Just so I understand it, 491 would hold this pose even if the nose were free (but if the tail were lowered - or blew down - just a bit, it would go over TDC and flop down ? Have I got it right ?
Of course you're right, as usual, Danny. My ARB surveyor C. H. Taylor mentioned earlier told me that at war's end the country was awash with aircraft. Tiger Moths could not be left outside but if lifted into the inelegant pose of 491 they could be packed along hangars like a giant toastrack, whence they went for £50 each or as gifts to help rebuild European air forces (my NL896 went to France). Mr. Taylor said some MUs left ropes dangling from the tailskids so the Tigers could be easily retrieved.
And that's why the chins of most TMs I encountered display faint scars or dents on the inside. Of course most are now highly restored with new cowlings as the old ones display fatigue cracking after 60+ yrs of vibration
