- Drasina
Drasina This novel vehicle, under the name of " Drasina was introduced into England in 1818, and, at first, the greatest possible expectations were created, with regard to its usefulness and speed. It was maintained, that it would travel up-hill on a post-road as fast as a man could walk ; that on a level, even after a heavy rain, it would average six or seven miles an hour ; and that, on a descent, it would equal a horse at fall speed. It was described in the advertisements of the day as " consisting of two wheels, one behind the other, connected by a perch, on which a saddle is placed as a seat. The front wheel is made to turn on a pivot, guided by a circular lever or rudder, which comes op to the hand; the fore-arms rest on a cushion in front ; in this position, both hands holding the rudder firmly, the machine and traveller are preserved in equilibrio. In 1821 Lewis Gomperta of Surrey, introduced some decided improvements upon the Drasina , as will be seen from the accompanying engraving. The object of the improvement of Gomperta was to bring the arms of the rider into action, in assist-ance to his legs. It consisted " in the application of a handle, C, which is to be worked backwards and forwards, to which is attached a circular rack, D G, which works in a pinion, E, with ratch wheel on the ont wheel of the velocipede, and which, on being pulled by the rider with both hands, sends the machine forward; and when thrust from him does not send it back again, on account of the ratch, which allows the pinion to turn in that direction, free of the wheel. H is the saddle, and the rest, B is so made that the breast of the rider bears against it, while the sides come around him at some distance below the arms, and is stuffed." The rider could with this machine either propel it entirely without the feet, or he could use the feet, while the arms were free. The beam, A, was made of beech wood, and a pivot at F, allowed the front wheel to be turned to the right or left at the will of the rider. - Douglas XB-19
Douglas XB-19 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Douglas O-46A
Douglas O-46A Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Douglas C-54A
Douglas C-54A Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Douglas C-47
Douglas C-47 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Douglas C-39
Douglas C-39 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Douglas B-23
Douglas B-23 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Douglas B-18A
Douglas B-18A Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Douglas B-18
Douglas B-18 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Douglas A-24
Douglas A-24 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Douglas A-20B & C
Douglas A-20B & C Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Diagram of the Curtiss Flying Boat no. 2
A "No. 2 flying boat," just built by Mr. Curtiss, and successfully tested on Lake Keuka, Hammondsport, in July, 1912, is the "last word" in aviation so far. An illustration in this book, made from photographs taken in mid-July, 1912, shows fully the bullet-shape of the "flying fish." It is a real boat, built with a fish-shaped body containing two comfortable seats for the pilot and passenger or observer, either of whom can operate the machine by a system of dual control, making it also available for teaching the art of flying. All the controls are fastened to the rear of the boat's hull, which makes them very rigid and strong, while the boat itself, made in stream-line form, offers the least possible resistance to the air, even less than that offered by the landing gear upon a standard land machine. Above the boat are mounted the wings and aeroplane surface. In the centre of this standard biplane construction is situated the eighty horse-power motor with its propeller in the rear, thus returning to the original practice, as in the standard Curtiss machines, of having a single propeller attached direct to the motor, thus doing away with all chains and transmission gearing which might give trouble, and differing from the earlier model flying boat built in San Diego, California, last winter (1911-12), which was equipped with "tractor" propellors propellers in front driven by chains. The new flying boat is twenty-six feet long and three feet wide. The planes are five and a half feet deep and thirty feet wide. It runs on the water at a speed of fifty miles an hour, and is driven by an eighty horse-power Curtiss motor. At a greater speed than this it cannot be kept on the water, but rises in the air and flies at from fifty to sixty miles per hour. - Diagram of Curtiss motor, side and front views
1. Cylinder; 2. Engine Bed; 3. Fuel Tank: 4. Oil Pan; 5. Radiator; 6. Propeller; 7. Crank Case; 8. Carbureter; 9. Gasoline Pipe; 10. Air Intake; 11. Auxiliary Air-pipe; 12. Drain Cock; 13. Water Cooling System; 14. Gas Intake Pipe; 15. Rocker Arm; 16. Spring on Intake Valve; 17. Spring on Exhaust Valve; 18. Exhaust Port; 19. Rocker Arm Post; 20. Push Rod. - Diagram of Curtiss hydro-aëroplane
