I have re-read the Gribovskii chapter and two designs sound interesting. The G.15 and G.21. Wooden construction with a circular section fuselage and integral centre section and fin with a trouser ed undercarriage. The engine was contained in a long chord NACA cowling. Other aircraft by this designer feature curved elevators. The G.15 is said to be two seat side by side and the G.21 as a two or three seater with spatted main gear on ends of the centre section (sic). Designs G.17/19 nothing known.

John

I have been through my five volume Japanese aircraft encyclopedia and there is nothing I think remotely similar. However The Russians like the Japanese often based their designs closely on contemporary western designs and although I have not come across any picture so far of a remotely similar aircraft

If I had to stick my neck out I would suggest that it might be Russian and from a designer influenced by the successful Northrop aeroplanes. Many nations dumped some odd aeroplanes on the opposing Spanish forces.

Reading through my Aircraft of the Soviet Union (Gunston) there are an amazing number of bureaus whose products or designers met with disapproval by the State and there is now little information on these happenings. Many designs are not even illustrated. One by Gribovskii is described as as a two/three seater with a fixed spatted u/c at the ends of the centre section and having been used for long range flights with an extra tank. But it’s span is given as a mere 36′. I need to read further when time permits.

John

The more I look at this aircraft, the wing suggests Northrop with it’s horizontal centre section, sharp outer dihedral and the projecting tops of the u/c fairings. The lower fairings are totally different, but that is but a tin bashing job and it might have been modified from a float plane. The elevator though appears elliptical which doesn’t fit with Northrop, but again the Spanish made up many ‘bitzas’. If it’s famous, then it does not appear in my many foreign language publications. I think that it’s indigenous Spanish or a Spanish constructed ‘Bitza’. But I’d still love to know what it is. The Fokker wing by the way was a one piece wooden structure with no centre section. The WM 23 was a Heinkel wing based wooden fighter.

John

Blossom Miles.

John

Ha didn’t see the above post.

There is also the ‘back up’, belt and braces requirement if one contender ran into unforeseen problems. This even went on into the 50’s.

John

Once I had two Spitfires in my life. If they dig up RAF Yatesbury they’ll find an engine for that J.2 and my Singer Le Mans.

John

The dimensions of the Spinner for model purposes are 32″ long and 28″ diameter and a rough measurement for the radiator width is 28″ across the flat sides. For visual and dimensional accuracy buy yourself an Airfix 1/48th Spitfire 19 which to most purposes is an identical airframe to the Mk 14. This is a very accurate kit.

John

Aeroclub Models.