Can We Make This 1920s Harley-Davidson Powered Airplane Fly?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 24 бер 2022
- Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum, located in Maggie Valley, NC, features over 375 American motorcycles, unique cars, and transportation history.
For more information about the museum, visit www.wheelsthroughtime.com
To learn more about "The Drive for History," visit www.wheelsthroughtime.com/donate
To purchase tickets for your chance to win our Annual Raffle Bike, visit www.wheelsthroughtime.com/win-...
Like these videos and want more exclusive content? Become a member of "Dale's Channel" at www.daleschannel.tv
Facebook.com/wheelsthroughtime
wheels through time - Авто та транспорт
From a retired USAF B-52, C-17, C-5 mechanic, with a few years of QA and training detachment experience…don’t let people get in the prop “destruction” area/plane of rotation. Your cameraman walked right through it. What do I mean? Think if the prop broke, disintegrated, etc., you would never want to be on the sides of the centrifugal area of it…you know…where all the pieces would be in line with your body. In addition, what others have said…”two hands, one blade” of the prop, to start.
This is the only way to proper handstart a propeller airplane ...not.
Thanks captain obvious for the excellent tip and resume. Like a nurse who couldn't become a doctor. Lmao
PLEASE... learn about how an aircraft works... you'll find with full up up elevator "that's the to flappy things in the back" your tail will stay planted on the ground. It will not leave Tera Firma. 20:32
The amazing young men in their flying machines. They go uppity up up. They come down dity down down.
Hold my beer boys! It would have been smart to have someone with aviation and airplane knowledge to be advising this little experiment.
As a pilot, your hand propping technique scared the shit out of me. I highly suggest watching a youtube video on how to handprop and for the love of god have an FAA inspector go over it before you put that thing in the air
I am sure there is no intention of putting it in the air. makes for a good youtube video to say today might be the day.
If you get to keep hands with that hand prop technique, and then taxi or fly a tail dragger with no piloting training? Holy Crap! Time on earth is running out fast.
@@staplests Imagine during ww1 when pilot training was riding in the gunner seat of a 2 seater and your first time ever at the controls was a solo flight in a Sopwith Camel powered by a radial engine that spins its whole mass around a fixed crankshaft. Good times 😆
Nice video explaining the correct technique…
ua-cam.com/video/EQm0hfEES6o/v-deo.html
When complacency happend. Be carefull when using this technique
ua-cam.com/video/66KhR3uEof8/v-deo.html
My father was born in 1921 and was a life long motorcycle enthusiast. He told me about these Harley Davidson air planes and claimed he actually tried to fly one in the 30's but crashed on takeoff. I had never seen one though until now... Thank you!
Fly it mate fly it it looks awesome
"It seems like everything's fine." LOL. Love this guy's spirit of adventure. Not many people like that anymore. The old helmet was a perfect touch. Ditto on the hand prop technique. Scared the hell out of me. Two hands on one side and get back! Watch the videos on how to do it. Great job. I have a Yamaha R3 and was wondering if I could use the engine for a homebuilt. Now I know. The guy who built this was a genius. Thanks. I just subscribed !
What we _saw_ was an "I _IMAGINE_ everything's fine because I 8HOPE* so ." That's certainly a "spirit" of SOMETHING , but "adventure" ?
If you ever do this again, don’t use both hands on either side of the propeller to start it. Very dangerous. Just turn it until you get it on the top of the compression stroke, just like a motorcycle, then use both hands on one side making sure that you follow through with your down pull and clear the propeller path. By the way this is my new favorite channel, I absolutely love the host.
Edit: after revisiting this comment and thinking about it, with a hand on either side of the blade, if the engine were to kick back with your hands on it, it would kind of twist you into the blade, pulling your chest right into the spinner.
Thanks a ton for watching!! Couldn’t get the old VTwin to even pop the way you mention to start it. Most airplane engines engines have several more cylinders and/or far better than a 315 degree firing order. Found that we had to get it past two compression strokes to get it to fire. One pull simply wouldn’t do it. Admittedly not the best solution, but appeared to be the only solution.
@@mattwalksler You know better than I do, just thought you’d be a better bike mechanic with both your arms 😜 be safe brother and keep up the great work!
