The model monoplane, illustrated herewith, was designed and built by Mr. Jas. K. Dalkranian, of Weehawken Heights, N. J. It is the most successful model of this type of machine that has been flown at the meetings of the Aeronautic Society. When started from the gallery in the great banquet hall in the club house of the Automobile Club of America - at a height of about 20 feet - it would frequently travel the entire length of the hall - 100 feet - with perfect stability.

The body of this model consists of a rectangular frame 43 1/4 inches long by 2 1/2 inches wide. About 6 inches back of the front edge of the frame and 4 inches above it the main plane, 31 1/2 by 7 inches in size, is placed. It is mounted upon V-shaped verticals that extend down to a keel 10 inches below the body. An oval horizontal rudder, 8 1/2 by 4 3/4 inches in size, is pivoted out in front of the center of the panel. This rudder can be set horizontal at the start while the model is running along the floor. A strip releases and allows a spring to turn it upward slightly when the machine has attained speed enough to soar.

The tail is placed about 6 inches from the rear end of the main frame. Its dimensions are 17 1/2 by 6 inches. The V-shaped surface below it extends downward 4 inches and has a projected surface of 10 by 6 inches. The corresponding V in front extends downward about 6 inches and has a projected surface of 15 by 7 inches. The vertical rudder is 8 inches high by 4 inches wide. It has a surface of about 20 square inches.

Fig. 369 - A novel monoplane model.

The motive power consists of a single rubber tube having its two ends joined so as to form a band 18 inches long, which is stretched to about 2 feet. This tube is about 1/8 of an inch thick and 3/8 of an inch in diameter. It is stretched upon two rubber-covered hooks. The hook at the rear is securely fastened in the block, forming one end of the elastic frame, while the one at the front passes through a tube in the forward block and carries the front propeller, which, of course, is secured to it. The tube through which it passes is secured to the front block of the elastic frame and carries the rear propeller. To wind up the elastic, hold one propeller and turn the other. The propellers are 13 1/4 inches in diameter. The blades have a projected width at the tips of 2 inches, while their real width is 2 3/16 inches. They are 7/8 inch thick at the hub. The pitch of these propellers is about 18 inches. Each propeller makes about fifty turns, and the machine travels 100 feet.

The machine is mounted upon skids 29 inches long and 10 inches apart. These are split at the ends, the light halves having wheels. Ordinarily the weight can be supported on the wheels, but when the machine strikes ground the split ends give and the main skids take the shock. There are also elastic braces from the body to the skids, and a number of strong guys running to the keel.