Roberts 4X In-line 4 Engine, 1912. Creator: Roberts Motor Company

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Roberts 4X In-line 4 Engine, 1912. Creator: Roberts Motor Company

An important objective of the Roberts Motor Company design was light weight, which was achieved through the extensive use of aluminum and magnesium alloys in the cylinders and crankcase, a hollow crankshaft, and two-stroke cycle operation (to reduce parts count). Between 1911 and 1912, Roberts engines were used by many noted exhibition pilots, and more Roberts engines were said to be built than by Hall-Scott and Curtiss combined. This engine was purchased by Oscar R. Solbrig of Davenport, Iowa, to power the Curtiss-type pusher aircraft he built in 1911-12. Solbrig, who had received aviation training from Curtiss, soloed in his own aircraft in 1912. He later flew exhibition flights and races with it at county fairs, sports events, and exposition parks in Iowa and Illinois. This artifact is apparently rare because the standard Roberts 4X engine used a 114 mm (4.5 in.) bore, resulting in a 5.21 L (318 cu. in) displacement

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Media ID 23877645

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the innovative Roberts 4X In-line 4 Engine, created by the renowned Roberts Motor Company in 1912. The company's primary objective was to achieve a lightweight design, and they accomplished this through their ingenious use of aluminum and magnesium alloys in the cylinders and crankcase. Additionally, they incorporated a hollow crankshaft and utilized a two-stroke cycle operation to reduce parts count. During its heyday between 1911 and 1912, numerous esteemed exhibition pilots relied on Roberts engines for their aircraft. Surprisingly, more engines were built by Roberts than both Hall-Scott and Curtiss combined during this period. This particular engine featured in the photograph was acquired by Oscar R. Solbrig from Davenport, Iowa. He intended to power his self-built Curtiss-type pusher aircraft with it. Solbrig had received aviation training directly from Curtiss himself before successfully soloing in his own aircraft powered by this very engine in 1912. Subsequently, he embarked on an exciting journey performing exhibition flights and participating in races at county fairs, sports events, as well as exposition parks across Iowa and Illinois. The rarity of this artifact lies not only in its historical significance but also because it deviates from the standard Roberts 4X engine specifications; instead of utilizing a typical bore size of 114 mm (4.5 inches), it boasts an impressive displacement capacity of 5.21 L (318 cu. in). This remarkable piece serves as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship displayed by the talented engineers at Roberts Motor Company during that era.

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