Posted 5 years ago
fortapache
(3293 items)
My Mini-Plane WWI collection is now complete! The WWII collection still has a few to go, and then there is the post WWII collection.
Based on this box it is an earlier edition as the later ones have a cut out area on the back with the art work seen on the end flap on the back. Plus it had the early tab for hanging it on a peg which had to be punched out without ruining the box. Later boxes were more retailer friendly. This model is one of the largest of the Mini-Planes regardless of scale. Someone there must have a been a big Sopwith Camel fan.
The real Sopwith Camel gets its name from where the two Vickers machine guns were mounted. The hump was for a device that kept the guns from freezing at high altitude. The plane first flew in June 1917 and although it was outclassed by the end of the war it kept on flying in combat. It was known as a difficult plane to fly due to weight distribution. Also the engine torque made it hard to turn to the left. It was actually faster to do a 270 degree right turn than a 90 degree left turn. A skilled pilot would use this to his advantage.
Anyone want to see WWII Mini-Planes? Show of hands.
Bring on the WW II's. I like this series, it evidently came out when I was graduating from HS, I was focused on other things back then. It's good to look back at the stuff I missed, now that I'm old coot. Those rotary engines had unimaginable torgue on those light airframes, the whole mass of the engine rotated around the stationary crankshaft! It doesn't seem possible that it could even turn left looking at it.
Show of hand ! LOL ! Go for it Rasta!
These really were tiny. I'm assembling a very small plane right now that has a 33" length & a 36' wing span.
Thank you very much Toyrebel. This was one of the last toys I collected as a kid. Then I started building models and buying records.
Interesting info on the rotating engine.
Thank you very much bb2. I have seen a Fokker tri-plane, tiny indeed. Way smaller than I imagined.
Thank you very much Thomas. Guess who?
Thank you
Toyrebel
Newfld
yougottahavestuff
fattytail
TheGateKeeper
PhilDMorris
elanski
vetraio50
valentino97
bobby725
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Brunswick
Thank you foseatme.
Thank you SEAN68.