Swordfish Wingfold info needed

NARSES2 · February 23, 2012, 12:28:43 AM

I've been asked if I can help out a fellow modellers build by John Baxter of Alternative Luftwaffe fame. Here's the question -

Quote "G'day Chris,
this is a bit of a surprise email to you from a long way away. I've a colleague building a model Swordfish with folded wings and has been unable to find any photographs showing any form of restraining struts or straps to keep the wings folded whilst the aircraft is stowed.

Can you or any of your colleagues provide any info or pictures?

Cheers,
John Baxter." Unquote

I can't find anything at all and it would appear the wings just folded back without retaining straps or similar ? Anyone no better ?

Cheers

Chris

PR19_Kit · February 23, 2012, 01:11:13 AM

String? I bet they had LOADS of string on FAA carriers...........

NARSES2 · February 23, 2012, 06:24:34 AM

Right I've found this in the Crowood book but can't make anything out in the photos

"with a small team holding the wing from it's natural tendency to swing rapidly inboard, it was slowly folded back until the tip was level with the tailplane leading edge. A V-strut locked beneath the tailplane was released and the spring loaded hook at the end of the strut was attached to a shakle on the wingtip handgrip bracket, thus securing and locking the wing in the folded position"

pyro-manic · February 23, 2012, 06:48:22 AM

Here's a pic of the Tamiya kit built folded, showing the V-strut hook:

From here: http://www.hyperscale.com/galleries/2001/swordfishtc_1.htm

Also, you can just see the strut in the stowed position under the tailplane in this photo here: http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK---Navy/Fairey-Swordfish-Mk2/1990505/L/

The Wooksta! · February 23, 2012, 08:04:51 AM

Not sure, but I suspect that the new Airfix kit will have the same bits as there's a wing folded option in that.

PR19_Kit · February 23, 2012, 08:05:15 AM

I asked an ex-colleague of mine, who used to be Crew Chief on the FAA Historic Flight and often flew in the third seat of '5A' holding the flag, and he mentioned the V strut too.

I was amazed the aircraft actually flew with it in position but his comment was 'With that amount of built-in drag another few pounds didn't make much difference!'

Aircav · February 23, 2012, 11:56:01 PM

Hi Chris
Why not look at the instructions for your 1/32 Trumpeter Swordfish.

Steve

NARSES2 · February 24, 2012, 01:19:51 AM

Quote from: Aircav on February 23, 2012, 11:56:01 PM
Hi Chris
Why not look at the instructions for your 1/32 Trumpeter Swordfish.
Steve

Doh

Cheers lads

NARSES2 · February 29, 2012, 01:09:22 AM

Right lads. I've sent on the information to John and he has passes it on. The guy who wanted it is a 70 year old who builds a lot of the models shown in John's books. He's impressed with the information provided so thanks again.

John has let me have some info on his next books which I've included here. But please note that these latest works will NOT be available until 2013 at the earliest so don't go bothering John.

From John " G'day Chris,
I finally succumbed to pressure in doing another alternate RAAF - this time in WW2. I'd been reluctant to do so, despite requests/demands from many customers. But there has been a spate of recent books covering RAAF activities in the SWPA and this interest (my father served in the RAAF in the Pacific - got to invade the Philippines with Doug) finally got me going. And, I've accumulated enough material for two if not three volumes!

Research threw up a number of issues I thought I could exploit, and a number of aircraft offered to Australia which were turned down - B-17s and P-38s to point out just two! So, I've a nice little pile of work to be going on with - despite being about half way thru Tragerflotten 2! My builders are working flat out on a large number of unusual (for Australia) types.

But, with the recent global financial situation, sales have practically stopped so it's going to take a while to build up funds for the print when I do actually finish writing. I do not expect to publish this year, no matter which book/volume I complete. Unfortunately, you might have to wait a bit for the books but I will cover New Guinea, Philippines, Dutch East Indies, Burma, China and RAN ops in the Indian Ocean both against German and Japanese naval assets. The sinking of Hermes, Dorsetshire and Cornwall in my book will be a bit different as a RAN carrier will become involved in that fracas!

Pacific ops will remain predominantly USN, but some Aussie participation will occur despite Doug's reluctance! "

He also sent me this ilustration of a Sea Gladiator attacking a Mavis