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Legacy Member
Many years ago I read in an article about these fine aircraft.
One thing that stood out was the discussion of "issues" with the adhesive used to hold all that wood together.
According to the article, things went pear-shaped in India.
Apparently, the climate caused the glue to lose its "grab", especially in the engine nacelles.
The phrase, "suddenly losing power, (and engines and propellers), and leaving Merlin-shaped holes in the Deccan", springs to mind.
Anyone else heard / read about this?
Here in Oz, there are apparently three complete surviving Mosquitoes:
One at the Australian War Memorial Canberra,
One under restoration at the RAAF Museum Point Cook Victoria
One at the Camden Aircraft Museum, Camden,
with another couple of "project" aircraft said to "survive" in various states of "recoverability".
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06-10-2016 03:15 AM
# ADS
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Contributing Member
The very early prototype had issues with the flaps and ailerons and from memory they lengthened the engine nacelles that split the flaps which seemed to alleviate a handling issue of some sort cannot remember also two of three de Havilands sons died flying one in a mossie accident during the war and the other in a jet in 1946
Last edited by CINDERS; 06-10-2016 at 10:57 AM.
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The RNZAF were destroying the last of their mosquitos that had been laid up at the RNZAF base near Hamilton (someone remind me what it was called as we used to go there occasionally) in the mid 60's. They were chopped across the supported wings outboard of the main body with a chomper and the main body crashed to the floor. Some were supposedly saved to use as props in a film being made at the time. One of my old Armr Sgts at out big Ordnance workshop there was an ex RNZAF Armourer and knew all about them.
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Legacy Member
The RNZAF were destroying the last of their mosquitos that had been laid up at the RNZAF base near Hamilton.
I am going to have a hard time getting that sad picture out of my head.
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Contributing Member
Its like lots of things which we all take for granted including weapons today over time, and then they are as rare as rocking horse poo!
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
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Thank You to Gil Boyd For This Useful Post:
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Contributing Member
Wonder why the Warbirds of Wanaka did not snaffle them even as a static display who cares there is also that museum there that has the Canberra bomber and the Centurion tank they would more than likely be interested that is a very sad and sorry thing to hear.......
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Thank You to CINDERS For This Useful Post:
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Moderator
(M1 Garand/M14/M1A Rifles)
FYI, the Virginia Beach Mossy came out of a farmer's field in Oz.
Bob
"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' "
Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring
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Legacy Member
Originally Posted by
Gil Boyd
Its like lots of things which we all take for granted including weapons today over time, and then they are as rare as rocking horse poo!
Sad but true. Old cars are so unusual now I get a rush when I see a 1975 Ford pinto.
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Thank You to HOOKED ON HISTORY For This Useful Post:
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Contributing Member
I was once going to buy a Cougar 440CI V8 but at 18 my dad said he would kick my butt if I did could not afford it really imagine trying to fuel it now Oh I get 14 gallons to the mile!
Last edited by CINDERS; 06-11-2016 at 03:39 AM.
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Thank You to CINDERS For This Useful Post:
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Contributing Member
The RNZAF were destroying the last of their mosquitos that had been laid up at the RNZAF base near Hamilton (someone remind me what it was called as we used to go there occasionally) in the mid 60's. They were chopped across the supported wings outboard of the main body with a chomper and the main body crashed to the floor. Some were supposedly saved to use as props in a film being made at the time. One of my old Armr Sgts at out big Ordnance workshop there was an ex RNZAF Armourer and knew all about them.
Peter, that was Ngaruwhahia. One reasonably complete example still exists privately in a shed in Nelson (the last couple of feet was chainsawed off one wing to get the shed doors closed!). The owner won't sell it it but there are concerted efforts being made to get it for restoration.
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