- Diagram of Curtiss Aeroplane, side view
1. Motor; 2. Radiator; 3. Fuel Tank; 4. Upper Main Plane; 5. Lower Main Plane; 6. Aileron; 7. Vertical Rudder; 8. Tail Surface; 9. Horizontal Rudder, or Rear Elevator; 10. Front Elevator; 11. Vertical Fin; 12. Steering Wheel; 13. Propeller; 14. Foot Throttle Lever; 15. Hand Throttle Lever; 16. Foot Brake. - Diagram of a modern spherical balloon with ripping panel
The ripping panel, invented in 1844 by America’s foremost pioneer aëronaut, John Wise, is a simple and an excellent practical device. This is a long patch running longitudinally above the equator[8] of the balloon, feebly sewed to the envelope, and having a cord, called the “ripping cord,” extending down to the car along the outside or inside of the bag, so that the pilot on coming to earth can let out the gas quickly by tearing a rent in the balloon, thus flattening it promptly on the earth’s surface, so as to avoid dragging and bumping if any wind prevails. - Diagram comparing the Pioneer with the Columbia
Diagram comparing the Pioneer (shaded drawing) with the Columbia, a standard 8-wheel engine of 1851. (Drawing by J. H. White.) Columbia Hudson River Railroad Lowell Machine Shop, 1852 Wt. 271/2 tons (engine only) Cyl. 161/2 x 22 inches Wheel diam. 84 inches Pioneer Cumberland Valley Railroad Seth Wilmarth, 1851 121/2 tons 81/2 x 14 inches 54 inches - De Bacqueville
A method of flying was suggested as long ago as 1744, by the inventor De Bacqueville; his plan was to fix four planes or wings to his hands and feet, and then propel himself through the air by vigorous motions of his arms, and kickings of his legs. He made a flight from a balcony overlooking a river, but finished his trial ingloriously by falling into a barge. Such schemes, indeed, were doomed to failure; and they are only interesting because they show how, even in those far-off days, men were ready to risk their lives in attempts to conquer the air. - Dawson Tonneau
- Darracq Limousine
- Daedalus and Icarus
The story of Dædalus and Icarus also tells us that man believed flying was somehow possible. Dædalus was a very clever man who lived with his son Icarus on the Island of Crete. The king of this island requested Dædalus to build a labyrinth or maze for him. Dædalus constructed the labyrinth so cleverly that only the king, who had the clue to the winding passages, could find his way out. One day the king became very angry at Dædalus and threw both him and his son Icarus into the labyrinth, intending that they should perish. Dædalus, who had been dreaming of flying, fashioned wings from wax and feathers, with which he and Icarus could fly to freedom. He cautioned Icarus that he must not fly too high or the sun would melt the wax in his wings. Icarus, impatient to escape, scarcely listened. Like birds the two flew into the air, quickly leaving the walls of the labyrinth. Dædalus, flying low, safely crossed the sea and reached Sicily. Icarus, unfortunately, failed to heed his father’s warning. Flying was so much fun that he rose higher and higher. Suddenly feathers began to drop one by one. Too late Icarus realized that the sun had melted the wax in his wings. Down, down he fell into the sea. - Da Vinci’s parachute
Da Vinci’s third scheme for human flight, was a framed sail on which a man could ride downward, if not upward. This device never fails to navigate with its confiding sailor. Sometimes he lands in one posture, again in another; but voyage he must, with the certainty of gravitation. Leonardo is, therefore, the father of the parachute. This, in turn, has had a varied offspring. The common parachute, the aërial glider, the soaring machine, or passive aëroplane, that rides the wind without motive power and without loss of energy. - Da Vinci’s helicopter
Da Vinci’s second flyer was a helicopter. An aërial screw 96 feet in diameter was to be turned by a strong and nimble artist who might, by prodigious effort, lift himself for a short time. Though various small paper screws were made to ascend in the air, the larger enterprise was never seriously undertaken. Many subsequent inventors developed the same project; but the fellow turning the screw always found it dreadful toil and a hopelessly futile task. Of late the man-driven helicopter has been abandoned, but the motor-driven one is very much cultivated. Scores of inventors in recent years, aided by light motors, have been trying to screw boldly skyward, and some have succeeded in rising on a helicopter carrying one man. - Da Vinci’s designs for human flying-gear
Leonardo da Vinci, who was a gifted engineer as well as an artist, devised a flying gear for man which shows some dynamic improvement over the mechanism of the old-time angels, flying gods, and hobgoblins. As shown in the accompanying sketch, it provided for gravitational balance by use of an expanding tail projecting well to the rear. Moreover, the propulsion was to employ both arms and legs. This design is considered very remarkable for the time in which it was produced, probably a few years before the discovery of America; and yet it is but one of Da Vinci’s quaint aëronautical inventions, as will appear later. - D.F.W. (German-designed) Biplane
