Building Small Gas Blimps

by Robert (“Rex”) Rechs

Rex is a long-time member of the Association of Balloon and Airship Constructors (ABAC), a contributor to Aerostation magazine and an experienced LTA builder, rigger and pilot. This is in addition to his lifelong work in every phase of aviation as both pilot and mechanic. There is probably not another individual on the planet who could have put together such a complex and comprehensive book project.  First published in the late 70’s and extensively revised in 1997, this book was published and promoted exclusively by its author until recently, when he kindly offered the publishing rights to ABAC (copyright remains with the author and ABAC’s use is nonexclusive; for permissions, contact the author directly at r.recks@juno.com).  The book includes detailed lists of materials, parts and suppliers. It is extensively illustrated.

Building a blimp – any manned aircraft, for that matter – is a non-trivial undertaking. What is remarkable about this book is that it actually puts the task within the reach of a determined and patient amateur builder.

ABAC’s edition has essentially the same contents as the 1997 revision. Changes made by ABAC are primarily cosmetic: we’ve numbered the pages, added a table of contents and corrected some typographical errors. The new edition is bound in hard covers by hand with the pages sewn; the first batch of copies is bound in dark green book cloth with the title embossed in gold. Other colors are available by special order.

CONTENTS:

Price: $48 (US currency), including hardcover binding and Air Mail or Air Parcel postage. Books will be sent registered unless the customer tell us not to.

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