Camel intake pipes, once again

buzz1941 · 24 January 2006, 03:53 PM

Looking at pictures of 28 Squadron Camels, such as Barker's, it appears that the intake pipes are belled and angled 90 degrees toward the front, like a deck vent on a ship. Is this right?

Barker · 25 January 2006, 05:52 AM

Buzz, this from Camel df 26, JM Bruce, pg 9, second one down:

"Left, after No.8(Naval) Sq. became 208, RAF, its distinguishing marking coonsisted of <snip> This aircraft <snip> and there are minor refinements of the conical spinner on the propellor hub, and small fairings behind the protruding extremities of the transverse tube that served as the carburettor air intake."

Once you begin seeing these in period photos, they're easier to spot.
Some have it and some do not and I've counted at least three different variations of this fairing. In some cases, it does appear to be belled and turned 90 degrees front, but it is hard to judge from photos, alone.

Barker's Camel definitely used this and it appears faired rather than a fitting of that description.

Earlier types show a complete look through, side/side, right through the throttle body of the carb.

Folks more knowlegeable may be able to track which of the various manufacturers employed these.

I've always wondered, too.

buzz1941 · 25 January 2006, 01:06 PM

No, the streamlined fairings are a separate issue. They're pretty easy to spot as they give the intake a teardrop appearance. But the teardrop fairing extends aft past the vertical seam next to the intake. These belled intakes I refer to project out and forward, and again, I've only noticed them on 28 Squadron AC. A field modification, most likely.
I'll scan in a better example of what I'm talking about.
The picture above shows the intakes projecting out and forward, from this angle, obscuring the access panel.

josef scott · 25 January 2006, 04:15 PM

Buzz

Have you seen Chaz Bowyer's old Camel book? I'm sure there are other sources for these pictures, but this book has a whole slew of shots of Barker's machine. None of them are terribly clear on this detail, but it is definitely NOT faired...seems pretty much as you described it...

Chance · 25 January 2006, 11:49 PM

Yes, I agree, the intake pipes appear to be belled and turned 90 degrees .
how ever, the photograph was taken not when the aircraft was with 28 squadron, but with 139 , an f2b unit. Pictures of this airplane with 28 squadron show the standard flush intakes clearly. This airplane's appearance evolved during this time with Barker, including the air intakes. It is difficult to find photographs to confirm this arrangement.

buzz1941 · 26 January 2006, 12:32 PM

Here are a couple more 28 Squadron Camels with belled, angled intakes. Note that the bird at left seems to have TWO such intakes.
Perhaps an attempt at ram-air induction?
Modeleers can replicate this part with model-ship deck vents.

Barker · 26 January 2006, 02:51 PM

Thanks for this, Buzz - now I know what am looking at and what to look for.

buzz1941 · 28 January 2006, 02:50 AM

Spotted some more, including the plane called White Feather. Camels with these modified intakes all seem to be based in Italy.

William · 28 January 2006, 07:29 AM

Hello Buzz,
It is my understanding that this modification was Barker's own concept and that he made other improvements to this aircraft. It is not a bad idea and may have spread as a field modification. Sadly, I no longer recall the reference so can't document this.
Best,
William