Beau, Many thanks for the detailed data. I have always had an affinity for this type due to its ops against Oz pilots in North Africa. Such an amazing machine. I think it was Winkle Brown who described it as, “… remarkably fast, brilliantly manoeuvrable, an aerobatic gem but under gunned…” That quote has always stuck in my mind and those to whom I have spoken here who had them as adversaries had a very great respect for them. I look forward to more news in future and hope that your search for parts is fruitful.

I read a book some 3 – 5 decades ago regarding the airwar in Africa. I do not remember the title nor who was cited. But -if I remember correctly- a former German ace from that theater said: “The Italian biplane pilots (CR-32 and CR-42) were more famous for their aerobatic than for their gunnery skills.” Maybe it just seemed to be like this, due to few guns per plane.

Michael

“Schräge Musik” in context with jazz might come from the derogative meaning (use) of “schräg” describing jazz by German propaganda. Maybe due to the improvisation in performing jazz in contrast to classical music, where you have to play your part by strict rules. And also that it might have sound unconventional, schräg. In other context “schräg” has no derogative meaning at all, just sloping, slanted. So in fact it was playing with words, 1. using their actual meaning (slanted guns),, and 2. their unusual, unconventional aspect, not playing by strict rules (like jazz), and 3. it could as well be a tongue in cheek reference to the unloved (by the officials) so called “Negermusik” (negro music). So it was not the reference to jazz itself, but the meaning that was imposed officially. But maybe someone else has a better explanation 😉
Michael

Interestingly there is a different solution. I do not know why Messerschmitt / Blohm & Voss (B+V did the conversion) did not go that way, I guess (nothing but a guess) there were not enough “blown” canopy parts available due to production capacities. The G-12 canopy takes a lot of work, it´s not just take 2 single seater ones. The solution I´m talking of is the one used in the (late) Avia CS series (99 and 199). On the early ones they just used the parts (canopies) available (already produced). The late 2 seater Avias used a canopy very similar to the one fitted to the Arado 96 (also produced by Avia). IMHO the second best looking one, the best being the 2 seater Buchons ones.
Avia CS-199
[ATTACH=CONFIG]240227[/ATTACH]
Buchon
[ATTACH=CONFIG]240228[/ATTACH]

Michael

Volvo powered? What´s the story on finding the engine? Swedish Airforce surplus?

I have no info about that, but you might want to visit MM´s homepage about the Volvo.

http://www.meiermotors.com/index.php/aircraft/klassische-motoren/mercedes-benz-db605?showall=&start=4

pic below taken from MM´s hp, copyright by Matthias.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]240016[/ATTACH]

Michael

If there ever was any gold on that train, I strongly doubt it is there any more. There is nothing more valuable (and in handable size) for any “normal” citizen than gold. I do not believe for a second that those people on the train would have filled their pockets first when leaving the site. So it might have been a gold train. But I doubt there is any gold left.Different of course for valuables too large to be taken away easily.

Michael

A good outcome, all things considered.

It was a mercy that this was not one of the joy-riding fleet two seaters which are now flying very frequently with various operators since the CAA granted approval.
Twice the headcount equals twice the risk, of course.

…. and if it were a Cessna C 172 fourth the risk? So what? Ok, a Merlin might have a higher possibility of malfunction than a Continental or Lycoming (though I have no idea if this is the case). Again: So what? Engine problems occur. Period. If it had been a 2-seater Spitfire out for a joyride, 2 most probably would have walked away with (minor) injuries. What are the chances of an accident in a Spitfire compared to a traffic accident on the way to or from the airfield? If you want total safety, you should not leave your bed, but beware: This is the most likely location you will (and most people by far) die in.

Michael

Nice one Michael.
Griffon Spits are totally bada$$!
Really smart to operate her off of the grass as well.

Congrats to all involved.

Andy Scott

AFAIK Hangar10 operates all of their planes off grass. I read somewhere – don´t know where – that they even put some of their own money in to improve the grass strip at Heringsdorf airport. IIRC they straightened some bumps and even extended it.

Michael