R101 Gets its Power!
The R101 airship was a flawed and ultimately doomed design. I covered it some months ago in a documentary - its design was rushed and full of issues, resulting in its loss on its maiden voyage. Despite this, the airship as a concept represents a unique and curious moment in history when mankind finally turned his eyes to the skies for the future of transcontinental travel. Although the idea was abandoned by the mid 1930s, the airship endures as an alluring concept; to stand lazily over an observation deck window having just had a delicious lunch and stare down at the world beneath your feet. This kind of experience is impossible now - and that’s why we want to include airships in GRAND VOYAGE! R.101 will be the first that you’ll be able to explore and interact with, and 3D modeler Tino Thossi is doing a fine job of bringing her back to life. Here are some exciting update shots that show his progress on the engine nacelles, control cab and body. Notice the subtle fabric texture on the exterior skin of the airship!
~Mike
Engine nacelle from the R.101 with details of the cylinder heads, exhaust piping and internal bracing.
Forward view of engine nacelle showing riveting detail and simple, two-bladed wooden propeller.
Inside R.101’s control car. Soon this space will be occupied with dials, instruments and a control wheel.
R.101’s magnificent bulk in the evening sun. The engine pods are not yet attached, but notice the aluminium framing and how it pulls the fabric tight around it.
The enormous observation windows are installed at left; through these you’ll be able to stare down at the world below.
Close-up on R.101’s bulk. The doped fabric has a unique texture to it, a reminder that despite the airship’s size it is still extremely lightweight and vulnerable to the elements.