Flying Tigers with John Wayne...WhatIsIt ?

[airnutz]

'Reversed' windscreens...

I think there was a fashion for them, briefly, and some argument for different water shedding and glare properties

Maybe 2 periphreal benefits of the forward angled windscreen, but the function of the design was to increase
the flight crews visibility of the aircraft while on the ground...and to a degree, in the air. It gave them a
thorough view of the aircraft from the rear over the wing, the engines and props, and over the nose...That's how
a former Boeing 247 pilot once explained it in an article on the type once.

I would guess the design grew out of fashion in the interest of drag reduction.

[bdk]

The main spar was bolted together, and much of the skin attached with P-K screws rather than rivets. These tended to vibrate loose, requiring tightening or replacing every few flights.

Oh for the want of some Loctite!

[Django]

I don't know... I kinda like it!

[lestweforget]

I don't know... I kinda like it!

Have you been drinking or perhaps working with paint thinners!!!!

[Chris Brame]

Here's a link to the last part of the 1947 movie Dick Tracy's Dilemma (1947). Fast forward to 7:00 and you'll see the forlorn remains of the Capelis, minus wings, in a scrapyard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1Jew4WG ... re=related

[Michel Lemieux]

I would guess the design grew out of fashion in the interest of drag reduction

Dammed good guess

[Django]

I don't know... I kinda like it!

Have you been drinking or perhaps working with paint thinners!!!!

Hahaha! C'mon, it's not that bad!

[JDK]

'Reversed' windscreens...

I think there was a fashion for them, briefly, and some argument for different water shedding and glare properties

Maybe 2 periphreal benefits of the forward angled windscreen, but the function of the design was to increase
the flight crews visibility of the aircraft while on the ground...and to a degree, in the air. It gave them a
thorough view of the aircraft from the rear over the wing, the engines and props, and over the nose...That's how
a former Boeing 247 pilot once explained it in an article on the type once.

Thanks Airnutz, it sounds as likely / unlikely as to any of the other explanations I've heard. D'you recall where that reference was?

I know that the Lockheed 10 had the reversed windscreen removed asap, and they're generally unpopular - 'not worse' is the best I've heard.

Cheers,

[SPANNERmkV]

I like 'em both!
Although the reversed windscreen job needs a CAF decal to make it come out right!

[lestweforget]

This all reminds me of a website I stumbled across some time ago!!!
http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/farmer/120/index.html

[airnutz]

D'you recall where that reference was?

Noper, if I coulda', I woulda'. Someone like Greg Herrick, or his bunch would would probably know...he's
got a Stinson A Trimotor with the same feature.

[Simon Beck]

I understand the aircraft was actually purchased by RKO Pictures
after it was rejected by the USAAC for production.
They used it in several motion pictures including Flying Tigers.

It was actaully banned from flying by the FAA and so the studio
could only use it for taxi shots. All flying was done with a model
and a good one at that for 1942.

James Farmer's excellant book "Broken Wings" has some details on it.

[JDK]

D'you recall where that reference was?

Noper, if I coulda', I woulda'.

Thanks anyway.