A. Hull, which is steel-built, containing pilot and passenger B. Main-planes—the lower at a dihedral angle C. Uptilted stabilising ailerons, which may be locked in position D. Stabilising fin E. Rudder F. Elevating-plane G. 100-h.p. motor (which is enclosed) and propeller. - Curtiss P-40E
Curtiss P-40E Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Curtiss C-46
Curtiss C-46 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Curtiss AT-9
Curtiss AT-9 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Curtis P-36C
Curtis P-36C Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Curtis O-52
Curtis O-52 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Cross Section of Bicycle Structure and Bicycle Electric Car
- Covert Commercial Car, 12 H.P
Covert Commercial Car, 12 H.P. Covert Motor Vehicle Co., Lockport, N. Y. PRICE: $1,000 BODY: Express (screen sides) CAPACITY: 1,000 pounds WEIGHT: 1,500 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 84 inches TREAD: 56 inches TIRES, FRONT: 32 × 2 inches TIRES, REAR: 32 × 2 inches SPRINGS: Full elliptic CYLINDERS: Double opposed MOTOR SUSPENSION: From side members of frame, under seat COOLING: Water; cellular radiator IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Batteries CHANGE GEAR: Sliding type CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Shaft and bevel gears - Courier Model B
- Control platform of an Airship
A. Wheels operating elevating-planes and rudder B. Height recorder C. Speaking-tube to communicate with engineers. - Construction of the Bicycle
The accompanying engraving will convey to the mind of the reader a correct idea of the French two-wheeled velocipede. The majority of makers in this country fashion their machine upon this pattern in every essential respect. We append a full technical description. A is the front wheel. This is the steering wheel, and upon its axis, the power is applied. B is the hind wheel; C, the treadles or foot-pieces ; D, the treadle cranks; E, slots in cranks, by which to adjust the foot-pieces and accommodate the length to the legs of the rider; F, bifurcated jaw, the lower part of which forms the bearing for the axle of the front wheel. From the upper part of this jaw, a rod or pivot extends, to which is attached the steering arm or handle F; G, the reach or perch, extending from the jaw of the front wheel to the rear or hind wheel. This reach is bifurcated, forming jaws for the hind wheel. H, " rests" on the front part of the reach. The rider puts one leg on the rest and works one of the cranks with the other leg while riding " side-saddle," or a leg may be placed upon each rest when the velocipede has acquired sufficient momentum, and the rider does not wish to keep his feet upon the treadles. I, the saddle or seat, which is adjustable on the seat-spring L, by the thumb-screw K. The seat-spring L, is attached at M to the reach G, which, at the other end, is fastened to the spring-struts N, that rise from the reach G; 0, the brake-lever, on the fulcrum P; Q,, the " shoe " of the brake that acts against the periphery of the hind wheel. The brake is operated by means of the cord S, one end of which is attached to the steering handle F, and the other end to the reach at 3. A cord passes from the steering handle under the pulley or roller 4, thence over the pulley 5, on the brake-lever 0, and from there to the point 3, where it is attached to the reach G. The brake is operated by giving a slight turning motion to the handle F, thus winding a small sheave upon the axis of the handle, and bring-ing the shoe Q, of the brake-lever 0, in contact with the surface of the wheel B. - Construction of a Monoplane wing
- Consolidated OA-10
Consolidated OA-10 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Consolidated B-24 D & E
Consolidated B-24 D & E Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Combiined Elevated and Surface Structure
- Columbia Victoria Phaeton
- Columbia Touring Car
- Coach of Queen Elizabeth’s Ladies
Showing near-side “Boot.” Coaches with "Boots" From Coach and Sedan, we obtain a quaint but fairly graphic description of the coach of this period:— “The coach was a thick, burly, square-set fellow in a doublet of black leather, brasse button’d down the breast, back, sleeves and wings, with monstrous wide boots, fringed at the top with a net fringe, and a round breech (after the old fashion) gilded, and on his back an atchievement of sundry coats [of arms], in their proper colours.” The “boots” were projections at the sides of the body between the front and back wheels, as shown in the drawing of the coach occupied by Queen Elizabeth’s ladies; and there is much evidence to support the opinion that these boots were not covered. - Coach
- Clément-Bayard II, 1910
