Dan Winterland wrote # 24
The problem with flight was power and 19th century experiments with steam engines produced powered short hops with one 3hp powered aircraft achieving an altitude of 6 inches.
Simplex1 asked:
It would be curious to read a few more details about that mysterious plane. Was it a heavier than air man carrying flying machine?
I think Dan may be referring to the aircraft built by Thomas Moy and R.Schill which is said to have risen a few inches of the ground at the Crystal palace in 1875. The "Aerial Steamer" was a biplane "with the wings arranged in tandem" fitted with an engine of 3 h.p. and weighed 80lb, including radiator and water and was mounted on a wheeled undercarriage.
from "Aerial Wonders of our Time " Ed. Sir John Hammerton.
More about it on Google inc. photo and illustrations
( Doesn't sound like it actually became a man carrier
)