900/gal8842-Correa-Stren/00.shtm
the negative aspect ratio (span shorter than chord, or a “lengthwise
plane”) Hulburt of 1909 adds to the formula the complexity of a tandem
propeller arrangement.
Powered by a very optimistic 3 cylinder Anzani this machine
-which I found on the Aerodrome forum- has been waiting to be modeled
since a time ago. The material sent by Paul D. (thanks Paul), a fellow
enthusiast, provided enough to develop a sketched 3 view to help
construction.
The
building process, given the absence of “natural” parts like wings or
fuselage, started by making the accessories, like engine, seat, wood props, gas
tank, wheels, etc. The little Anzani was a fun adventure; it ended up having
more than 30 parts. I received the help of fellow modeler Tom B. (thank you
again, Tom) in the form of gears necessary to replicate the transmission and
control wheel.
Then the surfaces were made and their frames were added. Basic
elements were mounted following a strategic plan depicted on the photos. All
that trying to hold the delicate spider web without touching it. Or so it
seemed. A remarkable number of struts and rigging wires made it somehow to their
respective places and after the final touches the beauty of the design was
revealed in 3d form.
Resembling anything but an airplane -as we conceive it today-, the
Hulburt nevertheless had more than a couple of interesting design features and
last but no least its strange appearance tends to produce some interesting
reflections about aviation aesthetics.
Gabriel Stern
Click on
images below to see larger images
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