ALDRITT monoplane (Aldritt's Garage, Portlaiose, Ireland)

   This Bleriot type monoplane was built by the Aldritts in 1912, but does not seem to have been very successful. The three-cylinder engine was also designed and built by the Aldritts, but was rather heavy. The main wing spars were made of large diameter bamboo poles, possibly from a local market garden.
   The monoplane took off and flew several hundred yards, but the excessive weight caused it to make a very heavy landing. The engine was unfortunately sent to a scrap yard by mistake but this very early monoplane still exists, minus engine, as an exhibit at Filching Manor Motor Museum, near Polegate, Sussex.

   Data
   Span c.40ft
   Length c.30ft