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Cody Flyer Project - Progress Report DECEMBER 2008
Well we did it!
The replica of British Army Aeroplane No 1A was completed in time for the 16th October 2008 to commemorate Cody’s achievement of the first powered flight in the UK, exactly 100 years on, and only a few hundred metres from where the actual flight took place.
The day was brilliant as all invited and honoured guests, including the media, witnessed a re-enactment of the 27 seconds of his famous flight by team members Dave Madgwick (Cody) and Veronica Graham-Green (Lela). Amongst the various formalities ‘Lela’ is seen left presenting Mrs Pamela Shrubb with a bouquet in appreciation of her generous donation which funded the construction of the Cody pavilion.
On the engineering side, the design of the transport joint system was again tested with the breakdown of the replica at the airshow site, temporary storage, then re-construction in the new dedicated pavilion at the FAST museum site.
This time however the fabric was permanently sewn in place including adding a new section covering the fuselage and a fairing behind the pilots seat. There does however remain one engineering task left; that of fitting Cody’s wing warping system. Some early hardware such as pulleys have already been fitted but it will probably be the Spring of 2009 before this task is complete.
It just remains now to thank everybody who helped with the project, however large or small their contribution. This achievement in its own way was just as incredible as Cody’s efforts 100 years ago. At the start of the project some 20 months ago there was no team, no design, no money, and nowhere to exhibit the result. However under the guidance of Dave Wilson (Project Manager) supported by a core team of enthusiasts the Cody Flyer Project was turned into reality proving testament to the wide range of skills, experience and dedication of the team members of FAST to make it happen.
The Cody Flyer Replica is now fully open to the public inside its new pavilion on all museum opening days (Saturday and Sundays 10am to 4 pm). We hope all who read this will visit and see for themselves the incredible engineering achievement of the first man to perform recognised powered and controlled flight in the United Kingdom.
Finally it is with great pleasure to announce that the Royal Aeronautical Society has awarded FAST its Historical Group Centenary Certificate for Heritage Projects “in recognition of outstanding achievement in this centenary year of powered flight in the United Kingdom”.
Support us - Buy Exclusive CODY FLYER PROJECT items
Availible to buy from the Cody Flyer Project (click for more details - price include P+P):
The Cody Flyer Project Replica Limited
Edition S F Cody
Centenary Commemorative Watercolour
Print - Only £35
Booklet - Only £10
CODY FLYER PROJECT - PROGRESS REPORT SEPTEMBER 2008
Its now been three months since we last reported during the run up to the Farnborough air show held 14th to 20th July.
We succeeded in displaying the replica in an advanced state of completion
in the Pioneers of Flight Pavilion alongside replicas of two A V Roe machines
and a Wright Flyer.
For those interested in historic aviation, this was a totally
unique event. The photo (below) shows descendants of all three pioneers
(Amanda Wright Lane, Peter Cody, Samuel F Cody, John Cody and Eric Verdon
Roe) in front of the Cody Flyer.
Thousands of visitors passed through
the pavilion to mavel at these machines and all were impressed particularly
by the sheer size of the Cody Flyer.
On the engineering side, the design of the transport joint system was
proven with the basic airframe going together remarkably well in just
a few days.
We were able to fully clad the wings and flying control surfaces
with fabric (although pinned rather than sewn in some areas) and all the
flying controls were ‘dressed’ and fitted with their control wires back to
the control column/gate.
We were thus able to demonstrate how these surfaces
moved using the actual control column.
Another feature was the animation
of the propellers and drive belts which, together with the recorded sound of a big
V8 engine, proved very popular.
Below is an image link to a short (external) video of the Cody Flyer at the Farnborough International Airshow 2008. Please click the image to see the video (will open a new window)
Following the show the replica was again taken apart and stored in the FIVE building (courtesy of Farnborough International) awaiting the construction of a new purpose built Cody Pavilion being erected adjacent to the FAST museum (photo below).
We are now re-constructing the Flyer for the 100th anniversary events taking place on the 16th October. The form and nature of the celebrations are a closely guarded secret but we can promise the Cody Flyer replica will be in its most advanced build state including some important refinements not seen earlier in the year at the Farnborough air show.
Following a formal ceremony (with invited guests only) to mark the 100th anniversary of Cody’s historic flight on the morning of October 16th, from 1pm onwards the pavilion will be open to the public and thereafter on all normal museum opening days (Saturday & Sundays 10am to 4pm).
Exclusive, Limited Edition Cody Print - Only 500 prints @ £35
We have produced a unique, LIMITED EDITION 'Cody' art print, reproduced from a beautiful, original watercolour painting by Samuel Cody expert, Jean Roberts (who is also a wonderful artist)
The prints have been produced on high quality 190gsm Cotman Watercolour paper
The run is limited to only 500 Signed & Numbered prints, so please be quick as they are selling fast.
You can buy the prints for £35 by using the 'Buy Now' button above. This will take you to a secure Payment page.
This price includes all packing & postage costs.
The image below shows the size of the print. However, please note, this image is for display purposes only. The prints for sale are NOT framed
Exclusive, Cody Flyer Project - Centenary Commemorative Booklet - Only £10 (inc P+P)
This Beautiful, high quality Commemorative Booklet was produced
for the Official unveiling of the Cody Flyer Project Replica of Samuel
Frankiln Cody's British
Army Aircraft Number 1A
on 16 October, 2008.
Measuring approx. 23cm w x 34cm h (9" x 13") with 40 full colour pages, detailing
the history of S F Cody & his Aeroplanes as well as the story of the Cody Project
with the progress of the Flyer replica; from conception to completion.
A truely special & collectable document of the entire Cody Flyer Project
Orders outside the UK please use the button below to cover the increased shipping charges. Thank You.
Orders outside the UK please use the button below to cover the increased shipping charges. Thank You.
Orders outside the UK please use the button below to cover the increased shipping charges. Thank You.
Larger copies of the images are included in our GALLERY
The FAST Cody Flyer Project
Mission
To build a (non-flying) full size replica of British Army Aircraft Number 1A in which Samuel Franklin Cody, on 16 October, 1908 made the first powered, controlled flight in the UK of a heavier than air machine.
The replica, to be completed in time for the 100th Anniversary of that historic flight in October, 2008, is to be built to the drawings prepared by John Roberts based on research over many years by Mrs. Jean Roberts.
The fundamental mandates of the project are authenticity & meeting the October 2008 deadline.
As such, funding and partnerships are being actively sought by the FAST team in order to meet these essential requirements.
Please see our sponsorship & donation pages.
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FAST Media contact:
Richard Gardner Tel 01252 515562 fast@richardgardnerassociates.com http://www.airsciences.org.uk
Project Leader:
David Wilson Tel 01420
23644 davanwilson@aol.com
Project Deputy:
Maurice Shakespeare Tel 01252 683773 m.shakespeare@codyflyerproject.com
Information on Samual Franklin Cody:
Jean Roberts Tel 01252 543740 jean@pinehurst112.freeserve.co.uk http://www.sfcody.org.uk