Well done, Jochen, very interesting.
Good luck with it.

#11
Mike, I expect it was folded out of the way.

N181 was built in 1925. Powered by 127 hp Bristol Lucifer and later a 135 hp AS Mongoose engine. After rebuilding as N225, it was aboard submarine M2 when it sank with all hands on 26 January 1932. I believe there were only 2 built, the second being serailled N182, with an enlarged fin and rudder.

Vampire NF.10 instrument panel

I hope this helps . . .
from page 93 of “DH Vampire – the complete history” by David Watkins

Mike, I would take issue with you on post #12; my authoritative source “The British Bomber since 1914” (Putnam) states that there were 2 Albemarle prototypes, P1360 and P1361, the former being the first to fly, on 20 March 1940 at Hamble, pilot Flt Lt Charles Hughes.
Since this could affect the Albemarle details in my massive “First flights” project I would be very pleased to have more detailes of that alleged first flight in 1939, such as serial, date, pilot, venue, etc. etc.
It’s nice to be back, by the way, I have been working very hard (actually earning money!) for the last few weeks!

Rush of nostalgia there – my home town (Lincoln) and that of my son (Newark)! You’ve just made my day, thanks Bruggen_130!

Is that the Plane Sailing Paul Warren Wilson mentioned in post #13?
If so, I had no idea that he had passed away; we had a long chat a few years ago when the Cat was part of a Flying Legends display at Cannes airport – a very sad loss if that is the same chap.

Anger is often a conscious decision – the old adage to count to ten first usually works, as it gives a little time to assess the situation properly and decide how to remonstrate instead of just shouting as an instant reaction.
While in hospital here in Sweden having my heart repaired after a heart attack 2 years ago, us patients were given advice on how to prevent high blood pressure caused by “boiling over” and I must say it has worked very well for me, tired resignation often replacing angry outbursts.
Be pragmatic and think of the other person’s (or cat’s) point of view!
End of sermon 🙂