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Post by skyhawkdon on Oct 10, 2012 14:23:44 GMT 12
Great thread guys! It has inspired me to do something similar on my recent Lancaster experiences in the UK (once I get the photos sorted!). It won't be half as whitty of course! ;D Q: So what sounds better than two Merlins on a Mossie com'in at ya at take off? A: FOUR on a Lancaster!! ;D I can relate to how you all felt emotional on seeing the Mossie fly. Seeing the BBMF Lancaster fly did the same for me. Hairs up on the back of the neck on every pass!  |
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Post by spongebob206 on Oct 10, 2012 17:25:50 GMT 12
Fantastic post. Wish we had of caught up. The tears were flowing on this ol boy, Wife and kids had a laugh but wanted to share the moment with me. Love the Mossie..... my fav aircraft of all time. Maybe next time  Two Mossie formation. Cheers Derek |
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Post by baz62 on Oct 17, 2012 16:14:01 GMT 12
(I have had permission from Stan Smith to write about his Tiger Moth project so read on)
One very interesting discussion with Stan while we were at Dairy Flat was about the Tiger Moth. Stan took Anthony and I into what I call the Tiger shed (well there was a Tiger Moth fuselage sitting in there plus all sorts of "Mothery") and proceeded to explain his theory about the genesis of the DH82A and a mystery version.
(I've copied Stan this thread so he can call me names if I get this wrong...)
Ok first the story generally goes that the DH60M Moth developed into the Moth trainer. However the RAF didn't like the view forwards due to the upright engine and also access to the front cockpit.
So DeHavillands swept the front wings and rear back and moved the top centre-section forwards and shortened interplane struts and rear spars. Then they turned the Gipsy II upside down becoming the Gipsy III(becoming the Gipsy Major)
This was the DH82 Tiger Moth
However due to the lower wingtips being very close to the ground they decided to shorten the interplane struts further which is why the lower wings have more dihedral (angle upwards from fuselage join to tip)than the top.
This became the DH82A tiger Moth and is the one we see scooting around.
However Stan pointed out a version/type/model number on the Tiger Moth plans and I am a bit hazy here as to the exact number but it pointed to a type designation that indicated a Tiger moth with straight wings. One of the brackets for the forward centre section inter strut has an extra hole which has no use but is used by most as a way to lock the forward bolt in the other hole. Stan contends it is for the (DH60) style strut which fits perfectly as he demonstrated."
So one day soon we will look up and see a straight winged Tiger Moth!!
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Post by htbrst on Oct 17, 2012 18:48:18 GMT 12
Sounds interesting!
Could it be related to the DH-82 Queen Bee drone ? They had DH-60 fuselages and Tiger Moth Wings
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Post by DragonflyDH90 on Oct 17, 2012 19:27:54 GMT 12
Sounds similar to a Moth Major as per; upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/De_Havilland_DH_60.GIII_Moth_Major_img_0504.jpgThe below is courtesy of wikipedia on the DH.60 A metal-fuselage version of the Gipsy Moth was designated the DH.60M Moth and was originally developed for overseas customers particularly Canada. The DH.60M was also licence-built in Australia, Canada, the United States and Norway. Also in 1931 a variant of the DH.60M was marketed for military training as the DH.60T Moth Trainer. In 1931 with the upgrade of the Gipsy engine as the Gipsy II, de Havilland inverted the engine and re-designated it the Gipsy III. The engine was fitted into a Moth aircraft, which was re-designated as the DH.60G-III Moth Major. The sub-type was intended for the military trainer market and some of the first aircraft were supplied to the Swedish Air Force. The DH.60T was re-engined with the Gipsy III and was re-designated the DH.60T Tiger Moth. The DH.60T Tiger Moth was modified with swept back mainplanes, the cabane struts were also moved forward to improve egress from the front cockpit in case of emergency. The changes were considered great enough that the aircraft was re-designated the de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth. |
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Post by baz62 on Oct 17, 2012 20:26:29 GMT 12
Yes Stan mentioned both the Queen Bee and the Moth Major...........he thinks there is yet more to the story, and may have not even made it into the air but the drawings tell a story which is very interesting. If you get the chance to talk to him up there ask him about it and he will lay out the drawings and tell the story......
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Post by JDK on Oct 17, 2012 23:41:13 GMT 12
Stan quizzed me on this very topic back in January when Dave and I visited, and I'm afraid I failed the test abjectly! However, before my head started to go around, I thought that Stan had, indeed, got a point and hardware/drawing evidence to prove it. I also happily believe anything could have come out of de Havilland, from gold to dross, and then there's that Dolphin...
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Post by DragonflyDH90 on Oct 18, 2012 7:16:43 GMT 12
I certainly will next time I visit as it sounds very interesting.
I really like the idea, as the straight wings with little dihedral would make for a lovely flying aeroplane, a cross between the Tiger and Gipsy would be great.
The Moth Major really appeals with its wooden fuselage. With the wooden fuselage and a long exhaust pipe as per the Fox Moth or like on Dave Phillips' Tiger would make for a very smooth and quite flying experience.....lovely.
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Two Mossie formation.
