SPENCER biplane 1912 (Herbert Spencer, Brooklands, Shed 9)

   Having lost his earlier biplane, Spencer acquired the old Macfie Empress of 1910, and fitted it with a Farman type tail and front elevator, but kept the low wheel base and high engine and pilot's position. The machine was similar to a Sommer pusher type of the time, with single acting ailerons on all wings. It had an undercarriage with short skids and two pairs of wheels on separate axles.
   The machine was ready for flight at Brooklands towards the end of March 1912 and made its first flight on the 31 March 1912. Thereafter it was flown successfully by Spencer for competition and instructional work, until the end of the year, including a visit to Dorset in August, where an exhibition was given at Sherborne on 5 August 1912. Spencer continued to use the machine throughout most of the following year.

   Power: 50hp Gnome seven-cylinder air-cooled rotary.