So true, I cringed when I saw that. Having hand-spun propellers for over 50 years, using a leg to swing back as you pull down helps move the body back.
Yep my 65 sportster with 10.5 compression sent me into the air
follow through? what? this isnt baseball here
Real cool relic! As a 30+ year aircraft mechanic with 40+ years of motorcycling in a word "if HD built an airplane would you fly in it" is a resounding "NO"! Glad it exists, thanks for preserving and showing it off.
That's an awesome little airplane. Like some others have already said, I HIGHLY suggest getting that thing officially checked out. It'd be amazing to see it fly.
That prop spinning looks utterly amazing it looks like it's bending but it's just the shutter on the camera that is amazing......
The things people made back then.
The genius
Digital cameras make spinning props look like
they are made out of rubber!
Guys, get the airframe checked out by someone
who knows how!
steve
Starting takes 2 people: 1 to spin it, and 1 to work the engine controls in the cockpit. When you spin the propeller, use both hands on one blade for safety.
You're right (I used to fly a Champ with no electrical system). I was kinda cringing watching these guys starting this airplane. I'm glad no one got hurt.
3 people, the third helps clean up the mess in your pants
@@VintageAmmoTim 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I had neighbors as a kid that were plane enthusiast and most of them knew how to fly. Even the kids. I hate my phone . It's doing what it wants.
@@clarkbabin9799 If they're at the same place as you when you have a broken leg, they can get you to the hospital if airplanes are the only way in or out.
What a thrill to see this running! The guy who built this plane, Wilson Miller, was from nearby Oneida, NY. When I went in the antique business full time in 1986 the 1st major aviation collection I bought was from an old friend, Sam Rinaldo. Sam was a watchmaker, flight instructor, Piper CUH restorer & model builder. He was lifelong friends with Wilson Miller & when Wilson passed he bequeathed his aviation stuff to Sam. Not having from to keep the airplane Sam sold it to a legendary local antique dealer, Ed Evans of the Green Door in Rome, NY. The plane eventually found it's way to a HD guy in the Midwest before Dale bought it for the museum. I ended up with most of Wilson's aviation collection includin magazines, books, models, photo albums etc. I'd always wanted get the stuff associated with this airplane back together with it! When I found out Dale had bought it for the Museum I had a mutual friend Frank Westfall (of Cannonball & Art Deco Henderson fame!) take it to a swap meet and sell it to Dale for me. It's great to see it running! BTW if you tip it over I thinl I have a spare prop in the garage! Tom Heitzman (aka stuffinder.com)
Man .. love to see you continuing the family adventure .. my wife and I used to visit you guys back when we attended bike rallies there in Maggie Valley .. still miss y'all and the Apple Cover Inn (back when Derrick and his wife owned it) .. it's just amazing to see that old metal still working .. thanks for doing what you do and taking the time to share it with us ..
This has got to be the best. All ended well. Thank you for the sheer excitement/anticipation value.
Now, "Wings through Time!!"
This Airplane really should go to the EAA at Oshkosh, Wisconsin for its 100th Anniversary.
It wasn't too far behind the Wright Brothers.
Amazing how a Twenty year old could devote all of his thinking and resources to such a unique project that was on the cutting edge of technology at the time.
Try to think of anything, that a contemporary Twenty yr old is capable of, a century later.
The first successful model airplane engine, the 'Brown Junior' was designed by Bill Brown when he was in high school. Went into production in 1934 & many still running today.
Yes...times have changed.
What a twenty year old is capable of a century later...crying about how oppressed they are & running for their "safe space" when they are "offended". :D
That's exactly where it belongs. In the museum at oshkosh!! And hauled there in an enclosed trailer.
@@AncientApparatus That comment is just saying you're old with extra steps. That time was different there were no regulations at all. Still, there are several (young) people on YT alone who built their own aircraft as well. A 19 yo girl flew across the world recently. The aviation (construction) sector isn't as accessible as it was at that time, especially in terms of money and regulations. Anyway, what extraordinary thing did you do when you were 20?
@@mintoc8853 You're right & there are still many extra ordinary young people in the world today & I congratulate those who are. I don't know that it had anything to do with regulations rather more to do with a more disciplined life. My point was that overall many young people have been deceived &/or have become complacent.
