View Full Version : Can anyone recognise this?
Please see attached photo.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/hjcurtis/gliderwheel.jpg
It comes from a contact in the US who says it's from a WWII vintage glider.
The wheel itself is approximately 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and has no distinguishing marks, alas.
Ideas most welcome.
Thanks!
alexis_lambert
28th Aug 2003, 07:45
Looks like a trim wheel to me. Possibly German.
Looks like the control wheel to a Waco to me.
Waco CG-4A Hadrian glider cockpit
http://amcmuseum.org/fun/hi-res/cg-4cockpit.jpg
I think that might be it - a CG-4A!
It even seems to have the arrow on each wheel. Do you have a closer shot?
I could also ask the good people at Middle Wallop as they have a CG-4A fuselage - thanks very much!
John (Gary) Cooper
28th Aug 2003, 16:08
Orac
What a photo, I just cannot imagine how the crew managed to fly with seats like these, surely there was something a little more comfortable?
Dr Illitout
29th Aug 2003, 01:20
I think the general idear was that after 2+ hrs in one of those seats you would fight ANYONE to get out of them!!!. Seriously though there were some very brave men back in thouse days. Did you know that Jackie Cogan, child film star and Uncle Fester in the "Adams family" flew them in Burma during WW2?
I have control
29th Aug 2003, 01:38
They once towed one across the Atlantic behind a C-47 to see if that was a good way to bring extra supplies over during WW2. 15 hours in the air.
They only did it once.
Onan the Clumsy
29th Aug 2003, 04:05
The Silent Wings Museum (http://www.silentwingsmuseum.com/) in Lubbock Texas has one on display I believe.
I once worked with an ex-RAF pilot who was posted to Thame to test-fly Hadrians. Some of his tales are worth repeating.
The Hadrians were sent by sea in crates - a couple of which, only slightly modified, were the pilots' living quarters - and, after assembly, were put through a standard series of tests. These were the gliders' first flights since they were crated by the manufacturer.
Ken was surprised by how much better they flew than he expected and he and his army sergeant co-pilot occasionally recovered from a 'high'-speed dive test by completing a passable loop. They were hauled over the coals by the unit CO who later found that he enjoyed looping the Hadrian too.
Other tests were carried out on the rapid deployment of the troops after landing. There was some frustration with the time (potentially under fire) taken for the pilots to unstrap and move back into the glider so that the nose could be hinged upwards allowing the enclosed jeep to drive out. Someone suggested that the pilots should stay strapped in their seats allowing the jeep(s) and troops to emerge into battle.
This was effective but the pilots weren't confident they could rely on the help they needed to lower the nose being available. Two brave souls offerred to stay in their seats until the jeep was driven forward far enough for them to release their straps and roll into the back of the jeep. Two broken ankles later they went back to plan A.
Nopax,thanx
30th Aug 2003, 20:35
You can also see one in the Airborne museum at Sainte Mere-L'eglise in Normandy. It's part of an exhibit where you actaully walk through the cabin as you go around the museum. I went there last year and can thoroughly recommend it.
teeteringhead
31st Aug 2003, 23:13
Never mind Texas or Normandy, there's lots going on in sleepy Shropshire thanks to the Assault Glider Association. Check out their website (http://www.assaultgliderproject.org.uk/) for more information. When the current project (a replica Horsa) is complete (estimate early '05), then the next project will be a replica WACO........
The skill and bravery of the assault glider pilots leaves this mature military pilot breathless in admiration!