The 1913 Eastbourne Monoplane replica was rescued from Newquay when the museum closed. An education programme had been set up around the fuselage so we are pleased to say that it is now safely stored at Bodmin Airfield with thanks to Pete White and Martin Pengelly. We look forward to seeing opportunities for young people to work on the fuselage in the future.
The original Eastbourne Monoplane, of which only one was built, was designed and built by Bernard Fowler and Emil L Gassier for the Eastbourne Aviation Company Ltd and first flew on 22nd February 1913. It was powered by a 35hp three cylinder Anzani radial engine. The single seat tractor monoplane was built for exhibition flying but, with the outbreak of war in 1914, it was relegated to the back of the hangar while aircraft more suitable for observation over the trenches and eventually for combat flying were designed and built. Fortunately for us the plans and details of the original aircraft remain and were published in Flight magazine as the originality of the single winged machine were of great interest at the time.
In 2009 Steve Green and Ken Gillett set about building a full scale replica to be ready to celebrate the centenary in 2013. The model was built to work out the fuselage dimensions and seating position and to practice splicing and steam bending of the longerons. However, once the fuselage was constructed other projects took over so the replica was never completed. I had planned to move the monoplane from the stores to Turweston where I hoped I could find a group who would like to take this on as a project for young people. However, during an LAA Strut meeting where I outlined the plan, a positive response came from Pete White, VAC member, director of Bodmin Airfield and Cornwall Strut Chairman. Pete linked us up with Cornwall Aviation Heritage Trust who were looking for a project to engage the local schools and groups at the museum.
In December 2019 a box trailer arrived, kindly provided by Graham Saw, and with Tom Wenham we loaded the fuselage on to the trailer and , with the help of Martin Pengelly and Graham's brother Richard, she was delivered to Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre at Newquay Airport. The Eastbourne Monoplane replica has since been rescued from Newquay when the museum closed and it is now safely stored at Bodmin Airfield. The project is to be overseen by the VAC and we look forward to hearing how the young people proceed with learning new skills and, hopefully, developing a love for vintage aircraft. We will also be keeping in touch with the team at Brooklands. ANNE HUGHES
Photos courtesy of Anne Hughes, Graham Saw, Ian Raymer, Ian Watkins.