I've seen that thing in the museum for years but never thought anyone would be crazy enought to fire it up. Love the video and thanks for sharing ! See you this Spring!
Remember Mat is Dales son. Yes he is crazy enough. LOL 😆 🤣
Did you get to make air worry and fly love the vidio
Man I love every video y’all make, but as an aircraft mechanic and motorcycle enthusiast, this video is just on a different level. Nothing quite like hand propping a small aircraft.
Wow that WAS INCREDIBLE! Such a amazing piece of history and was so cool doing this and documenting it!
I love that you guys actually run these old machines, just as intended!
Dale that one was for you brother thank you so much Matt for filling his shoes and doing an excellent job
Sorry to hear about your dad I've always enjoyed watching you guys and the history you've preserved for the last two decades and to see the legacy continue is really awesome. I hope one day I can visit the museum
What a beauty!! Your knowledge of the items and their history is absolutely amazing sir
Yikes! That hand propping technique will get you killed! You need to learn the proper method, which has you backing away from the prop with every (two handed) flip of the prop,
Stay tuned for part 2, when Matt takes it on the Tail of the Dragon.
This was totally incredible and awesome. To see this fire up and run was exciting to watch. Who ever thought that a Harley Davidson could power a air plane? Now just to see it fly.
An airplane......
I watch many of your videos and love the detail. May I ask you do a series where. You lay out a few engines next to each other and discuss the technical enhancement of time. What changes between the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s , etc. seeing the changes in technology.
I'd ask around the local airports to see if there are any Experimental Test Pilots in the area. They would look everything over to insure it's air-worthy, and if so pre-flight and fly the thing for you. Having been flown recently would probably increase the value substantially. It would be nice to see it in the air, too.
Lol I'd ask around the local lunatic asylums to see if there were any nutters who think they're pilots about...
Im a pilot, I'd fly it.... once screws stopped coming out of the cowling haha
lol needs more than a look over from a pilot to be considered air worthy. Needs an airworthiness certificate from an IAM, registration, and an operating manual, all of which this plane doesn't have. probably gonna need a lot of time and money to break through the red tape and get that plane in the air
Eh it’ll be fine
@@crab9980
Bullshit!!
Fly that puppy....FAA part 103.
Even with all the hard work you all do, you are living the coolest lives I could ever imagine. Thanks for sharing
every time i visited the museum i would see that plane and wondered if it could fly... Thanks for sharing this start up video..will be visiting again soon.
I love that when someone shows you what is possible they can go on and create magnificent things
Can you imagine what it was like in those days to make something like that and have the balls to fly it! Well done 👍🏻
My thoughts exactly. I guess I'm getting old.
I made a cloth covered model airplane as a teen, I would give important body parts for those plans again ( scaled down airplane blueprints) if you do the maths( cg) and are fairly meticulous should have no problem flying your own craft.
There are still a lot if people that build and fly their own planes. MOST are kits but some are just from plans
I’d fly it 🤷🏼♂️…that thing seems more sturdy than many modern ultralights
Yes. Kit planes magazine was publishing plans, material lists, and flight reviews. I have every copy from 1926- current. Everything makes more sense when you go back to the beginning because it was pretty common to design and build the entire airplane as well as share your designs. Later, people quit sharing.
Just awesome. I can just imagine puttering around at 1500ft on a warm sunny day
On a couple of your videos ive watched lately youve just let the carburetor alone when doing your pre start maintenance and that is a testament on the quality of old school gasoline. Im a young guy and dropping the float bowl is pretty much where i start when something has sat for even just a year
That is so cool I never knew until you made this video and thank you for sharing wheels through time.
Much Respect
Wow that was awesome!.....I got emotional when it fired up. I thought just imagine if your dad was there aside you matt.....don't ever stop what you do man you have beautiful property and a dream business. Best channel on you tube.
I met him last year, pretty cool guy
That is SO freaking cool! I'm a huge aviation fan.
Cool video, but as soon as he called the elevator a "flap" I was like "Oh please don't let this guy be planning to take this thing in the air.".
I'm so glad this is here in NC! I will definently be making a stop next time I'm in that area!
