All applications to be made to D. E. Colombine, Esquire, 8 Carlton
Chambers, Regent Street.
The applications did not materialise, as was only to be expected in
view of the vagueness of the proposals. Colombine did some advertising,
and Mr Roebuck expressed himself as unwilling to proceed further in the
venture. Henson experimented with models to a certain extent, while
Stringfellow looked for funds for the construction of a full-sized
monoplane. In November of 1843 he suggested that he and Henson should
construct a large model out of their own funds. On Henson’s suggestion
Colombine and Marriott were bought out as regards the original patent,
and Stringfellow and Henson entered into an agreement and set to work.
Their work is briefly described in a little pamphlet by F. J.
Stringfellow, entitled _A few Remarks on what has been done with
screw-propelled Aeroplane Machines from 1809 to 1892_. The author
writes with regard to the work that his father and Henson undertook:--
‘They commenced the construction of a small model operated by a spring,
and laid down the larger model 20 ft. from tip to tip of planes, 3½ ft.
wide, giving 70 ft. of sustaining surface, about 10 more in the tail.
The making of this model required great consideration; various supports
for the wings were tried, so as to combine lightness with firmness,
strength and rigidity.
‘The planes were staid from three sets of fish-shaped masts, and rigged
square and firm by flat steel rigging. The engine and boiler were
put in the car to drive two screw-propellers, right and left-handed,
3 ft. in diameter, with four blades each, occupying three-quarters
of the area of the circumference, set at an angle of 60 degrees. A
considerable time was spent in perfecting the motive power. Compressed
air was tried and abandoned. Tappets, cams, and eccentrics were all
tried, to work the slide valve, to obtain the best results. The piston
rod of engine passed through both ends of the cylinder, and with long
connecting rods worked direct on the crank of the propellers. From
memorandum of experiments still preserved the following is a copy of
one: June, 27th, 1845, water 50 ozs., spirit 10 ozs., lamp lit 8.45,
gauge moves 8.46, engine started 8.48 (100 lb. pressure), engine
stopped 8.57, worked 9 minutes, 2,288 revolutions, average 254 per
minute. No priming, 40 ozs. water consumed, propulsion (thrust of
propellers), 5 lbs. 4½ ozs. at commencement, steady, 4 lbs. ½ oz., 57
revolutions to 1 oz. water, steam cut off one-third from beginning.
‘The diameter of cylinder of engine was 1½ inch, length of stroke 3
inches.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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