This is a Borel-Morane monoplane, similar in some respects to the Bleriot, but lighter and faster. It was constructed by a company founded by two brothers, Gabriel and Albert Borel, and a third partner, Leon Morane. It dates to 1911, and has the distinction of being the only surviving one of its kind.
More panels examine thematic issues like airshows and practical uses for planes beyond the spectacle in those early years.
Next to the Borel-Morane is this one. The McDowall monoplane is the work of a Canadian engineer and land surveyor, Robert McDowall. Living in Owen Sound, Ontario, McDowall built this in a carriage shop in his free time.
Overhead, a hang glider is suspended.
McDowall did this as a "hobby"?! I am impressed!
ReplyDeleteThese old machines look already like the one I have seen in a "Da Vinci" exposition ! He had already invented that ! Unbelievable !
ReplyDeleteInteresting exhibits.
ReplyDeleteand so we start the way to the moon ...
ReplyDeleteThat plane was so fragile as a dragonfly!
Those hero pilots...
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteMáquinas voadoras com muita história, aproveito para desejar a continuação de uma boa semana.
ReplyDeleteAndarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
O prazer dos livros
@Iris: quite a hobby.
ReplyDelete@Gattina: definitely.
@Nancy: that they are.
@Ella: quite so.
@Italiafinlandia: they did exceptional things.
@Rosemary: I agree.
@Francisco: thanks.
...to be able to soar with the eagles!
ReplyDeleteWhat a collection!
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome to imagine in that day and age, that they dreamed this. Beautiful pieces of history.
ReplyDeletecan u imagine trying to fly in something like that ... kind of hard work, too wild. ( ;
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful collection. Great what those pioneers have done in the past with ingenuity and true contempt for death.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to think of how those machines were state of the art at one time.
ReplyDeleteSo flimsy!
ReplyDeleteInteresting that I've heard of very few of these early planes.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe those old planes could actually fly. But, I guess if you think about it, it's hard to believe today's planes with all that weight inside them can fly. But they do!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful exhibit. The early planes are quite impressive.
ReplyDelete@Tom: quite an ambition.
ReplyDelete@Anvilcloud: that it is.
@Jennifer: they were innovators.
@Beth: a lot of trial and error.
@Jan: that is true.
@DJan: I agree.
@RedPat: and delicate.
@Red: a lot of them are best known to enthusiasts of the subject.
@Sharon: most of the time!
@Bill: I agree.
Can you imagine just how loud that engine must have sounded located as close as it is to the pilot?
ReplyDeleteHang gliding is not for me!
ReplyDeleteA great exhibit. Hand gliding must be amazing but I would be terrified to try it!!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how small and frail those early planes were. Aviation has come so far!
ReplyDeleteThe bravery to try flying on of those rickety planes is mind boggling.
ReplyDeleteLove how they have suspended the hang glider.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
That last photo is an especially impressive installation. Love museums with lots of light!
ReplyDeleteCool!
ReplyDelete@Revrunner: indeed.
ReplyDelete@Marie: I've never done it.
@Happyone: I'd like to.
@Kay: it really has.
@Maywyn: indeed.
@Jan: me too.
@Jeanie: I do too.
@Klara: thanks!