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WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Airships/Dirigibles - Balloons => Topic started by: 66L79 on July 05, 2020, 09:56:00 AM

Title: US/British Observation Balloons question
Post by: 66L79 on July 05, 2020, 09:56:00 AM

How were British/US Observation Balloons filled from the trucks out in the field?

(Not what they were filled with)

Any reference photos would be much appreciated, too.

Title: Re: US/British Observation Balloons question
Post by: Berman on July 06, 2020, 02:12:25 AM

 Observation balloons were filled either from compressed gas cylinders or mobile equipment. One truck or wagon contained acid that immersed iron filings to produced hydrogen. There was a gas washing truck that removed any remaining acid from the gas to prevent damage to the balloon's fabric. Portable compressors were used to fill the balloon.
 You can see photos here.  Computer search.   "In World War I, balloons posed a deadly advantage"

Title: Re: US/British Observation Balloons question
Post by: 66L79 on July 10, 2020, 11:42:35 AM

Thank you for the useful information.  I found a website with your search with some photos.