By: JDK
- 12th October 2008 at 03:07Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Are there any drawings out in the ether of the Mew Gull ?
...
interested to know the answer to the question about the Mew Gull
A full size accurate replica has just been built by AJD Engineering for the RAF museum for static display at the request / bequest of Alex Henshaw. Henshaw's papers are now at the museum. As the original Mew Gull G-AEXF has been rebuilt about 1,000 times (slight exaggeration) I'm sure there's data in various hands enabling such a replica to be built and certified to fly. Anyone serious about such an idea would presumably start by researching G-AEXF's history and contacting the several organisations still extant who've had a hand in bouncing it back into the sky.
There are also numerous scale drawings and several static scale kits out there.
By: Proctor VH-AHY
- 12th October 2008 at 05:14Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
I guess that you mean the one in the image below - not my image and I hope the photographer (who I know) won't don't mind me putting it up on the web. I think it furthers interest in Percival aircraft.
The text with the image was as follows:
"This exact replica has been built by Hawker restorations for inclusion at the RAF Hendon museum, to be displayed alongside the papers and memrobilia from the late and great Alex Henshaw. She conforms to the exact 30's Cape record configuration, and the re build was overseen by Alex up to a month before he passed on.
The inside of the cockpit is painted dark grey, exactly as Alex said he remembered it. Nose, and engine cowels plus spats all made in house, beaten from aluminium sheet, a work of art. There is no engine fitted, instead a dummy panel behind the intake opening, with a Gipsy cylinder head mounted to the face, suitably aged and splashed with oil to add to the authenticity!"
JDK - see replicas can be good in museums
Is there the manfacture's drawings about, it would be great to see a flying replica in Australia!
By: Scotty23uk
- 26th October 2008 at 21:03Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Mew Gull replica clarification
Having project managed the Percival Mew Gull replica for the RAF Museum I can say that the replica is fitted with a full de Havilland Gipsy Six Series II engine with a de H VP propeller.
For further information and photographs see the following link:
By: keithnewsome
- 28th October 2008 at 01:17Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Today I have been granted to access to an incredible file of photos from a fallen hero ! It includes this Compter Swift among others ?
Is this G-ABPE ? Keith ?
By: John Aeroclub
- 28th October 2008 at 09:08Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Wow. It could well be G-ABPE as it transited through the area (to Malaya and back) over the period and area of the photo collection and it spent a lot of time on RAF aerodromes. It's colour scheme is at odds with the photo in "Ultralights" though.
By: TEXANTOMCAT
- 28th October 2008 at 15:32Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Anyone know more of the alleged discovery of the Ex-Henshaw Swift in Manchester - am sure it was reported in the public domain some time ago -in a lock up apparently - I heard that RAFM were involved?
By: AMB
- 30th October 2008 at 12:03Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
If anyone doesn't know about this, here is my main reference source on the Comper Swift - an excellent hardback book entitled "Ultralights" by Richard Riding. Long out of print, but copies can still be found on Amazon. Not a book entirely devoted to the Swift, but perhaps, er...a Comper-a-mise?:rolleyes:
Apparently it was S.30/2 which made the 18000 ft. crossing of the Andes. Can anyone identify the registrations carried by S.31/9 and S.32/6 and give anything of the history and/or fate of the quartet?
My father, Vicente Bonvissuto was the last owner of a Comper Swift S.32/6 in Argentina. He had an accident with the plane in 1950 and the plane was destroyed in the crash. It was the LV-FCE. My mother has yet parts of the plane, but my father didn't want to restore it never. My mother gave the motor to a friend of my father after his dead, but he has it yet. The entire plane (wood and another parts flammables), were destroyed by fire. My father wanted to be the first parachutist to jump in the antartic continent with that plane in 1950 (he was a recordman ii that year), but with the crash, he couldn't do that. His life, you can read it in his autobiographic book "Cuando el ejército me enseñó a volar" ("When the army taught me to fly"). There, you can find photos of his plane too.
Another Comper Swift, was LV-YEA and had an accident in 1952, too. I don't know his actual location. I know that it was named as S.32/6 too, but I don't know if it is real.
If you can investigate this, please, reply me.
Excuse my english, but I don't write better.
EB
By: avion ancien
- 19th February 2010 at 11:19Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Thank you, edubonvi. It's pieces of information such as yours that make fora such as this worth the time that many of us spend on them. You'd never find that sort of information on the net or in books (says he, waiting to stand corrected). If you can tell us more about LV-FCE when it was owned and operated by your father - as well as more about LV-YEA - those like me, with a passion for obscure british aeroplanes (well, yes, I accept that obscure is hardly an appropriate description for the Swift), will be exceptionally grateful. Better still if you have and can post photos of LV-FCE when operated by your father or the remains of it held by your mother or the engine (was this a Pobjoy Swift?) which is held by your father's friend, then I think that you'll find there is a great deal of interest in them.
