OK, it’s a replica Rumpler C.V, formerly G-AXAL, now N1915E, s/n 1704, built but never used for the film “Lawrence of Arabia”. It was donated to the Golden Age Air Museum in Pennsylvania, and after running down a number of engine problems we finally got it flying again this past weekend, after a forced landing off-airport last year, with some damage. It has a Gipsy Major 10 Mk. 1-3 engine, converted to run upright by Hants & Sussex, and is running so rich that it leaves a discernable trail of black smoke as it flies. Two questions– the mixture control is wired to the full rich position, there is a mixture adjustment screw on the carburetor, but the book says that this is set at the factory and should not be adjusted in the field, is there a problem altering this adjustment? Also, what spark plugs are best to use? The ones currently installed are NGK-D5HS, which according to the engine logbook are Honda motorcycle plugs. Surely there must be a better option. I’m soliciting opinions here in the US, but thought I’d ask for some from the ‘plane’s home country as well.
It sure looks good in the air, but still flies like a wet dish rag.
Biggles?
By: Baldeagle - 13th July 2007 at 22:53
Would like to, but Ron hasn’t been answering his e-mail for more than a year, so I don’t know what’s happened to him. And he was building a full size Gotha bomber, fuselage was already covered….
By: The Blue Max - 12th July 2007 at 22:45
Here she is from a different angle, any plans to get the two together??:)
By: Baldeagle - 11th July 2007 at 22:09
The sister ship, s/n 1705, once G-AXAM, now N1916E with Ron Bloomquist in Tennessee.
By: low'n'slow - 11th July 2007 at 21:14
The limelight’s firmly back with you BM 😉
By: The Blue Max - 11th July 2007 at 08:00
and this:)
By: The Blue Max - 11th July 2007 at 07:49
Here we go:)
By: The Blue Max - 10th July 2007 at 22:48
The Rumplers used in LofA were very basicaly converted Tigers with bigger fins modified rear decks and cowlings, these were left in the dessert after filming was completed. The Rumpler that baldeagle has was one of two that were proposed for LofA but never built in time, they were later built for the never made “Biggles Sweeps The Skies” which our very own BE2 was made for and so was the Camel Replica that is now at FAA museum.
The Rumplers, as was the BE2, were not modified Tigers but new A/C that were built ussing many Tiger Moth Components. The DVII was also constructed for LofA using many Tiger moth components but not used in the final film, it was sadly lost in a fire whilst in store at croydon some years later:(
Have tried to post some pics but its not letting me, will try again tomorow;)
By: J Boyle - 10th July 2007 at 18:10
I thought they did use a Rumpler in the film ‘ Lawrence of Arabia’ or was it just a converted Tiger moth with a big fin and machine gun in the back. They did convert a Tiger into a Fokker DVII for the film, See the Profile pubicatons on the Tiger Moth, This was not in the film.
Dave
There is also a photo of a modified de Havilland in the Putnam book
de Havilland Aircraft by A.J. Jackson.
By: G-ASEA - 10th July 2007 at 17:39
I thought they did use a Rumpler in the film ‘ Lawrence of Arabia’ or was it just a converted Tiger moth with a big fin and machine gun in the back. They did convert a Tiger into a Fokker DVII for the film, See the Profile pubicatons on the Tiger Moth, This was not in the film.
Dave
By: Baldeagle - 10th July 2007 at 03:49
Thanks for the contact info and other input. I’d like to bring it back over for a visit, if the museum was willing, I think it’s about 7/8 size, so we could gather up some of the 7/8 SE-5a’s and have a real dogfight….
By: The Blue Max - 9th July 2007 at 21:14
hi Baldeagle
low and slow has already stollen the lime light after he called me earlier:rolleyes: The plugs you are usingn are probably ok, there are several different one that are used over here, it sounds more like carburation to me.
Have you checked the float level?? Also the mixture can be adjusted by changing the size of the jets, i will email you a contact detail for someone who will be able to help.
As L&s says, she will fly better if you bring her back here:D
By: low'n'slow - 9th July 2007 at 16:29
Over to “The Blue Max” for his specialist knowledge this one I think!!
Regarding the NGK-D5HS spark plugs, I seem to recollect that D8-HA plugs are a proven substitute for the period items on the Gipsy Major 1. I wonder whether yours are equally suitable for the high-compression 10.1/3?
Have you a picture of the carb installation on this engine? I seem to remember that they’re pretty critical on float levels. I suggest that either BM or Vintech will give you the definitive advice.
Mind you, I’ve got another theory – as also proven by our BE’s takeoff accident in Wisconsin. American air is clearly thinner than British air. Therefore your aeroplane will never work well while running in American air.
The only answer is ship it back to Britain – preferably Sywell!:diablo:
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July 9, 2007 at 3:50 pm