Bringing in an experienced vintage aircraft expert would have been a good idea. You're about half right on everything except the engine. I'd fly it in a heartbeat after about a week of serious inspection, although the fabric probably won't pass airworthiness. Maybe a crow hop or two. Other comments have already addressed some serious issues with how you guys went about this adventure.
Spot on. Exactly what I thought. This is a relic. That they didn’t seek an assist from experienced vintage aviators or help from the EAA says a lot…….. what could possibly go wrong.
@@Lt_Tragg They where never going to fly it, why bother.
@@kingcosworth2643 You can crash a plane without flying it.
Ah, how about them there "ailerons"? Both were down, almost useful and no tie down?
What got me was the comment about "...the flap on the tail." Well that was all I needed to hear about their "experience" with "aircraft". Glad they decided NOT to fly it as it is not a legal ultralight that didn't require a license to fly.....BUT does take training!
WOW!!! Matt, that was scary and fabulous at the same time!! Thanks for taking that chance.
That’s so freaking cool! Great to see that thing start. Awesome work on the channel and with the content you put out! Keep it going.
This is cooler than cool!
Id be flying this thing constantly.
Incredible historic backyard flyer!
Best video I have watched in ages. I am a 68 year old pilot. You guys were so wreckless, disrespecting an airplane in that manner! But it was great fun. Glad no one was hurt, killed or maimed.
I kind of agree. He had me pretty scared. That thing could be pretty touchy with little room for error. It's called PIO, ie pilot induced occilations. Lots of experimentals have crashed over control issues. Safety first.
As long as he is WRECKLESS, it's fine...reckless or not.
😂👍
Hands down the best episode ever!!! This was so great with real emotion and live sound and this plane I could tell wanted to go much further today! Always enjoy anything from Wheels Through Time!
You've gotta get this thing in the air it's amazing
Get it inspected for airworthiness and a pilot that's willing and fly it even if it's just the once
It's brilliant
Pardon my pedantics, but an amateur-built experimental airplane cannot be considered "airworthy" because it is not built in accordance with a specific Type Design. In legally safe flying condition it is considered to be "in a condition for safe operation" but never "Airworthy." That term is reserved for certificated aircraft only.
The most critical aspect with regard to flying this airplane with any margin of safety is it's fabric covering. Being that this is an experimental aircraft with no CAA or FAA Type Certificate, most of the criteria is recommended but not mandatory. In the case of the fabric, however, in the name of safety the airworthiness standards for certificated aircraft MUST be adhered to, even though it has no Type Certificate..
Contrary to popular belief, aircraft have never used canvas as a covering material. If it has Grade A Aircraft Cotton or lrish Linen fabric covering I doubt that it would pass inspection. For a small airplane like this the minimum tensile strength of the fabric is 46 lbs per square inch. Natural fabrics deteriorate over time to the point where they will no longer bear the minimum load. Sometimes the dope coatings will still look beautiful but the fabric underneath is rotten. That's why we often call the old Grade A Aircraft Cotton Fabric "Rotten Cotton." If, at some point, the fabric has been replaced with newer Dacron polyester fabric with adequate UV protection (silver dope or PolySpray) and kept hangars then the fabric may still be serviceable.
Second would be the integrity of it's wood structure. Many wooden airplanes from the 1930s on down were built using casein resin glue that deteriorates and releases after awhile. Insufficient varnishing of the structure can result in decay of the wood. Any landing mishaps like ground loops can overstress wing spars causing compression failures that can be very difficult to detect. All this would need to be very thoroughly checked. Repairs should be made with Resorcinol adhesive. Since it is an experimental, epoxy adhesives could probably also be used.
Dude I was smiling the whole time! Glad to have seen and heard this thing running brother.
The carburetor on airplanes is ALWAYS mounted under the engine to avoid fires in flight should a carb, gas fittings, o-rings or fuel hose leak gasoline. Updraft carburetors are on every carbureted airplane.
Every? That's an absolute, and absolutes are seldom true. Technically, the Bendix-Stromberg pressure carburetors used on many large, radial engines are still carburetors, and they are downdrafts.
@@Hopeless_and_Forlorn I agree about the absolute, im sure there were one or two instances at the very least in the beginning of aviation where carburetors above the engine leaked and caused a fire, unless this happened to be a moment of brilliant foresight.