By: Planemike
- 19th February 2010 at 15:17Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Hmmmmm.....Something does not seem to quite add up here. Just been looking through AB Archive Autumn 2004.
For S32/6. the following info is given:-
CofA 3536 issued 28.6.32 to Aerofotos Ltd Argentina Delivered to Charles Bell after Andes flight of R222. Registered R232 to Gustavo Einar Roth. Based Buenos Aires (5.33). Registered LV-YEA (9.38) to same owner. Regd LV-FCE 11.7.50 to Sociedad IPT. Destroyed 29.9.50.
AJJ BCA 1919 -1972 quotes S.30/6 as R232/LV-YEA
To me it does not look very likely there was a second accident in 1952. If there was which a/c was involved?
Archive shows a photo of Charles Bell with R 222 & R 232. There is also a photo of LV-FBA previously R222.
By: Planemike
- 19th February 2010 at 16:44Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Three replica Swifts have been registered in the UK. One has flown, but appears not to have flown many hours, 37 hrs by 2008. Sadly it does not attend many fly-ins...pity, I have yet to see it. The other two, including the one you mention Dave, have yet to fly. I know of one other underway but it is at an early stage apparently......
Posts: 549
By: Proctor VH-AHY - 11th October 2008 at 23:42 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Here is some images someone emailed me from the Auther Butler Flyin at Tooraweenah
The email also said:
"Are there any drawings out in the ether of the Mew Gull ?
I note that there is a company in great britain who market drawings and a
metal parts kit of the comper swift"
interested to know the answer to the question about the Mew Gull
Posts: 8,195
By: JDK - 12th October 2008 at 03:07 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
A full size accurate replica has just been built by AJD Engineering for the RAF museum for static display at the request / bequest of Alex Henshaw. Henshaw's papers are now at the museum. As the original Mew Gull G-AEXF has been rebuilt about 1,000 times (slight exaggeration) I'm sure there's data in various hands enabling such a replica to be built and certified to fly. Anyone serious about such an idea would presumably start by researching G-AEXF's history and contacting the several organisations still extant who've had a hand in bouncing it back into the sky.
There are also numerous scale drawings and several static scale kits out there.
HTH.
Posts: 549
By: Proctor VH-AHY - 12th October 2008 at 05:14 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
I guess that you mean the one in the image below - not my image and I hope the photographer (who I know) won't don't mind me putting it up on the web. I think it furthers interest in Percival aircraft.
The text with the image was as follows:
"This exact replica has been built by Hawker restorations for inclusion at the RAF Hendon museum, to be displayed alongside the papers and memrobilia from the late and great Alex Henshaw. She conforms to the exact 30's Cape record configuration, and the re build was overseen by Alex up to a month before he passed on.
The inside of the cockpit is painted dark grey, exactly as Alex said he remembered it. Nose, and engine cowels plus spats all made in house, beaten from aluminium sheet, a work of art. There is no engine fitted, instead a dummy panel behind the intake opening, with a Gipsy cylinder head mounted to the face, suitably aged and splashed with oil to add to the authenticity!"
JDK - see replicas can be good in museums
Is there the manfacture's drawings about, it would be great to see a flying replica in Australia!
cheers
Posts: 6
By: Scotty23uk - 26th October 2008 at 21:03 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Mew Gull replica clarification
Having project managed the Percival Mew Gull replica for the RAF Museum I can say that the replica is fitted with a full de Havilland Gipsy Six Series II engine with a de H VP propeller.
For further information and photographs see the following link:
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=89CD36DAA6B49B8E!1076
Posts: 2,106
By: The Blue Max - 26th October 2008 at 21:21 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
I have the drawings:D
Posts: 2,322
By: keithnewsome - 28th October 2008 at 01:17 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Today I have been granted to access to an incredible file of photos from a fallen hero ! It includes this Compter Swift among others ?
Is this G-ABPE ? Keith ?
Posts: 2,766
By: John Aeroclub - 28th October 2008 at 09:08 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Wow. It could well be G-ABPE as it transited through the area (to Malaya and back) over the period and area of the photo collection and it spent a lot of time on RAF aerodromes. It's colour scheme is at odds with the photo in "Ultralights" though.
John
Posts: 4,561
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 28th October 2008 at 15:32 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Anyone know more of the alleged discovery of the Ex-Henshaw Swift in Manchester - am sure it was reported in the public domain some time ago -in a lock up apparently - I heard that RAFM were involved?
