In the same concept group as the Flick-Reinig Apteroid
and the Argentinean Correa
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 (the one on the front pulling, the aft one pushing).
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.
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