Unknown wheels / tyres

In my copy of the Hotspur Mk II AP the wheels are given as AH8041/1.

That’s the one! I’m sat at work and only have the early AP2092 up to AL2 which is what gives it as AH2288/1. I can’t recall which AL switched it to AH8041/1. Any idea what the difference in the two wheels are?

As an aside, Hotspurs were down in Kent; early in 1944 some RCAF Spitfire squadrons were experimenting with towing Hotspurs with their Spitfires. The idea was to use the gliders as transports for fuel, ammo, spares and the Servicing parties on the Sqns jumps from ALG to ALG.

I know one of the Hotspurs used was a 3 GTS machine which was picked up from RAF Northleach and taken to Biggin Hill. There was a few Norwegians as well at 3 GTS there to “have a go” – to what end I don’t know.

In my copy of the Hotspur Mk II AP the wheels are given as AH8041/1.

As an aside, Hotspurs were down in Kent; early in 1944 some RCAF Spitfire squadrons were experimenting with towing Hotspurs with their Spitfires. The idea was to use the gliders as transports for fuel, ammo, spares and the Servicing parties on the Sqns jumps from ALG to ALG.

Not Stirling Tail Wheels,They`re too small and would be numbered AH2282.My list says your wheels are fitted to : Warwick 3,4 and 6,Brigand TF Mk1,Met Mk3,B.Mk.1,T.Mk.5,Buckingham C.Mk1,Buckmaster,Frieghter,C. 202 and Hotspur1,2 and 3.

I think you’ll find those tyres are a wee bit big for a Hotspur. Hotspur was fitted with AH2288/1 originally. I think there was a change later on but don’t have the number to hand.

Interesting – I’ll dig out my West Malling book although it is only a stones throw it doesn’t mean they should automatically be connected I suppose.

Not Stirling Tail Wheels,They`re too small and would be numbered AH2282.My list says your wheels are fitted to : Warwick 3,4 and 6,Brigand TF Mk1,Met Mk3,B.Mk.1,T.Mk.5,Buckingham C.Mk1,Buckmaster,Frieghter,C. 202 and Hotspur1,2 and 3.

Hamilcar mainwheel to be AH8053,

Well that confirms that the two wheels leaning against the Hamilcar fuselage at Middle Wallop are the correct wheels. Thanks Air Min.
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I really do need to clean the axle and mount the wheels on the legs.

Not sure why they made me think stirling..?

Easy: Stirlings also used big black round rubbery things to land on 😀

Not sure why they made me think stirling..?

Ooops, actually I’m wrong.

Aeronut’s post had me do a quick double check of my “master list” spreadsheet and obviously I’ve done some sloppy editing at some point, as clearly, a Lancaster doesn’t share the same tailwheel as an Oxford!

Having now re-aligned the columns, I get a Hamilcar mainwheel to be AH8053, and tailwheel AH10223, which is common to various Wellingtons. Checking the Hamilcar A.P., these two entries are correct.

The list now gives me AH8023 as Horsa, Brigand, Buckingham, and Warwick tailwheel.

I’ll have to do some random checking of other entries to ensure everything is correctly aligned and that’ll teach me to cut and paste whole rows, not just columns!

Apologies for the confusion Dave G, and I don’t suppose that makes the West Malling connection any easier to understand?

Lovely! Hamilcar tail wheels.

As I understand it the Hamilcar had a Wellington’s tailwheel and leg.

Probably off a farm trailer so probably of no local significance i.e bought for purpose.

Wow really? That’s interesting – I wonder how they got where they are. I presumed the close proximity to West Malling may mean they came off a type from there but I’m not aware the Hamilcars operated out of there. Stands to be shot down!

Lovely! Hamilcar tail wheels.