'31 Budd Cab
 

I really believe if the Florida wind was just right -- I could do 90!!
When were wind-tunnels used?

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

90 would be really fast considering you'd be pushing a barn thru the wind! I ran my widebed on El Mirage dry lake at an SCTA event years ago it was timed at 78 mph. This is a dirt course, 1.3 miles long. I was faster than a '37 Dodge pickup that day!

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

I've had mine up to 70! One time! Don't plan on making it a habit. 55 is more my speed.

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

Not very 'A' related, but Orville and Wilbur Wright invented the wind tunnel before the powered flights in 1903. While experimenting with gliders on Kitty Hawk they weren't getting the calculated lift and were stymied. Seeking the answer, they came up with a device to measure lift from various wing shapes. The wind tunnel was born. Their first discovery with it was that the generally accepted lift equations of the day were wrong. They designed and tested new wing shapes, and accurate lift relationships. This is just a glimpse of their genius. Those who think that Langley was first (He was backed by the US government and the Wrights were ignored at first) or Whitehead was first (Hopeless CT claim, Whitehead had no roll control or adequate lift) have not studied the Wright's brilliance, in the engine, in the wings, in realizing a propeller is an airfoil, in establishing roll control for the first time, and in their dogged persistence. It's a fascinating richly detailed story, and something I've obviously spent some time on. Including 3,000 hours in flight.

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

The Smithsonian didn't want the original Wright Flyer back in 1910 when it was offered due to the Langley bias. Charles Walcott was dead set that Langley's old Aerodrome should have been the first successful powered airplane. The Smithsonian finally accepted it in 1948 and it is as original as it gets.
https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitio...ght%20aircraft.

Otto Lilianthol had his trial and error information but Wilbur and Orville knew that it had to be expanded so they did their own experiments. The little wind tunnel did the trick. If you look at the big wind tunnel at Langley Research Center then you know how far it has come since then.

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

I don't think it was ever offered to the Smithsonian in 1910, the feud was too bitter. In fact the Wrights spent a lot of time in Europe as they were getting a better reception there.

On the 3rd page of your link is a photo of Paul Garber, long time curator of the Air & Space museum. Paul was encyclopedic in his aviation knowledge, and I had the pleasure to meet him at a museum function years ago. Paul's FAA pilot license was signed by ... Orville Wright. Pretty cool. In meeting Paul I was one degree of separation away from meeting Orville, and that was a standout day.

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

The Smithsonian was just the old castle and likely a few storage warehouses back in 1910 but it had been around since the Mexican war era so a lot of icons have been offered up over the many years of its existence. Both of the Wright brothers were still alive in 1910 and it was likely collecting dust in their digs. I don't doubt the museum's information much. They like to be on the up and up about American History.

The patent war over the airplane fundamentals was a lot bigger than any disagreement they may have had with the museum.

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

I am soooo confused.
How can a thread titled 31 Budd Cab begin by talking about how fast there car can go and wind up talking about the Wright Flyer.
Did I miss something. Can we end this ?

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

I agree!

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

Because the OP asked a question about a wind tunnel.

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

Anyone know when auto makers starting using them? I'm guessing Chrysler with the 'Airflow' models, but just a guess....

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

What shall we talk about next? Florida? Whether hills would help? Where the steepest hill is in Florida? What states have a 90mph speed limit? Pictures of Model As going 90?

Speaking of which, what's the highest number on an oval speedometer? Don't think I know that one. If it doesn't go to 90, can you still say you did it?

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

Speaking of Florida, I believe Space Mountain and Splash Mountain are tied for highest mountains......:D

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

It doesn't completely surprise me the Smithsonian is still glossing over this event.

From Kill Devil Hill by Harry Combs, one of the best books written on the Wrights pg 346-7:

"This whole ugly [Langley] episode cast a shadow over the real accomplishments of the Wright brothers, a burden Orville was forced to carry alone for many years. This was the main reason Orville had refused to place the The Kitty Hawk Flyer in the Smithsonian. Instead, he kept it in storage; then in 1928 he sent it to the Science Museum in South Kensington London, on loan....

Eventually as a result of many concerned individuals and a concerned Congress, Orville accepted the Smithsonian's official apology, and The Flyer came home to rest..."


Feud was not the only word used to describe the Smithsonian's actions against the Wrights, fraud also has come to be written in the history. It is not a good page in the history of the Smithsonian.

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

Mister Moose, you can claim any speed you want, some will believe you, some will not, no matter what you post!

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

As a retired airline mechanic and '31 PicUp owner, I appreciate the information about the Wright Brothers
Thanks Guys

Re: '31 Budd Cab
 

Went out to have a look. With a flashlight looking around the corner, my '30 built in December '29 speedometer tops out at 75mph.