Bing Autoplan Conservation, pt. 1

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This Bing Autoplan was manufactured in Germany in 1914, was powered by compressed air, and was originally covered in silk.  The silk has, unfortunately, deteriorated away leaving only a few scraps attached to the wire framework of the wings and tail.  The metal is corroding and is bent out of shape in places.  It doesn’t look like it was once something that was meant to fly.

While the flying days for this model are over, we are committed to restoring the model back to look like it did then.  This work needs to be performed by a professional conservator, and we are in the process of getting estimates to do the work.  We’ll keep you updated as this process moves forward.

While we are talking with conservators and scheduling work, the aircraft is on exhibit in the Hands-On Gallery.

The Bing Autoplan compressed air motor on exhibit in a case in the Hands-On Gallery.

Here are some “before” shots of what the Bing Autoplan looks like now.  With a lot of work and skill, it will hopefully look much better once restoration is complete.

The Bing Autoplan partially assembled in the donor's garage.
The Bing Autoplan partially assembled in the donor’s garage.
The Bing Autoplan partially assembled in the museum work area.
The Bing Autoplan partially assembled in the museum work area.
The compressed air motor on the Bing Autoplan is corroding.
The compressed air motor on the Bing Autoplan is corroding.
Another view of the compressed air motor, as well as a partial view of the tank.
Another view of the compressed air motor, as well as a partial view of the tank.
The nozzle end of the compressed air tank is dented and corrison can be seen.
The nozzle end of the compressed air tank is dented and missing paint.
Scraps of silk, covered in adhesive residue, can still be seen attached to the frame of the tail.
Scraps of silk, covered in adhesive residue, can still be seen attached to the frame of the tail.
Dope residue and corrision are damaging the wing frame.
Dope residue and corrision are damaging the wing frame.
Each of the wheels are also dull red with corresion and dirt.
Each of the wheels are also dull red with corresion and dirt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Thank you Dick Moyer for the generous donation.

Follow along with Bing Autoplan, part two.

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13 comments

  1. I look forward to seeing it restored. I hope detailed drawings and documentation will be part of the restoration contract.

    1. I would like to see the Bing Autoplan aircraft remain as it appears today but protected in a state of arrested decay. Then have a talented individual produce laser drawings of it and finally reproduce as authentically as possible, an exact scale replica.
      Later, an electric powered kit could also be produced by another enterprising individual and a portion of the proceeds could ultimately be donated to the AMA Museum for further research and display of aviation interests.
      Jer

      1. Thank you for your comment and interest Mr. Keller. Maintaining and caring for items in the state they’re in is a very valid option for many artifacts, and is often a preservation value practiced here. However, we’ve studied the Bing Autoplan and our options pretty closely, and don’t feel that “arrested decay” is the best option in this case.
        We are working to have documentation and detailed plans of the model drawn up. Reproducing the model for sale is a good idea, although that’s going to take some research into the patent, copyright and trademark before knowing if it’s possible.

  2. Amazing. Is there any record of the flight characteristics? What is the wing loading? How much run time from the motor?

    1. There is some information about its flight characteristics available. I’m planning on sharing those in an upcoming blog post, so stay tuned.
      At this time the aircraft has not been weighed; however, there are two wing panels, each 24” long. They taper slightly in chord, 8.25” at fuselage and 6.5” at wingtip.

      We don’t have any information on the motor. The instructions for a comparable three-cylinder 1929 Hoosier Whirlwind compressed-air motor note that it commonly operated at 100 pounds of pressure, but could operate at anywhere between 80 to 100 pounds. Those instructions don’t say anything about run time.

      1. Hello,
        We have an original 1929 Hoosier Whirlwind 3 cylinder air motor and tank from Peru, Indiana. This measures 27″ long and is in excellent working condition. The tank has no leaks and all 3 cylinders move freely and fast. We have the original store receipt from Model Craft Hobbies, New York, NY, when it was purchased for $124.95 as a used model motor back in 1968. This also comes with the specifications and instruction sheet.
        Would you be interested in purchasing this or do you know of anyone who might be? We have no idea of what the value of this is today. We would be depending upon your honesty.
        We can send you images once we have your email address.
        Thank you,
        Don and Maureen

  6. I’m so glad that Dick let this special ‘Moyer family heirloom’ go to be restored. Now that it has been completed, it is a wonderful sight to behold. Two thumbs up to the originator of the design; produced back in 1914!

  7. I would not attempt to recreate it for sale as a flying model, as it would likely not fly. Wings and tailplane parallel with prop shaft, no camber, probably tail heavy, untwisted prop. A better design appeared in 1915 that may have been capable of flight; cambered wing with adequate incidence angle. Looks like same motor and tank.

    https://forum.rcdesign.ru/f6/thread528610.html

    1. It is reported to weigh 650 grams. Maria’s figures give it a wing area of 354 square inches. I don’t know that it is worth a calculation, since the weight is uncertain. Various lengths are given, (77 cm, 82 cm, 50″) without being clear what they refer to, but none of them come up to the span that Maria gives, so that casts doubt on any other figure quoted.

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