Tigerbatics,
The DH82A was never a favourite of mine and, compared with the SV4, a bit of a dog but saying so will no doubt generate squeals of protest from the predictable quarters! However, it did teach me to fly and was a good ab initio trainer. Agree absolutely, Rollason's mods made a huge difference. I remember The Deacon well enough although I don't remember flying it. However, I do have an hour or three in The Archbishop (NZZ) which was like chalk and cheese with the standard aircraft- but it still wouldn't roll! Never quite got the hang of all the complication of changing to the inverted system and back - I was always nervous of the thing quitting in the middle of the procedure. A metal prop might have helped here.
More fun was the Arrow Active but it was an aircraft in which I never felt really comfortable. It certainly had a vicious temper. All very different from the well-mannered S2S; 260hp, fuel injection and c/s prop - yes, times certainly change. We thought we had hit gold with the 190hp in the Zlin! But that used to cough when you were half way round as the other carburettor chimed in. I think it's called "character" . . .and speaking of which, "Bish" was a wonderful person and a brilliant pilot; I feel privileged to have learned from him. And privileged to have lived through the last of the Golden Age.
Ahhhhh - nostalgia ain't wot it used to be.
GQ.