Hi there,
I was wondering if someone here can tell me the purpose of the white tags seen on the early production rudder/fin on Sopwith Snipes?
So far I have received several possible answers on other forums, but nothing really conclusive.
What strikes me is the way there are all mounted at an angle
They didn’t only appear on the old style fin/rudder, but also on the new one
Some people say they might be some tag that includes component details like serial and parts/catalogue numbers. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Chris
By: pogno - 8th April 2008 at 10:25
I doubt they are any form of balance weights as they appear to be attached on to an area of the structure that is only fabric. I any case you would not fit weights to the fin.
I would guess they are Identification labels, possibly fabric or paper with the usual data on them such as Manufacturer, Drawing number, Part Number, Mod State. Might be attached with thread through to the other side of the component, then easily removed by cutting the thread. But that would loose all the information they contain!
Would be interesting to see if they only appear on newly assembled aircraft.
Cant think it was anything to do with bonding for lightening protection or their influence on the compass being they are steel framed.
Richard
By: RPSmith - 7th April 2008 at 21:11
Looking at the first pic (E8015) I was going to guess at some form of balance adjustment – a bit like the lumps of lead fitted to modern car wheels. But on the third pic there appears to be one on the fin as well :confused:
Roger Smith.
By: Arabella-Cox - 7th April 2008 at 13:08
Chris,
On your last picture, there appear to be darker areas within the white that line up with each other too. I’m no expert and I’m basing this suggestion entirely on looking at your pictures, but could it be some kind of rudder lock system?
I’m happy to be corrected of course. Any other ideas?
Graeme
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April 7, 2008 at 12:55 pm