We're gonna jump back and forth in time, here... this is the Caudron. It's mostly a replica, but parts of the wings are original, as is the big LeRhone rotary engine. That's right, this engine is 91 years old. I later overheard the pilot telling someone that it's "running great". It's not a re-man; it's just very tenderly cared for.


Here is a demonstration of the Caudron's braking system... the biggest guy on the ground crew holds her during run-up (no brakes).



She really did get airborne (for a short hop only), but I didn't capture it. This is the moment just before... the pilot looks like he lost something-! I talked to this guy afterwards; we talked about a lot of stuff, but not what it's like to fly this contraption. Regretted that, but looking at this, I think my questions are answered!
Hard to believe this design was a state-of-the-art frontline warbird at one time; this one is done up in Italian artillery recon colors. There was also a twin-engine bomber version of this beast at one time...

I think Doug said it all in his above post

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug