Camsell Monoplane

Thank you. I think that it is fair to say that it has no apparent connection with either the Camsell Monoplane or Phillip Rhodes’ mystery parasol wing aeroplane. However all three are pleasing on the eye as an indication of what ‘homebuilts’ were like in a byegone age.

I can answer the question on the SAS Monoplane – on behalf of Stan.

It was Heath Parasol type, built Chch 1933-36 by C. Savage, P.L. Adams & R.D. Shaw (hence the SAS). Orig motor 20hp Henderson m/c motor. Motor rebuilt to 38hp. first flight from New Brighton beach in Christchurch on 01-03-36. Later stored until 1947 at Christchurch due to World War II

The aircraft prewar, in original configuration.

It was eventually registered as ZK-ALV to Charles Savage & R D Shaw, December 1947.

After a few incidents and at least one change of ownership it was retired in 1957.

Rebuilt and became ZK-BUD later that same year. Passed into Stan’s hands in 1958, WFU & stored at Dairy Flat, registration cancelled October 1992.

Can you please post, Stan, a photograph of the SAS Monoplane for comparison to the aeroplane illustrated in post #5 (which seems to be accepted as not being the Camsell Monoplane).

Ref Post #5. Completely off thread but.,,,, My name is Stan Smith and my grandmothers name was Marion. (Total coincidence but that’s the weird thing about aviation and this forum, you never know what is going to turn up next.)
The SAS Monoplane designed and built by Savage Adams and Shaw prewar was the first aeroplane that I restored in 1957 and rebuilt( after a “bad bend” in 1963-4) looks very close to the photo of the Camsell and was powered by a converted Henderson straight 4 motorcycle engine. The design was inspired by “a jealousy” created in the boys by Bill Dini’s Heath Parasol,

An industrial accident, whilst using a lathe, left him blind in one eye with the result that he was not fit to be called up for military service.

H,N.Camsell.

Interesting. I did wonder about his war service. Thanks for the Info.

That’s yer man. Born on 26 October 1906 he was a dirt track rider, known as ‘Nippy’ Camsell, who worked as an engineer for Martins Tobacco in Hull. He lived at 1 National Avenue, Hull, and was a member of Hedon Aero Club and Hull Gliding Club. On the outbreak of war he became a part-time instructor and assistant ground engineer with Nº 25 Gliding School, ATC. Due to an industrial accident in 1941 he was disqualified from military service. He died on 6 January 1976.

Hi I am a new member. I found some reference to Horatio Nelson Camsell as a speedway rider at Hull. In 1943 there is also a mention of him being Cadet Glider instructor at Hedon, where he learned to fly himself in the early 1930s. His mono plane that was designed and built by him also took its first flight at Hedon.

I must assume that it is!

I must assume that it is!

So is that a no?

I will be contacting the relatives of those who built this mystery aeroplane in the coming days/weeks.

If you were able to make contact with them, did you learn anything of interest that you are willing to share with us?

I will be contacting the relatives of those who built this mystery aeroplane in the coming days/weeks.

If you were able to make contact with them, did you learn anything of interest that you are willing to share with us?

Coo-ee Mr Rhodes!

Whether Mr Rhodes is out there or out here or in either, did he have any joy with the relatives of those who built the aeroplane whose image appears at post #5?