Rotax aero engines for example don’t
Bonanza and a Cessna 182 are what’s called side draft carbs.
@@gulfcoastaero8048
You're thinking of a T182 or 182RG with Lycoming O-540-L3C5D and Marvel-Schebler/Tillotson HA-6 horizontal draft carburetor mounted in the rear with intake facing aft. The standard 182s with Continental O-470 engines have a Marvel-Schebler MA4-5 updraft carburetor.
Early Bonanzas had Bendix PS-5C single point fuel injector units commonly called "pressure carburetors" but they were not carburetors at all. They were single point fuel injection units.
Too cool. With Tail Wheel planes, it's common to "Fly the Tail" on the ground.
Saw that plane at your shop around 1998 or sum time we were up for Cherokee Bike week glad to see you got it running! Enjoy the video bro! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing. I just have to mention that I had an uncle Bruce Linsday who was a great aviator in the Navy and took me up back in 1960 in a piper cub for a fun ride. Probably not same Bruce but had me wondering. Peace and Safety to you!
Amazing! I love that you guys took this thing out of the museum and not only fired it up, you taxi'ed. That qualified you for absolute madman status.
This is what we're all about! Every bike in the museum fires up and runs!! Be sure to come visit us this year!
Wow !!! I was memorized by that plane when I seen it the first time and now seeing it run just makes my day , can't wait to come back , will see you in May
So much fun, thanks guys, made my day.
Fantastic video, great commentary about the history, thanks for sharing.
You never fail to impress! Thank you again for sharing your adventures with us! On the list to visit WTT this summer!
That's superb, everytime I ride my Fat Bob ill be flying that bad boy. Big love from Great Britain guys
That is beautiful. Attention to detail clear on every part
Love these kind of videos, keep them coming!!!
What an amazing channel! Thank you for taking the time to do all this!
Man that is awesome I would love to see some brave guy take off and land that at a small air port. I know it will still fly.
BUT PLEASE PUT SOME ADDITIONAL WIEGHT IN THE TAIL OF THIS MACHINE..TO KEEP ITSELF LEVEL IN FLIGHT...& FOR LANDING IT...DONT WANT ANY NOSE DIVES UNEXPECTEDLY.... GOD BLESS ONE & ALL... & DO FLY IT PLEASE.../ IF YOU BOUGHT A VINTAGE H.D. BIKE WOULD YOU REQUIRE A INSPECTOR TO LOOK IT OVER...BEFORE GOING SOMEWHERE ON IT ?? JUST GO DO IT..FIX IT LATER...
Wow!!! that was so cool thanks for keeping the dreams Alive 👍
Man that thing is awesome! I was laughing along with you when she fired up. Perfect for the next raffle?!?
Fantastic !! I saw it at the museum but even greater to see it running now !
Saw it when it was in Mt Vernon….your museum there in those days was FANTASTIC!
I was almost as excited as Matt was & when Sketchy appeared l cracked the F up , love it . I was at the shop back in Mt Vernon , lL yrs ago getting a rocker arm for my 47 Knuck & don't remember seeing this plane but l'll see it this year when l come down to pickup my winning ticket 37 Knucklehead lol .
Words cannot explain how cool that it! Love it!!
This is the most awesome start I've seen. Excellent.
You guys kick are awesome I've been to the museum can't wait to go back
This brought a big smile on my face!
I love it " My Wifes not here right now" lol be safe gent's
Simply amazing! Awe inspiring. Well done.
Love the way the rolling shutter "bends" that prop!
"The flap on the back". "The pitch of the wings". My oh my.
This brought a massive smile to my face. Awesome video, thank you.
That is so freaking awesome!!
That plane is awesome!
Dang that is so cool. I would love to see it fly !
Absolutely the best !!I love vintage aircraft but the thought of flying that thing is terrifying
i hope they dont attempt it to sky!
What a blast, smiles galore, loved it!
That is so cool.
Glad you got her running.✌️😊👍
Awesome Freakin job !!! Good luck with the plane in the future
Brother that was epic...I see Shauns antics are rubbing off on ya...Loved it. 🙏🇺🇲
Lol, madman! Well done Matt. You might remember me asking about the grips on your race bike a few weeks back. I bought a vintage racing bike! My first vintage bike by a long shot. 1951 Norton, fresh out of the barn and is a factory made Trials bike! Thanks for the inspiration!
