What is a good probable but live explanation for some of the l897 Airship wave UFOs?

Answer 1

Using Occam"s razor, the simplest explanation that fits ALL the facts, One would venture to state at least some of those which were photographed on the ground near fields or farms or similar sites may have been experimental but very real Roadable (as they were called) Heavy construction equipment such as Cranes and heavy duty drilling rigs. These outsized machines were customarily moved at night to avoid curious onlookers, and traffic. Few of the l897 descriptions describe an actual landing in progress. many were by such men as Railroad conductors who could accurately describe mechanical noises, etc. They were generally sighted in open country and perhaps when men and machines had to pause for rest . I would venture to say almost all of the (Grounded) l897 UFO sightings are of some form of unusual but explainable (Roadable- in transit) construction machines. In l897 a form of full-hydraulic crane was in production in the Midwest. Very few were made and these would have to be transported at night... Begin to get the idea!