Since this looks like a fully blown obsession, and includes personal danger and almost certain explosions, I could not be happier than to go off for a few more posts on the subject of steam powered airplanes.
The Aerial Steam Carriage was conceived in 1842. Though never actually built (there was a model constructed in 1848 that flew indoors) it was a leap forward in thinking, moving designers away from flight from gliding to actual powered flight.
The device was the invention of William Henson and John Stringfellow. With a huge wingspan of 46 metres and power coming from a 50 HP steam plant, they figured it could go 50 MPH and carry a dozen passengers. All they really did was get the patent for it, nothing but the model was built. In 1843 they formed, with 2 other partners, the Aerial Transit Company and began trying to raise money.
In actual fact, several models were built but only one flew under it's own power provided by a small steam engine. Glitzy advertisements were used to try and lure investors but the skeptics were numerous and the project fell apart.
More to come in the next few posts including a steam helicopter. I told you there would be injuries.
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