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184

I purchased a motor that was used by Melville Vanniman to operate the pivotable propellers located in the center of his airship. These propellers were designed to operate from all angles, to push or pull in any direction.

After receiving the motor, I had my friend Waldemire (Walt) Hansen of Pasadena completely overhaul it. I was using twin propellers with chain drive, he also made the sprokets which were attatched to the motor. When complete, we mounted the motor in the car and, on testing one of the connecting rods let loose and completely wrecked the machine.

Walt had in his shop a motor he had designed for the aeroplane business, this was tested on a model B Wright machine, I witnessed the trials, the motor worked perfectly. Due to the popularity of the Gnome engine, he was not able to sell his design to the industry, and at the time my motor was wrecked, Walt's motor was available. I quickly bought it. This motor was four cylinder of about 40 H.P. It gave excellent service.

The ship carried ten persons including myself and on one occasion we had 12 persons aboard, most of whom was considerably under weight.

The cost of building the ship I paid personally, however I needed help to erect the hangar and to pay operating costs until such time as the ship would pay its own way.

I [[strikethrough]] had two boys with me --- [[/strikethrough]] was introduced to