Wright Flyer Ignition

I concur. The "spark points" used on the '03 motor were irridium if I'm not
mistaken. And the "magneto" was friction drive off of the flywheel. You may
find more info. by doing a Google search on Charlie Taylor, who was the
Wrights' engine specialist and a master machinist. You might also try
contacting Nick Engler at Wright Brothers Airplane Company. He'll build you a
replica engine if you've got tons of cash to burn. If that doesn't do it, you
might try contacting The Wright Experience, which is the official EAA / Ford
Motor Company sponsored team.

Fortunately, my Wright ship is motor free!

Harry

I have Charles Taylors biography written by H.R. DuFour which shows the engine
in minute detail.
The sparking wires were Platinum.
Ignition timing was controlled by a sliding gear on the timing shaft which was
in turn, controlled by a small lever mounted on the rear left leg of the
engine. Diagonally across from the flywheel corner.
Charlie Taylor gets far too little recognition for his part in that epic
flight. He designed and built the engine in something like 3 months. Also had a
big role in making the propellor.
Many people, including DuFour, seem to think Charlie was ill treated by the
Wrights but Charlie seemed to have a wild streak in him and often went off on
adventures such as volunteering to be the Mechanic for the Vinn Fizz and
others.

Warren

I concur. The "spark points" used on the '03 motor were irridium if I'm not
mistaken. And the "magneto" was friction drive off of the flywheel. You may
find more info. by doing a Google search on Charlie Taylor, who was the
Wrights' engine specialist and a master machinist. You might also try
contacting Nick Engler at Wright Brothers Airplane Company. He'll build you
a
replica engine if you've got tons of cash to burn. If that doesn't do it,
you
might try contacting The Wright Experience, which is the official EAA / Ford
Motor Company sponsored team.

Fortunately, my Wright ship is motor free!

Harry

Unfortunately, Charlie's reported fondness for doing the kind of things
machinists like to do (drinkin' smokin', 'n swearin') didn't sit too well with
Katharine... or so I've read. The friction may have been the original source
of the lack or recognition.

Now here's a better subject: Where in HELL do you suppose the Wrights came
across platinum wire and irridium spark points? Most of the materials used in
the airframe were fairly easy to source in 1900 - 1903, but these must have
been pretty tough. Also, how do you suppose Charlie got the crankshaft to
ballance so well considering the methods he used to fabricate it?

My respect for these men continues to grow. They were infinately more skilled
than I am.

Harry

Wright 1902 glider #8