A small pearl almost hidden in a corner at the RAF Museum at London
is a Ford T starter truck. World War I aviation fans will recognize
this insteresting airfield equipment, designed to replace the manual
turning of aircraft propelers. Two or three different models were
tested during the WWI, but apparently the original idea was developed
by Bentfield Charles Hucks (1884–1918). Hucks was an aviationinnovator and also the first Briton to perform a loop in an aircraft, which he performed in his Blériot at Hendon airfield in 1913 [Wikipedia]. He is credited with the modification of a civilian vehicle that would become known as the Hucks starter or Airco starter while working for Aircoat Hendon, which, incidentally, is where the RAF Museum is now located...
Here
is a photo of an early design about to start the engine of a DH.10
Amiens (note the Hucks patent inscription on the side of the flatbed):
Not all Huck's starters based on the Ford T are identical. And I heard also about the Crossley Huck Starter...
Anyway,
I would like to share a few photos I took in case you have interest in
building one. I don't have more information about this particular
specimen. I was told, however, that it was rebuilt by London Aero
Club during the 50's. Finding or modifying a kit to make a Hucks starter is your problem, but sure it would be a nice addition to any WWI diorama.
