Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-21
WINGS BROUGHT OUT
Getting Ready for the Big
Airship Test.
ELEVATED AT THE TOP
PROF. MANLEY ORDERS OPERA
TIoNS BEGUN.
With Good Weather the Buzzard May
Be Sent From Superstructure
Any Time Now.
ELEVATED AT THE TOP

WIDEWATER Va, August 21.-The four
wings Of Prof. Langley's big aerodrome
were elevated one by one this afternoon 10
the superstructure and fitted in the interior
of the platform which was recently con-
structed.
After each one had been tested In the
compartment 1t was lowered to the float
and returned to it's position inside the
houseboat.
About / o'clock Prof. Langley ordered the
operations to be commenced
For some time prior to that the house
boat had been as still as a grave, excepting
for the conversation of the machinists.
All was in readiness for hosting, and 1t Is
likely that the experts delayed until they
were tired out in the hope of getting rid
Of the observing correspondents.
The object for the delay seemed to be IN
the necessity for exposing not only the
wings, but practically the whole of the shop
interior when the big doors were opened.
Wings Placed on Float.
The wings were taken out and placed
upon the float.
This was then moved around to the side,
from which position it's burdens were care
fully hoisted above.
Under close inspection they were found to
be very much like the wings of the model
recently tested, except of course, they were
larger.
The spread is of the finest oil silk stretch
ed with exceeding rigidity over ten small,
light but very strong wooden bars running
croSSwiSe.
Slightly to one side In the long direction
is a larger rod extending the whole length
of the wing and made rigid by an arrange
ment that looks something like the top
work of bridge.
Qn$vr thot nd 10 m n.
other similar but smaller rod
This portion of the wing with its strength
and slighter slope Is the front.
From the big long rod the eXpanse slopes
decidedly down to the rear.
A Tent-Like Surface.
1t has, therefore,. a tent-like surface,
which also slopes Off at the ends The
length of wings is about twenty feet by ten
wide.
Their combined strength and lightness
is apparent.
The purpose in making the new platforms
hollow was to afford safety for the wings
when they are carried aloft just before
the launching.
This gives the experts a chance to take
the wings on top in the night time, when
they will be ready for business early in the
morning.
Then they will be adjusted to the body
of the aerodrome from the top Of the plat
forms.
1t is evident that things are now in readi-
ness for an experiment.
With good weather 1t Is expected at any
time.
Prof. Langleys companion on his short
trip yesterday afternoon to the houseboat
was Mr.. Rathborn. assistant secretary of
the Smithsonian.
Prof. Langley's Plans.
1t is understood here that Prof Langley's
11r1rr Inv,o -, -
he visited yesterday afternoon, as an
nounced in The Evening Star, does not
mean that the inventor will be absent when
the ig sixty-five foot machine is launched.
What his plans are for returning are not
generally known. but it is inferred from
his statements that he will again visit his
houseboat just before the date which is
finally settled upon for a launching.
Shortly before 6 o'clock yesterday after
noon the inventor, accompanied by friend
who came down from Washington with
him. and escorted by Prof. Manley and
Private Allison, returned to Quantico
aboard the tender Key.
The party showed decided aversion to
mingling with the other passengers who
had gathered at the depot to take the early
evening northbound train.
Langley Seemed Wearied.
Prof. Langley seemed wearied with his
exertions of the day and seated himself on
a rustic bench apart from the crowd. He
appeared determined to avoid any more
attempts at interviews by reporters.
His friend, whose name was not learned,
returned with him to Washington
Prof. Langley used the time spent aboard
the houseboat to advantage. With Mr.
Manley he carefully inspected the principal
aerodrOme
The models were also looked over, partic-
ularly the one which was launched two
weeks ago.
Mr.. Manley was thoroughly enlightened
by the inventor on the principal points in
volved in the launching and management
of the machine. according to his IDEAS
1t is understood that Prof. Langley was
much pleased with the work done by his
assistants.
Board for three more men has been en-
gagged by Prof. Langley at the hotel at
Clifton Beach.
This means that the shop work will be
expedited and indicates early test.