"In
1974, we built our last airplane. It
was designed after the old Arup planes and the Hoffman Flying Wing.
It was single-place with a 36-hp VW engine. Construction was of wood and
fiberglass. It flew very well, and
it seemed like it would be a big success, but Verdon, due to engine failure,
stalled it and dropped it 100 feet to the ground.
He spent four months in the hospital, but recovered fully."
(Joe)
Why
haven't the Weber twins gone on building and flying more romantic ultralights of
unique design? The answer is what
you might expect: "We both got
married and can no longer afford that kind of excitement!"
In
1976 the Weber twins sold their T'craft, which was in need of an expensive
overhaul, and since then they have contented themselves by designing and flying
R/C model planes. "When the
Weber children grow up," Vernon muses, "we still plan to go back to
homebuilding!"
Author of article: Don Dwiggins; May 1979 issue Homebuilt Aircraft; Address: Werner & Werner Corporation; 606 Wilshire Blvd.; Suite 100; Santa Monica CA 90401
TimeLine: 1987
This photo shows the second craft built in 1987 by the
Webers. Power was supplied by a Kawisaki two-stroke. Control came by way of four
hinged sections similar to Dr. Bertelson's first crafts. Brothers left to right
are: Vernon Weber, Verdon Weber and Joe Weber. (Joe's holding up the volleyball
net!)
Third Weber craft, built in 1987, is an integrated craft powered by a small Kawasaki two stroke engine. Lift system is two 5-foot diameter "C" skirts. Built also approximately 1987.
TimeLine:
1989
The predecessor of the family of StarCruisers was built in 1989 and has evolved to the present day craft. Last we heard the original StarCruiser (shown here on left) was still owned by Oregon Hovercrafts. Ben Tillson, MN, owns the L'il StarCruiser (right in picture above).
(Terre Haute with Phil Whitney's Craft in background)