In outward appearance the Clément-Bayard II closely resembled her predecessor, except for the absence of empennage on her envelope. In the whalelike elegance of her hull she was, in fact, a reversion to the trim and efficient model of Renard’s dirigible of 1884, which in turn was a fair copy of Jullien’s model of 1850, all having excellent forms for speed and stability. But the new vessel was of greater size and power than her predecessor. Her net buoyancy was sufficient to carry twenty passengers. Her average speed tested in a round-trip voyage was about 50 kilometers or 31 miles per hour when her two motors developed 200 horse power, and 55 kilometers or 34 miles per hour when the engines developed their maximum effort of 260 horse power. - Chicago Truck with Winch
Chicago Truck with Winch. Chicago Commercial Auto Mfg. Co., Chicago, Ill. BODY: Platform truck with winch CAPACITY: 5 tons WHEEL-BASE: 126 inches TREAD: 64 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 inches, solid rubber TIRES, REAR: 36 inches, solid rubber STEERING: Vertical column BRAKES: On transmission and rear hubs SPRINGS: Platform type FRAME: Steel BORE: 6 inches STROKE: 6 inches CYLINDERS: 4, cast separate VALVE ARRANGEMENT: In cylinder heads, operated from one side MOTOR SUSPENSION: Under driver's seat COOLING: Water IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Batteries or magneto CARBURETER: Float-feed type LUBRICATION: Forced feed oiler MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle CLUTCH: Cast steel bands with graphite inserts CHANGE GEAR: Sliding type SPEEDS: 3 forward and reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Double side chain - Chicago Combination Pass. & Bagg. Car
Chicago Combination Pass. & Bagg. Car. Chicago Commercial Auto Mfg. Co., Chicago, Ill. BODY: Passenger and baggage car SEATS: 16 persons WHEEL-BASE: 126 inches TREAD: 64 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 inches, solid rubber TIRES, REAR: 36 inches, solid rubber BRAKES: On transmission shaft and rear wheels SPRINGS: Platform type FRAME: Steel BORE: 6 inches STROKE: 6 inches CYLINDERS: 4 vertical, separate VALVE ARRANGEMENT: In cylinder heads, on same side MOTOR SUSPENSION: Under seat COOLING: Water IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Batteries or magneto CARBURETER: Float-feed LUBRICATION: Mechanical force feed MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle CLUTCH: Cast steel band with graphite inserts CHANGE GEAR: Sliding type SPEEDS: 3 forward and reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Side chains - Chicago Coal or Gravel Truck
Chicago Coal or Gravel Truck. Chicago Commercial Auto Mfg. Co., Chicago, Ill. BODY: Tilting CAPACITY: 5 tons WHEEL-BASE: 126 inches TREAD: 64 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 inches, solid rubber TIRES, REAR: 36 inches, solid rubber BRAKES: On transmission shaft and rear hubs SPRINGS: Platform type FRAME: Steel BORE: 6 inches STROKE: 6 inches CYLINDERS: 4, cast separate VALVE ARRANGEMENT: in cylinder heads on same side MOTOR SUSPENSION: Under seat COOLING: Water IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Batteries or magneto CARBURETER: Float-feed type LUBRICATION: Mechanical force feed MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle CLUTCH: Cast steel bands with graphite inserts CHANGE GEAR: Sliding type SPEEDS: 3 forward and reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Side chains - Chicago 6-Ton Coal Truck
Chicago 6-Ton Coal Truck. Chicago Commercial Auto Mfg. Co., Chicago, Ill. BODY: Side delivery CAPACITY: 12,000 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 126 inches TREAD: 64 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 inches, solid rubber TIRES, REAR: 36 inches, solid rubber STEERING: Vertical column BRAKES: On transmission shaft and rear wheels SPRINGS: Platform type FRAME: Steel BORE: 6 inches STROKE: 6 inches CYLINDERS: 4, cast separate VALVE ARRANGEMENT: In cylinder heads, operated from one side MOTOR SUSPENSION: Under cab COOLING: Water IGNITION: Jump Spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Batteries or magneto CARBURETER: Float-feed type LUBRICATION: Mechanical force feed MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle CLUTCH: Cast steel bands with graphite inserts CHANGE GEAR: Sliding type SPEEDS: 3 forward and reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Side chains - Chicago 6-Ton Coal Truck
Chicago 6-Ton Coal Truck. Chicago Commercial Auto Mfg. Co., Chicago, Ill. BODY: End delivery CAPACITY: 12,000 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 126 inches TREAD: 64 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 inches, solid rubber TIRES, REAR: 36 inches, solid rubber STEERING: Vertical column BRAKES: On transmission shaft and rear hubs SPRINGS: Platform type FRAME: Steel BORE: 6 inches STROKE: 6 inches CYLINDERS: 4, cast separate VALVE ARRANGEMENT: In cylinder heads, operated from one side MOTOR SUSPENSION: Under driver's cab COOLING: Water IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Batteries or magneto CARBURETER: Float-feed type LUBRICATION: Mechanical force feed MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle CLUTCH: Cast steel bands with graphite inserts CHANGE GEAR: Sliding type SPEEDS: 3 forward and reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Side chains - Chauffeur opening door for a lady