TT
Posts: 4,561
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 28th October 2008 at 15:33 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
I was right - c/o a***plane
http://www.aeroplanemonthly.com/news/Alex_Henshaws__Comper_Swift_rediscovered_news_257415.html
Posts: 562
By: AMB - 30th October 2008 at 12:03 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
If anyone doesn't know about this, here is my main reference source on the Comper Swift - an excellent hardback book entitled "Ultralights" by Richard Riding. Long out of print, but copies can still be found on Amazon. Not a book entirely devoted to the Swift, but perhaps, er...a Comper-a-mise?:rolleyes:
Posts: 4
By: stephenperry - 12th March 2009 at 19:46 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Do visit the website I have created about my grandfather - www.nickcomper.co.uk
Posts: 2,766
By: John Aeroclub - 13th March 2009 at 11:09 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
A very interesting website. Please, is it known what the colours were for the Mouse. Can anyone help and indeed for any contemporary civil types
John
Posts: 1,813
By: Planemike - 13th March 2009 at 12:33 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
The Nick Comper website is excellent as is the Ultralights book.
Whilst on the Swift thread thought I would ask if anyone can provide me with an image of c/n S.33/8 wearing the marks VP-KAV........?
Thanks Planemike
Posts: 4
By: edubonvi - 19th February 2010 at 01:58 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
My father, Vicente Bonvissuto was the last owner of a Comper Swift S.32/6 in Argentina. He had an accident with the plane in 1950 and the plane was destroyed in the crash. It was the LV-FCE. My mother has yet parts of the plane, but my father didn't want to restore it never. My mother gave the motor to a friend of my father after his dead, but he has it yet. The entire plane (wood and another parts flammables), were destroyed by fire. My father wanted to be the first parachutist to jump in the antartic continent with that plane in 1950 (he was a recordman ii that year), but with the crash, he couldn't do that. His life, you can read it in his autobiographic book "Cuando el ejército me enseñó a volar" ("When the army taught me to fly"). There, you can find photos of his plane too.
Another Comper Swift, was LV-YEA and had an accident in 1952, too. I don't know his actual location. I know that it was named as S.32/6 too, but I don't know if it is real.
If you can investigate this, please, reply me.
Excuse my english, but I don't write better.
EB
Posts: 1,813
By: Planemike - 19th February 2010 at 10:40 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
edubonvi.........Welcome to the Forum,
Please do not apologise for your English, I am sure we all understand you very well.
Very interested to hear about your fathers exploits with a Comper Swift in Argentina.
Planemike
Posts: 5,935
By: avion ancien - 19th February 2010 at 11:19 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Thank you, edubonvi. It's pieces of information such as yours that make fora such as this worth the time that many of us spend on them. You'd never find that sort of information on the net or in books (says he, waiting to stand corrected). If you can tell us more about LV-FCE when it was owned and operated by your father - as well as more about LV-YEA - those like me, with a passion for obscure british aeroplanes (well, yes, I accept that obscure is hardly an appropriate description for the Swift), will be exceptionally grateful. Better still if you have and can post photos of LV-FCE when operated by your father or the remains of it held by your mother or the engine (was this a Pobjoy Swift?) which is held by your father's friend, then I think that you'll find there is a great deal of interest in them.
Posts: 2,895
By: RPSmith - 19th February 2010 at 11:48 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Thank you edubonvi. Welcome to the forum.
I will also be interested to hear any more information on the Comper Swifts in your country.
Roger Smith.
PS. If we could speak/write your language as well as you write English the World would be a better place. :)
Posts: 1,813
By: Planemike - 19th February 2010 at 15:17 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Hmmmmm.....Something does not seem to quite add up here. Just been looking through AB Archive Autumn 2004.
For S32/6. the following info is given:-
CofA 3536 issued 28.6.32 to Aerofotos Ltd Argentina Delivered to Charles Bell after Andes flight of R222. Registered R232 to Gustavo Einar Roth. Based Buenos Aires (5.33). Registered LV-YEA (9.38) to same owner. Regd LV-FCE 11.7.50 to Sociedad IPT. Destroyed 29.9.50.
AJJ BCA 1919 -1972 quotes S.30/6 as R232/LV-YEA
To me it does not look very likely there was a second accident in 1952. If there was which a/c was involved?
Archive shows a photo of Charles Bell with R 222 & R 232. There is also a photo of LV-FBA previously R222.
Any more information anyone ????
Planemike
Posts: 1,405
By: G-ASEA - 19th February 2010 at 16:11 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Is their any news of the new built Comper Swifts? I saw one being built near Leighton Buzzard a few years ago. It looked very nice.
Dave
Posts: 1,813
By: Planemike - 19th February 2010 at 16:44 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Three replica Swifts have been registered in the UK. One has flown, but appears not to have flown many hours, 37 hrs by 2008. Sadly it does not attend many fly-ins...pity, I have yet to see it. The other two, including the one you mention Dave, have yet to fly. I know of one other underway but it is at an early stage apparently......
Planemike