AMAZING HISTORY AND AN AMAZING MAN WITH A PASSION FOR HISTORY AND PEOPLE 🤘🤘
Beautiful work of art just the basics
One of the coolest thing I've seen on UA-cam Awesome 👍 Thumb's up just ain't enough !!!
Please watch some videos on hand proping
So cool, best thing I’ve seen.
That was cool , motorcycle guys are crazy !
I remember seeing it on my visit to WTTM....amazing, true to your moto everything there runs! Plus I'll never look at Miller Lite the same way!😁👍
I always tie the tail wheel, in this case tail skid when hand propping for safety.
I can't wait to come back to the museum
Well done guys ,good job.
Just a heads up, when taxiing hold the stick back. That way the tail will stay on ground
It also looks like the wing has almost no "wash out" which would make it a lot more prone to tip stall and go to a spin. Got to keep speed up to never stall.
Amazing! How fast will it taxi before it's off the runway? Bet it wouldn't take much!
wouldn't surprise me if stall is as low as 40 knots indicated! it needs some instruments fitted, airspeed, attitude and altimeter at a minimum.
Might lift the tail at 50mph or less - it's probably about the same performance as an early WW1 scout.
THAT THING IS FANTASTIC!
Very cool! Next video get that beauty airborne!
C'mon Matt, I wanted to see you fly it around Maggie Valley! 😉
FAA entered the chat..
MAtt!!! does the gear drive at the front use engine oil also?? Is that why it had extra oil? You really don't want that to be running dry!? Amazing as always 👍
Exactly what I thought and Hook up the ailerons!! Pre flight that baby very closely.
Another pointer too, you want a slow reliable idle or you could float of the end of the runway landing or you could also loose power when you need it. If my KR2 was not at dead idle on landing, it would float off the end of the runway in ground effect.
@@davidhakes3884 That airplane would have taken a lot of work to get truly airworthy including recovering. Every control wire, nut, bolt, fitting would have to be checked and the engine would likely need to be disassembled and possible overhauled. It is unique sounding though!
@@donadams8345 Hi Don I am from a flying family. Light weight ceconite would be a quick fabric job, I wouldn't even paint it. I flew a Lot in Alaska and have flown some Very sKetchy Aircraft.I just get a kick out the Bike museum. Regards.
The engine and the gear reduction assembly are lubricated independently.
They may also be designed to use different lubricating oils.
lmao sketchy @ 18:11 😂 Great video loved it!
In 1983 I did some work on an antique store in Jefferson, Texas that had a similar home built aircraft in a front window display. The store owner said his father built it in 1933 using a kit with plans bought thru Popular Science magazine. His was smaller and made from wood with a doped fabric cover. The engine looked like an older H-D or Indian V twin. I met his father a few years when I started to attend a different church. Turned out he built the aircraft when 15 with the help of his father and flew it around open pastures at an altitude of 6 to 10 feet. He joined the CAP (Civilian Air Corps) to get his pilots license before leaving for college. He was called up for WW2 to end up flying photo recon over Western Europe in a P-38 due to being short (5'6") and skinny. I'm not sure if his homebuilt aircraft is still on display at the Steamboat Warehouse in Jefferson. Around 35 miles west of Jefferson you can see a replica of the Ezekiel Flying Ship in Pittsburgh, Texas. It was designed and built by a local preacher that flew before the Wright Brothers had their first successful powered flight. The ship was flown and witnessed by the mechanics that helped to build it. They snuck it on a Sunday morning when the preacher was away pastoring in a nearby town. Nobody believed the mechanics because "they were known to drink so probably were drunk at that time so were seeing things".
Very cool. But that was not a good way to hand prop an airplane. (I’m a pilot and aircraft mechanic) I’d be more careful next time and maybe find someone with experience with hand propping to teach you the proper way. Find a UA-cam video on how to do it. But very cool video.
I was waiting to hear whether any of them are licensed pilots. I'd have wanted a real pilot in the seat with his hand on the throttle before I spun it over.