Tony Richardson Posted April 24, 2021 Share Posted April 24, 2021 This may have been asked before, but I was wondering if anybody on here can provide information on the RAF Se5 and Se5a ww1 scout. As some of you know I live in Canada and I would like to finish the kit I have in the colours of Billy Bishop, I know he flew the Se5a in 85 squadron "the Flying Foxes" and I believe in 60 squadron towards the end of 1917. Were the aircraft powered with the same Viper engine or was 60 squadron issued the variant with the geared HS engine? I would also like some clear pictures of the rib stitching which so far I have not been able to find, also wheel diameter does anyone know or can direct me to the jnformation of wheel diameter on this air craft, picky question I know but the Kit is almost but not quite 1/4 scale and the included wheels look a tad large. Squadron or individual aircraft colours, as I have colour deficient vision the brighter the better and Bishops "Blue Nose" fits the bill nicely, but was this scheme used by him only in 60 sqdr or also in 85 when he returned to England in April 1918 ans was assigned to that sqdr.. Lots of questions and I hope someone can help out here or push me in the appropriate direction. Thank you all for any help you can offer.. Tony.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Davis Posted April 25, 2021 Share Posted April 25, 2021 According to Profile Publications, SE5 A'4856 with a blue nose, blue fin and a blue diagonal stripe around the fuselage, flew with 60 Squadron in the early summer of 1917. It was an ex 56 Squadron aircraft. Its wheels were finished in olive drab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Davis Posted April 25, 2021 Share Posted April 25, 2021 (edited) I managed to find this image on-line. Apparently such colourful markings were discouraged and maybe they were painted out later on. Other images show the same aircraft decorated in a deeper shade of blue. Edited April 25, 2021 by David Davis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike T Posted April 25, 2021 Share Posted April 25, 2021 The Se used 700 x 100 mm Palmer Cord tyres, so 1/4 scale would be near enough 7" diameter. FWIW, I think that fractionally oversize wheels will look OK and add to the character of the aircraft, but undersized wheels look so, so wrong! ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Richardson Posted April 25, 2021 Author Share Posted April 25, 2021 Thank you both for replying.. Mike I plan on using an NGH30 four stroke gas/petrol engine in this model mounted upright, with as large a prop as it will manage, so the extra bit of clearance will be a welcome bonus.. I'm still hunting for rib stitching pics, not really sure where to look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Chaddock Posted April 25, 2021 Share Posted April 25, 2021 Tony Would this help? There is not much to see under the tape but you might be able to work put the pitch of the stitches along the rib. The original picture with better definition is here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Richardson Posted April 25, 2021 Author Share Posted April 25, 2021 (edited) Thank you Simon that helps a great deal.. It looks like the stitches actually have the knot hidden at the beginning and end of each rib, or am I mistaken?? Edited April 25, 2021 by Tony Richardson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Richardson Posted September 17, 2023 Author Share Posted September 17, 2023 I know this thread is old but that is how long it takes me to build finish a model LOL. I am now at the point of fixing decals, my question may seem trivial but I'll ask it anyway. My Se5a is finished in the colours of Canadian pilot "Billy Bishop" ( not sure if this has any bearing on placement of decals ) I have noticed on many pictures of the Se5a that the roundels on the lower wing are placed differently on some of these aircraft, roundels on the top wing always seem to be on the very outer end of the wing while those on the lower wing - viewed from underneath - vary from being on the wingtip so speak to being placed inboard of the ailerons, is there a reason for this or just an anomaly due to the person who painted the aircraft? Odd question I know but can anyone clarify.. Thanks Tony.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Colbourne Posted September 17, 2023 Share Posted September 17, 2023 This was raised on the Aerodrome forum. The answer suggests that the Royal Aircraft Factory where the SE5a was designed used the inboard position, however sub-contractors used the outboard position. SE5a lower surface roundel placement The outboard position has the centre of the roundel aligned with the interplane struts and is the full chord of the wing, so very easy to mark out. Maybe it was simply a case of speeding up production? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Richardson Posted September 17, 2023 Author Share Posted September 17, 2023 I just found this on my search and think I have answered my own question.. https://www.militaryaviationmuseum.org/aircraft/royal-aircraft-factory-scout-experimental-s-e-5a/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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