1910 Wright Model B reproduction

This reproduction, photographed in 206 in College Park Aviation Museum, Prince George's County, Maryland, USA was constructed by Ken Hyde and others at the Virginia Aviation and Machine Company of Warrenton, Virginia. It was built to the standards of the original, using the same materials, construction techniques, and finishes as those employed by Orville and Wilbur Wright. The only exceptions are a non-functioning engine and the covering, using a balloon cotton fabric instead of the original rubberized fabric.
The original 1910 Wright Model B was constructed of West Virginia white spruce wood coated with aluminum powder, which made the wood look like metal. The dual rudder and elevator were located in the tail section of the aircraft, and the elevator was not hinged, but warped. The aircraft was fitted with dual controls. The pilot operated the elevator control in the left seat with his left hand while with his right hand he operated the rudder and wing-warping control, located between the two pilots. This meant that the pilot in the right-hand seat was forced to operate the rudder and wing-warping control with his left hand and the elevator control with his right hand. This resulted in what was referred to as right- and left-seat pilots. This problem was corrected in 1912 with the installation of an additional rudder/wing-warping control lever.
The Wright B aeroplane served for two years at the USA's first military aviation school at College Park and was used for training and experimental flights.
Picture Added on 15 January 2008.