Have stumbled across a cache of Blue Max stuff, which I don’t recall seeing before, though I haven’t searched the whole archieve.
http://rwebs.net/avhistory/wwi.htm
”In the early 1980s, a group called the Fighting Air Command (FAC) was formed to fly WWII aircraft. Then, a number of the aircraft used in making the movie The Blue Max came up for sale in Ireland, and were purchased and shipped to Hartlee Field, near Denton, Texas. There, many of the planes were reassembled and flown by members, including myself. These are some notes and other documents either received with the planes or developed by myself to help others fly them. The F.A.C. was disbanded in the late 1980s and both the WWII and WWI aircraft sold to various new owners. There are also some photos of WWI aircraft, including my own Dr.I Triplane and other Blue Max planes, plus my father, who served in France in WWI.”
”Caudron 277, built by Caudron, serial number 7546/135, N907AC, former EI-ARF, hours unknown. Not currently certified or flyable. This aircraft was modified to play both the British and German two-seaters in the movie. It was heavily damaged in a hangar collapse in Ireland and needs complete rebuilding. ”
Also included is pilot’s notes for all the a/c.
”Notes on Flying the Miles / SE5a Replicas
[These aircraft were not acquired by the F.A.C. and are believed
to have been full scale replicas. We were told that both crashed
during filming or shortly after.]
These SE5 replicas have simple handling characteristics and ample
power.
Starting
Chocks in place and fire extinguishers at hand. Fuel **** on
(Push on), throttle closed, switches off. Pull ring at top,
right hand side of instrument panel until ground crew confirm
that fuel drips out of the carburetor overflow pipe below the
cowling. Prime with one to two full strokes of the Kigas primer
while the propeller is turned over. Do not over prime or you may
start an intake fire.
Throttle set at half an inch open, both switches on and press the
starter button.
After starting, check for normal oil pressure and warm up at 1000
– 1200 r.p.m. for 5 minutes when cold. (Oil temperature may not
register in this time)
Stick hard back during run up. Check for a dead cut, normal
static revs 2100. Select hot air (Turn T handle and pull) and
check that the engine note changes or the r.p.m. drops indicating
that the control is serviceable. Return the cold air. The
acceptable magneto drop is 100 r.p.m. Check the oil pressure is
normal and the slow running 6 – 700 r.p.m.
Taxying
There are no wheel brakes but the steerable tail skid gives very
satisfactory steering in most conditions on grass. Use extreme
caution on concrete as the tailskid gives no control and the
aircraft is heavy and cannot be stopped quickly. Care is needed
to prevent a ground loop after landing on concrete.
Vital Actions
Normal pre take off and landing drills should be used. However,
there are no trimmers, pitch control, mixture or flap. The fuel
gauge tap on the instrument panel should be kept in the off
position except then using the gauge as otherwise air could enter
the fuel lines and cause an air lock during steep attitudes. The
gauge is of little value as slight changes in attitude upset the
reading.” etc.
Sign In
