It’s actually the XLD “Mir” Reg OK-EKZ

I would question that John, in the pic with the Iris on the apron you can see the large A or B (saw tooth style roof gables,trying to remember type!) Seaplane Type hangar in the background, you can make out angled forward piece above the doors. Only North slip had that hangar. Also a pic on the web shows this same slip very nicely and it fits exactly the Fairey IIIF shot above.

The North slip wasn’t open to us in the late 60’s but I do recall that the South slips were very shallow, with no rocks at the sides. The Iris being retrieved is on a much steeper slip so I presume that this is the North slip.

The two badges behind the French boat were still there in 1972.

John

A problem I find with pre-war French aviation is there is so very little published about it, even less in english. There are an enormous number of types I would like more information about. Was there ever a French publication like ‘Janes’?

John

It’s a ROTOL blade and they were part of Bristol Aircraft (ROlls brisTOL) so it may have been made in the area.

John

Ken

I’m sure that the under surfaces were also Red and Gold. The registration letters appear to have a thin dark outline (Black).

John

? Only found this painting of a SPAD 52. Different engine ?

According to my info this is a Polish Spad 51 (Jupiter) not a 52. The 52 had a Le Rhone engine. The Spads 29, 34, and 52 are broadly similar aeroplanes and Fonck’s 29 had twin wing struts whilst other 29’s had the more common I struts and a smaller fin whilst the 52 had a larger fin. This being about the only distinguishing area. So yes the original picture is a 29.

John

James

Whilst I can see your reasons for this decision, I too feel that your departure from this site would be a severe loss to many who enjoy your erudite posts.

I too, do not know what the **** is going on and I like others we have been left to our make own conclusions. I trust that the reasons for Andy’s banishment aren’t “money talks” or anything to do with ebay, who are ‘in my opinion’ on a par with organised crime 😀 (yes it is a joke- or is this a conundrum or even a double entendre).

I will be in touch regarding Melbourne. Stick around mate. Nil Carborundum…

PS What sites do you recommend.

John