Construction
Original plans for the Silver Centenary were sketched in chalk on the floor of the Beverley powerhouse in 1928, and from these plans templates were made. With the help of the local butcher Tom Shackle, the frame was crafted out of spruce and maple timber. Tom's sister Elsie sewed all the fabric for the aircraft. As the plane took shape resembling that of a Tiger Moth, Ford undertook an Australia wide search for an engine. During the Western Australian Centenary Air Race in 1929 a competitor crashed in Baandee 120 km from Beverley, and Ford purchased the undamaged engine for £170. This purchase was mentioned in a Sydney Newspaper which brought the project to the attention of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who sent WA aviation inspector Jim Collopy to inspect the work:
| “ | Ford and Shackles have had no aircraft experience, and their knowledge of aerodynamics and aircraft design is very limited, and taking this into account they have made a very good effort. The building of the machine was so far advanced that a detailed inspection of every component and assembly was practically impossible, as there was not a single sketch, drawing or diagram to assist one in the inspection of assemblies already built up. | ” |
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—Jim Collopy, Civil Aviation Authority |
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Collopy indicated that Ford would need to register the plane and suggested strengthening of the undercarriage. Ford made the modifications and painted the first part of the aircraft registration on the plane. In June 1930 Ford notified the CAA that the plane was ready for its maiden flight. Piloted by Captain C.H. Nesbitt of Western Air Services, the flight took place on 1 July 1930. The plane was towed from the powerhouse along the main street of Beverley to Benson's paddock, and most of the town turned out to watch, although the shire council voiced its disapproval at Ford for taking such a risk.
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