In spite of their considerable promise, airships remained vulnerable, difficult to control, and expensive. And this one (PM, Sept. 1906, p. 904 ) looked like a massive penis.
The article describes it as resembling a “sea monster,” which is discreet. This German gas bag was invented by Ausust von Perseval (1861-1942), who went on to develop fully 22 airships during WWI and several more after.
Dr. Hansteen of the Agricultural School at Aas, Norway, announced that Arctic moss makes a highly nutritious food (Popular Mechanics, July 1906, p. 722). It didn’t catch on–and neither did “BeyondMeat.”
Polar expeditions were often unlucky, but Walter Wellman’s seemed cursed. He took his French-built airship to an aerodrome in Dane’s Island, some 600 miles from the North Pole. During pre-expedition testing in 1906 his engines self-destructed. Repeated attempts were made in 1907, 1909, 1910, and 1911, the last of which ended in the death of the whole crew. (Popular Mechanics, July 1906, pp. 701-703).
In November 1907, Popular Mechanics reported a delay in the first expedition due to adverse weather conditions that slowed the construction of the Dane’s Island aerodrome:
Usually when the landing gear fall off aircraft, it is a problem, a sign of impending doom. This one was designed to dump its wheels, thereby decreasing drag and boosting performance (Popular Mechanics, Nov. 1922):
The Me163 Komet of the early 1940s had a similar design–the product of necessity. While it took off on a sled that was left behind, the Me 263 had proper retractable landing gear.
Shaped like an artillery shell, this British wheeled body shield never took off (Pop. Mech. Nov. 1915). Sam Hughes’ Canadian alternative was the “Shield Shovel”–too heavy for a shovel, it was too light for a shield!
Hand-cranked fans–to blow gas attacks away! Didn’t catch on. (Scientific American, July 1915)
This steel swing powered by an ELECTRIC MOTOR provides a THRILLING RIDE, skimming bathers across the surface of SALT WATER!! (Popular Mechanics, Sept. 1921)
I am fond of convertible devices, but this bumper which can be removed to provide a tow bar sounds like the beginning of a story that ends very badly. (Pop. Mech., Sept. 1921)
While I can imagine using this “electric toothbrush” in the shop to carve wood, I would NEVER stick this in my mouth! Popular Mechanics, Sept. 1921
A woman in a bathing suit on a TORPEDO! This 10-foot cylinder was designed to glide just under the water with the operator’s head and shoulders projecting above. Why? Why not! (Popular Mechanics, August 1921)