Chauffeur opening door for a lady - Chauffeur driving two ladies
Chauffeur driving two ladies - Chase 2-Ton Truck, Model I, 30–40 H.P
Chase 2-Ton Truck, Model I, 30–40 H.P. Chase Motor Truck Co., Syracuse, N.Y. PRICE: $3,500 BODY: Express, stake cart or bus CAPACITY: 4,000 pounds WEIGHT: 3,500 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 108 inches TREAD: 56 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 × 4 in. solid TIRES, REAR: 36 x 3 in. twin solid STEERING: Nut and screw BRAKES: Transmission and rear wheel hub SPRINGS: Front full elliptic, rear semi-elliptic FRAME: Wood BORE: 4½ in.; STROKE: 5 in. CYLINDERS: 4 vertical in front VALVE ARRANGEMENT: 2 cycle; no valves in cylinders MOTOR SUSPENSION: From side of frame COOLING: Forced air IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Storage battery CARBURETER: Automatic LUBRICATION: Automatic MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle CLUTCH: Cone, cork inserts CHANGE GEAR: Sliding type SPEEDS: 3 forward speeds and reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Side chains - Charles’ passenger balloon
This balloon was a truly scientific creation, which advanced aërostation from tottering infancy almost to full prime. The bag was a sphere 27½ feet in diameter made of gores of varnished silk. A net covered the upper half and was fastened to a horizontal hoop girding the middle of the globe, and called the “equator.” From the equator depended ropes which supported, just below the spherical bag, a wicker boat measuring eight feet by four, covered with painted linen and beautifully ornamented. The balloon had at the bottom a silk neck 7 inches in diameter, to admit the gas during inflation, and at the top, a valve which could be opened by means of a cord in the boat to let out gas during a voyage, so as to lower the balloon, or to relieve excessive pressure. In the boat were carried sand ballast to regulate the height of ascension, a barometer to measure the elevation, anchor and rope for landing, a thermometer, notebook, provisions, and all the paraphernalia of a scientific voyage. Barring the fancy boat, this is almost a description of a good modern balloon. - Charles’ first hydrogen balloon
The ascent of this, the first hydrogen balloon, was a popular and a memorable event. The field was lined with troops. The curious spectators had thronged every thoroughfare and darkened every housetop. It was an all day festival, inaugurating a peculiarly French science, with French animation. The booming of cannon announced to all Paris the impending flight of the balloon. At five o’clock, in the presence of 50,000 spectators, and in a shower of rain, the balloon rose more than half a mile and entered the clouds. The people overwhelmed with surprise and enthusiasm, stood gazing upward, despite the rain, observing every maneuver till the vessel had ascended and faded from view. - Cessna AT-8
Cessna AT-8 Front Side Perspective Bottom Top - Central Calif. Traction Co. Car 105 on Stockton Blvd
- Central Calif. Traction Co. Car 103 at Colonial Heights
- Cars and Trams
Firstly, in the bends. Great tram cars, especially on narrow track, there are the annoying habit, not far off the path of the rails to swing, including the cars of the Amsterdam-Haarlem-Zandvoort-line, the ESM Guard is in such a bend on one approaching tram, or does one want passing in the bend, a car runs the risk of being crushed or at least damaged between the rails and the curb, by the swinging front or rear upper part of the car. [Translated online from the Dutch ] - Car of Nadar’s balloon
A still more elaborate and colossal air ship was the Geant, constructed in 1863, for A. Nadar of Paris. It was made of a double layer of white silk, had a volume of 215,000 cubic feet and a buoyancy of 4½ tons. The car was a wicker cabin 13 feet wide by 7 feet high, with a wicker balcony round the top so that the roof could be used as an observation deck—a delightful place to loll in the starlight, or watch the morning sun “flatter the mountain tops with sovereign eye.” The closed car comprised two main rooms with a hallway between them, one containing the captain’s bed and baggage, the other having three superposed berths for passengers. Minor divisions of the car were reserved for provisions, a lavatory, photography and a printing press, the latter to be used for the dissemination of news from the sky, as the navigators floated from state to state. A compensator balloon of 3,500 cubic feet, just below the main bag and connected with it, received the escaping gas during expansion with increase of tempera61ture or altitude, and gave it back on contraction. - Car 42 at N St. Carbarn