>Lionel Kearns
I enjoy researching the shear ingenuity human beings employed in building early
aircraft. As a builder of flying models it always amazes me how, if the
designer's original structure is followed as closely as possible the result is
invariably is strong light aircraft. Early aircraft facinate me, the
combination of furniture quality woodwork and elegantly simple mechanical
solutions speak to days when fine craftsmanship and attention to detail were
the benchmarks work was judged on.
Add to this the the stories of pilots thrown into to an arena where the rules
were being written as they went along and you have, IMHO one of the most
interesting periods of miltary aircraft history.
WWII aircraft are okay but the construction techiques can only be simulated,
with WWI I can use the actual wood, wire and fabric giving me a greater link to
the past.
And all that could be heard
as he flew out of sight
through clouds of burnt castor
and over the roar of his rotary
was "Tally Ho ho ho and Merry Christmas to all
and to all a good flight"
Guy R. Fawcett
(Fawcett Aeroplane Company)