The Hangar |
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visit to the hangar on Lelystad Airport is worthwhile. Frequently the
Early Birds staff conducts guided tours in the hangar for groups of
visitors, but individual visitors are equally welcome. The other web
pages show the planes which are normally on display but many other
aviation 'artefacts' are also to be admired. Various engines, metal and
wooden propellers, but also instruments, tools and 'body art'. The latter
are pieces of World War One aircraft fabric decorated with personal pilot's or
unit's insignia. Authentic pieces with clearly recognisable patching of
bullet-holes. Several early powerplants have found a place throughout the hangar. A genuine showpiece is the 80-hp LeRhone rotary engine built in 1916. [click for demo rotary engine 650 kB] |
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Mounted on a contemporary test-stand this 90-year-old engine comes to life a few times a year. It goes without saying that the characteristic sound every time attracts an enthusiastic crowd. |
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Another
rare engine is the 180 hp 8-cylinder Hispano Suiza which in its time
powered the French SPAD VII and the British R.A.F. SE-5a. This engine is
waiting for a suitable plane; perhaps a future project for Early Birds.
At this moment another rotary engine is in the process of being restored to running order. Every single part is meticulously examined and put back in its original - or better - state before being assembled to a working engine which can safely propel an aircraft. In the olden days 'safety' was taken with a pinch of salt but today aircraft will only take to the air when fully complying to regulations. |
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| As
reliability never was a typical feature of rotaries, Early Birds does not
operate a plane fitted with a rotary engine. Technical know-how and materials at the time were not what they are now and consequently engines were not very long-lived: after some forty hours an engine had to be replaced. Incidentally, those forty hours were no picnic for the pilot. To spend some time behind an engine which lavishly sprayed castor oil (ricinus oil), used as a lubricant, the pilots experienced the purgative effect this substance had when applied as a medicine. Other engines are the 200 hp Ranger and a 240 hp Renault which in the foreseeable future will find a place in the nose of the Nord 1101 currently under restoration. Recently the foundation acquired an antique Buick automobile. Click to view some pictures |
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| Opening hours and address of the EB hangar are to be found on the 'more info' page. | ||
| More pictures (click to enlarge) | ||
