Warbird Information Exchange

Hi all
tonight I've been reading about the Saro Lerwick twin engined flying boat. It must have been the very worst aircraft the RAF ever had to suffer. It was underpowered, unstable both in the air and on the water and the quality of manufacturing was appalling. Despite it's many failings it reached service with 209 Sqn. who's long suffering crews must have been very relieved indeed when it's Lerwicks were finally replaced by Consolidated Catalina's in April 1941.

Can anyone think of a worse aircraft than the Lerwick that the RAF has had to suffer or, as this is an American based site an aircraft the US armed forces have had to endure that's really bad?

Just something to keep us amused on a winter's evening.
Cheers
Andy

The Blackburn Botha was pretty unpopular with its aircrews. Similarly underpowered to the Lerwick, it wasn't long before it was relegated to training duties. Also, the view from the cockpit wasn't very good apparently.

Regards,

Paul

Paul
Yes, the Botha was a terrible aircraft. Ordered about the same time as the Lerwick. It was a time of apparent blindness among procurement officials. The Manchester, Whirlwind, Botha and Lerwick all started life around the same time. Presumably all part of the hurried expansion of the RAF leading up to the war.
Cheers
Andy

...And even though all these aircraft weren't successful, isn't it a shame that no examples exist in a museum (as far as I know). I would love to see a Botha or Whirlwind at Hendon.

Regards,

Paul

Paul, there were some fairly large chunks of Botha up on Bleaklow Head last time I went up there over 20 years ago. The wreck's listed in Dark Peak Wrecks by Ron Collier.

It was a truely horrible plane.

Rob

Thanks, Rob. Still like to see one restored though!

Regards,

Paul

Isnt there a "restored" Lerwick in India or am I getting my wires crossed (again). I say "restored" because it appears to have some Indian Artistic Licence in the build(due to lack of materials)

Probably talking pants as usual

I don't think so, Nick. Perhaps you're confusing it with the Shorts Sealand at Goa?

Thats the one, told you I was Pants!!

(I blame the very nice Merlot that I have drunk nearly a bottle of tonight )

Talking of Whirlwinds, is the WIX Whirlwind project still live?

Two questions
1) any pictures anyone?
2) Will it be at Legends

There was a wonderful comment made by one of the Boscombe Down test pilots in his report on the Botha.

"Access to the cockpit is difficult. It is recommended it be made impossible".

Over-tired and confused on less than a bottle? You lightweight MotF!!

I think the Miles Hawk Speed 6 is a dog - the fact that the owner won't flog it to me has nothing to do with it....

HP

_________________
I love old wooden planes.......I have a wonderful sense of humour when the invoices arrive..must buy more of them......no I'm not nuts, I'm an enthusiast.......

The Tubby Buffalo was not very popular with most .
But in the hand's of the Finn's it ended the War with the highest kill rate per loss of all , up there with the Hellcat .
Cheer's all, Tally Ho! Phil .(G' day Andy)

_________________
" There's nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so."(Shakes baby)

Unfortunately that project seemed to die out as personal tragedies diverted the attention of the main driving force with the project who subsequently left the forum. Its a shame because I would love to see a Whirlwind IRL.

_________________
Scott Rose
Editor-In-Chief/Webmaster
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