Here's A Very "p.c." Bf109 Pic

[timbo33]

The Swastikas usually found on WW2 German aircraft have been painted out on these aircraft. The Swastika is banned in many countries, which is why many model companies don't include it in their decals. Many modellers like to include the Swastika on their models for the sake of historical accuracy - in this case Mental is showing us that it's still possible to build a historically accurate Bf109E without a Swastika on the tail.

aaaaahhhh....mists clearing - it might have been helpful if that explanation had been provided at outset but perhaps MG wanted to challenge the observational skills of those of us less mentally agile I thought it was something to do with the chaps leaning against the tail - I thought they were Russian!!!

[Mentalguru]

aaaaahhhh....mists clearing - it might have been helpful if that explanation had been provided at outset but perhaps MG wanted to challenge the observational skills of those of us less mentally agile I thought it was something to do with the chaps leaning against the tail - I thought they were Russian!!!

I genuinely thought it was genuine...

I am challenging enough in other ways

[tango98]

Mentalguru wrote: "I am challenging enough in other ways"

Don't worry Rich - your secret is safe with me!

Cheers

Dave

[Mentalguru]

Mentalguru wrote: "I am challenging enough in other ways"

Don't worry Rich - your secret is safe with me!

Cheers

Dave

About time you got your bottom back over here for a week or two!

[Miggers]

"Is that a Luger in your pocket or are you just pleased I am your commanding officer?"

And if you're really good boy I vill take you for a ride in my little staff car(Ooohhhhhhhh Rrrene!!!)

[Happy Martian]

As a non-Luftwaffe knowledgable person, can someone explain the gap at the top of the tail on the two 109s nearest the camera. On the nearest, you can see the tree and the 109 behind clearly through the gap at the top of the rudder. That doesn't look Photoshop to me ??

[tango98]

'Happy Martian' wrote: "As a non-Luftwaffe knowledgable person, can someone explain the gap at the top of the tail on the two 109s nearest the camera. On the nearest, you can see the tree and the 109 behind clearly through the gap at the top of the rudder."

Yes, that's because the rudder is deflected to the port side of the aircraft which, because of the angle of the top of the fin and that of lower forward edge of the rudder, gives the impression of a wedge shaped gap.

HTH

Cheers

Dave

[Nick Belbin]

The rudder's set at an angle (turned) . . .

[tango98]

'Mentalguru' wrote: "About time you got your bottom back over here for a week or two!"

I'm working on it Rich and there's a good chance for either late summer or around about Telford time.

Cheers

Dave

[Natter]

Don't ask, don't....

Texting in the 40's! They really were technologically advanced.

[Happy Martian]

Thanks guys. Did that shape offer any flight benefits over a flat rudder as no modern figters use the same shape ?

[pigsty]

Thanks guys. Did that shape offer any flight benefits over a flat rudder as no modern figters use the same shape ?

What you're looking at is a horn balance: essentially, a portion of a control surface that extends forward of the hinge line. They come in all shapes and sizes - not just triangular - and are found on all surfaces, not just rudders.

The purpose of a horn balance is to make it easier to move the surface. At higher speeds the airflow can resist movement, especially when the pilot is relying only on his own strength as relayed through cables connecting the controls to the surface. As the main part of the surface deflects, the balance moves out into the airflow as well, but the opposite way; this adds force in the same turning direction and so helps the surface to move. Modern aircraft use powered surfaces as a rule, so they don't need the help. Another type that you might see is the mass balance, which is a little blob on a stick that projects forward of the hinge line; it has the added advantage of dampening flutter.