Sopwith Baby/Schneider floats

16 February 2006, 02:29 PM

Hi folks, anybody know for sure if the woodgrain on the Baby/Schneider ran lengthwise or crosswise to the floats? Thanks....
Mango

16 February 2006, 03:16 PM

These pics might help

http://wwi-cookup.com/sopwith/baby/baby04.jpg
http://wwi-cookup.com/sopwith/baby/baby12.jpg
http://wwi-cookup.com/sopwith/baby/baby06.jpg

17 February 2006, 07:40 AM

Thanks for the post, Rob. Yes...I had seen these photos on the web, and I was left wondering if they were original floats or repros. They certainly LOOK age-worn...

Cheers,

Mango

mossie · 18 February 2006, 02:51 PM

I think you'll find the wood is plywood, so grain direction is less of an issue.

22 February 2006, 11:10 AM

Thanks, Mossie. Do we know that the floats were always of plywood construction? I have seen a few print references to them being "mahogany"...mahogany plywood?

Mango

Brad · 22 February 2006, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mango

Thanks, Mossie. Do we know that the floats were always of plywood construction? I have seen a few print references to them being "mahogany"...mahogany plywood?

Mango

Almost certainly plywood. Solid wood would tend to split from the pounding that floats take.