The reproductions of the Wright Experience have offered a unique opportunity to experiment with digital technology to answer a fascinating question about the early Wright films: what did they sound like. A short video clip has been prepared for this website with the following assets:
This image comes from a film shot in 1908 depicting Wilbur Wright starting a Wright Model A in France. It is a silent film.
This video was shot in 2003 and depicts the Wright Experience starting a Wright Model B in Virginia. It has a stereo soundtrack.
File size: 752K
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Since the same type of engine, propellers, and chains were used in each airplane, the sound from the 2003 video makes a reasonable substitute for the never-recorded sound of the 1908 film. This is close to what Wilbur actually heard in France.