Lovely shots there Martin.

Looks like a cracking show!

Cheers

Paul

AR213?

Analysing the properties of the images, that is pretty smart work to get AR213 unmasked and the cowlings fully fitted in 2 hours 24 minutes…to be in the background of image #4

I note no inspection windows on the fuel tank cover, unique to AR213.

A black spinner and stencilling on the tank cover…I would suggest X4650

And the profile of the HS prop!

Cheers

Paul

Great to see ‘Frensi’ has arrived.

Look forward to seeing her on the 9th of July!

(And of course ‘Berlin Express’).

And thanks as always John for the history on her rebuild.

R4118,

As you probably are aware, the P51D-5 was the first production D model, and like the B/C and earlier Allison powered P-51s, didn’t have the dorsal fin fitted.

As time went on and the D-5 was used in service/combat, it was found that at high speeds, the directional stability was poor, and the rudder forces lightened up with excessive yaw angles being obtained, along with rudder reversals occurring with the potential for an unintended flick roll, or at worse, possible structural failure of the tail plane.

So in late 1944, a Technical Order (T.O.) was issued to fit a dorsal fin to all existing D-5 airframes, as well as existing B/Cs as well.

(There was also a T.O. issued to strengthen the horizontal stabilizer as well).

The fin fillet modification also included the fitting of what was called a ‘Reverse Boost’ or ‘Anti-Balance’ tab, as fitted on late Spitfire XIVs & XVIIIs with the larger chord rudder.

It was designed to add extra force to rudder inputs, thereby stopping excessive rudder deflection and yaw angles at high speeds.

I believe what John was saying is that the FAA would not approve a P-51D without this modification, given the potential issues without it.

And I’m sure John can give some extra details on the dorsal fin design and the differences between the field kit installation, and the factory installed one.

Cheers

Paul

We’ll, you are lucky man living in that neck of the woods John.

I look forward to more of your Warbird sightings!

Cheers

Paul

Beermat,

You paint a rather simplistic view regarding the empty properties situation in London.

Whilst indeed many may well be used by ‘Russian criminals’ as a ‘cash laundry’, many are not, and it even if some are owned by criminals (of any nation), how do you prove it?

This is a classic case of Corbyn and his band of nippers not liking the fact that some people (non criminals if that helps you) can afford to have two or three empty or little used properties in London, so therefore, they have got to be penalised, because, in their view it is not fair!

(Can you not see that Corbyn and his mob are in fact politicising the Grenfell Tower disaster, despite far too many people claiming he is not?)

And there is no need to lecture me about ‘bent’ councils.

As someone who spent rather too long fighting one on behalf of my late grandfather, I know all too well about their cost saving, ‘shady deals’ (as you put it), and downright incompetence when it comes to running a block of flats, and maintaining it.

Yes, it left a bitter taste in my mouth, and at times you do feel that you are banging your head against a brick wall, and that you need to do something rather more drastic than the odd meeting and constant letter writing.

But can you tell me, precisely how many of those who descended en mass to the Kensington & Chelsea council offices on Friday were actually residents of the Grenfell Tower?

I suspect none, because I would imagine that those who have just lost their homes, friends, neighbours, and loved ones, would be rather preoccupied with more pressing things at such a time.

Cheers

Paul

The spectators running to the Spitfire reminds me of a similar scene in the film ‘The Great Waldo Pepper’ Can’t imagine them being allowed to put themselves at such risk at a UK airshow.
Work! You don’t know what work is. When I was a boy…

A risk indeed Sideslip, but as I mentioned, it would appear that there was no fire/rescue cover at the event, as commented by someone who was there and uploaded a video to Youtube: –

“Watering prevention by firefighters arrived + – 30 minutes after the accident. And yes, oddly no rescue service (fire or ambulance on site at this meeting”

So I guess it was the only option if they wanted to save the pilot.

Here’s the link to that video: –

https://youtu.be/E9xSdhQINXQ

I do find it rather odd that this was the case, as it would appear to be a fundamental item to have at such an event!

But there you go!

Cheers

Paul

In action at Oostwold with P-51D ‘The Shark’.

Looks like it was a great show!

Cheers

Paul

Sorry to hear this, but a good outcome.

Just hope she’ll be back in the air soon!

Cheers

Paul