Aviation Question?

Question

I am related to Jay Gage, the builder of the Fowler-Gage Tractor Biplane, and I read that he built 4 different planes. Does anyone know the names of those planes, and if there displayed in any museums. I also read that they created a film flyingover the panama canal. Does anyone know what happened to that film?

Answer 1

Funny...I'm related to SIr Roy Dobson of AVRO fame, also a designer/builder of planes! He was my Great Grandmother's brother! Anyone know anything about him too? (Aside from what you get on the net, I saw that already).

Answer 2

In `1913 Robert Fowler had his aircraft built for him by J. Gage, an aeronautical engineer from Glendale C. This by plane was built to film construction of the Panama Canal.  Hiring Ray Duhem, a professional motion picture projectionist, they flew the float equipped aeroplane across the 52 mile Isthmus of Panama in a Little over one hour.  The Panama Canal was considered the United States most strategic weapon, saving months of travel time for ships to move  between oceans.  Upon landing at Christobal, Panama, the airmen were arrested as spies, the film and plane were confiscated.

The authorities were worried that the film could be used to aid in an aerial bombing raid or sabotage.  When the film was returned, Fowler successfully promoted its showing around the U.S.

This aeroplane was a star attraction at the 1915 Pan Pacific exposition in S.F. with Fowler giving rides daily.

I volunteer at the Hiller Aviation museum in San Carlos CA.  We used to have this plane on display.  I believe it has been returned to the Smithsonian.

Hope this helps.