This might appear as motor porn, but I am actually not a bit interested in aircraft technology. This engine, though, is in my opinion a beautiful piece of art. It’s amazing what detail some smiths could craft these days. Okay, this was 1918, but anyway. I wouldn’t say that motor technology has evolved much since then, you recognize every single piece if you know how an engine looks like today. The little beauty was made by a Swedish manufacturer, Thulins Aeroplanfabrik, long gone since.
I just wanted to share these pictures with you. Once in a while I pass by this engine at the IDEON science park where it stands in corner, hardly visible for all of us that rush by, paying more attention to the clock than the times.
10 Comments
Thanks Ove, I have a real liking for rotary engines. Flew in a lot of planes with them growing up in Alaska. As well as all my Harley Davidson Motorcycles engines are based on the same principle.
Nice engine port, Ove!
It’s my first time seeing this type! I like the toning, too.
Ray, I though you might be a motorcycle man seeing one of your portraits a while ago. Indeed, the Harleys can be seen as a 2/9th of an rotation engine. I was in particular impressed by this particular engine by how the exhaust system was manufactured. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a turbine around the propeller axis. Turbo. As I wrote, not much has happen in hundred years, other in areas like manufacturing precision and economy. Interesting to read that you have experienced these engines while growing up in Alaska. I would love a ride with such an airplane, it must be wonderful to land on water…
And thank you, Paul, I worked a bit on those tones, I wanted them to be as lovely as probably this engine sounded.
I’m glad Paul commented on the toning, because that’s the first thing I noticed (I’m not so much into the engines per se). The toning is beautiful.
What beautiful detail and lovely depth in these. The textures come through with such richness. I don’t claim to know anything at all about engines, but I certainly enjoyed looking at your photos.
Thanks, Chris! I’m the most glad one around here.
Anita, you’re so right in that you don’t have to be interested in engines to enjoy true craftsmanship like this, and I’m not referring to my photo.
As Ray wrote in his post on those wooden boats, “it’s the details that make it”.
Nice!
Oh, I can really understand the fascination with motors, and even more so with a motor that is presented like a sculpture. I feel myself putting on the 20/1.8 or the 28/1.8 and go near, near, near
Oh yes, you have to get as near as possible, without loosing the big picture. I used a 25/1.4, but used probably f/4 to get the smallest gritty detail there is in this motor. Standing really close, the fov gets very short anyway.
Thanks, Kelvin!