Antique Model Aircraft Plans from 1908
Antique model aircraft plans - challenges for the early hobbyist
Prototype model airplane No. 1 from plans drawn in 1908
My grandfather, Allan Miles Cate, built and flew model airplanes at the dawn of human flight. Following is a discussion regarding a set of original model airplane antique plans that Allan acquired in 1908, when he was a nine year old boy. It is fascinating to take a look back at just how challenging it was to build and fly a model airplane in 1908. It would be impossible for the modelers of that era to even imagine the benefits and model airplane experience we have readily available today for designing, constructing and flying model aircraft. This is certainly some distance from the model plane design video clips here.
Wright brothers early fights
The Wright brothers made their first powered flight in 1903. The world was generally unaware of this flight until 1907 or so, when the Wrights went on a more public outreach to demonstrate their aviation skills. During this time, Europeans aviators were starting to make their first hops and tentative flights in powered aircraft.
As we review the early antique model aircraft plans from this era, we quickly realize there were no well flying examples of full scale aircraft on which to base a design. We take for granted today the wide range of aircraft types we can use to inspire an original model plane project.
Cover on packet of "Model Aeroplanes" plans from 1908
Modeler plane designers in 1908 had to make such basic choices as having the horizontal stabilizers either in front or in the rear of the wing. Full scale aircraft of the day were inherently unstable, which did little to help with model flight characteristics. Everyone was essentially inventing building and modeling techniques along the way.
Front horizontal stabilizer from 1908 plans
The final strike against someone looking for success with preparing antique model aircraft plans in 1908 was the utter lack of suitable building materials. Reviewing the materials, it seems as though balsa did not exist, with hardwoods being widely used for structural members. The plane designer recommended “the well known Seccontine as being more convenient and cleaner than the glue pot.” Airframe covering was described as a “strip of tracing linen glued on.”
Detailed building instructions
The 1908 “Model Aeroplane” plans discussed here came in a packet that included a building instruction booklet and five sheets of “working and detail drawings for building three model flying machines.” There is very little building information on the plans themselves. Rather, construction data is contained in an illustrated 16 page booklet. Model aircraft flying was in such a state of infancy that the planes did not even have names. Instead, they were described as “Model Aeroplane No. 1”, “Model Aeroplane No. 2” and “Model Aeroplane No.3.” Each version was slightly more complicated than the previous one. This is some contrast to CAD plans for RC model airplanes available today.
Page 1 of instructions for building a model airplane in 1908
Power was provided by rubber bands. An interesting aspect for the builder in 1908 was that you had to make your own propeller. While many modelers these days do fashion their own props, keep in mind that in 1908 no one really had a clear idea of what an efficient model airplane propeller really looked like.
Underside view of Model Aeroplane No. 3
The instructions warn that “this [making the propeller] is more likely to tax the skill than perhaps any portion of the machines; unfortunately, propellers cannot be simplified.” The directions continue on using whitewood with a slow bending and twisting movement in the steam of a kettle of boiling water to form the propeller shape.
Did these models ever fly?
A thought did go through my head as to whether or not anyone ever successfully flew a model made from these antique aircraft plans. The wingspan is 20 inches with a chord of 2.5 inches. The structure must have been quite heavy with the use of hardwoods and small nails. The homemade propellers likely did not provide too much thrust. The instruction book is vague on the flight characteristics of the resulting models, and there are no pictures of one of the models in flight.
Allan Cate propping his Cessna 140 - it all started with model airplanes!
However, some models did get built judging from the photos in the instruction booklet. These finished aircraft, whether or not they flew, inspired modelers elsewhere to review recent developments in the arena of full scale flying machines and incorporate new design ideas into follow on models. Much as we do today, these young aviators observed and learned from others by adding small details and refinements to produce a better flying aircraft.
These early pioneer modelers did a great service to the RC pilots of today. Modelers today watch with delight the flights of these early aircraft whenever they show up at flying venues. It takes a great deal of modeling skill to get these antique model aircraft airborne and flying in a controlled manner. Some models, such as the Sig Demoiselle, actually handle very well.
I cannot imagine the dedication and effort required over 100 years ago to produce a successful flying model airplane when virtually everyone was new to the world of model flight and the challenges with antique model aircraft plans. They did a great job and established the foundation for our hobby today.