RE8 Struts

R Pope · 21 December 2005, 04:14 PM

I recall reading somewhere, maybe on this site, that the wing struts on a British plane, I believe it was the RE8, were just inserted in sockets, held there by bracing wire tension. Is this fact or fiction? When a wire broke or was shot off, the thing collapsed like a house of cards.

Mark · 21 December 2005, 09:28 PM

Good question. Sorry I don't know the answer!

Anyway, there is an RE8 at Duxford. Google the Duxford Aviation Society and find an email link for them. I think that would be the best way of getting a correct answer.

Mark · 21 December 2005, 09:37 PM

Should have googled first, anyway here is an email link to Duxford:

http://duxford.iwm.org.uk/server/show/nav.00d00j

baldeagle · 22 December 2005, 07:45 AM

Weren't the Sopwiths like that also?

greatwarpilot · 22 December 2005, 08:10 AM

Not sure, but I'll check the Strutter when I get up to the museum this afternoon. I'll Also take a gander at the Camel plans.

greatwarpilot · 23 December 2005, 10:11 PM

I took a look at the Strutter inter-plane struts this evening. At least on ours there is a bolt that runs through the reciever and the base of the cabane, its not just the bracing wire that holds them on. I can't speak to how original this set up is, and when I have the opportunity I'll check out what our Camel is like (the plans weren't handy tonight thats why I only checked the 1 1/2 Strutter).