Mick Mannock's SE5a and the Roden kit

[Albatroid]

I've been searching these forums and around the web a bit for information on Mannock's No. 74 SE5a because I think perhaps Roden may have goofed up on both the nose configuration and markings. I apologize in advance if this has already been discussed, but acording to my references E.1295 was his No.85 Squadron aircraft from midsummer 1918, after he relieved Billy Bishop. Roden decal instructions depict E.1295 with the letter "A" and large white rectangle on the fuselage, but if the table in Shores, Franks, and Guest is correct then I should think it would have worn 85 Squadron's octagon.

D.278 appears to be a more likely candidate for the "A - Rectangle" markings from No. 74 Squadron (if in fact they were using a rectangle in spring and early summer 1918). I should be able to gin up the rudder serial from my Americal-Gryphon RFC sets. I'd appreciate information on Mannock's C.1112 and C.6468 as well.

A discussion from February between R.C. Gardner, Dan-San Abbott, and Steve Lawson regarding SE5 propellers and engines causes me some concern for the accuracy of Roden's suggested configuration for both E.1295 and D.278. Roden would have me construct Mannock's Wolsey-Viper powered SE5a with extended exhaust pipes, unfaired exposed engine parts, and a two-bladed propeller. Seems that both these aircraft would have at least had the fairings fore and aft of the engine parts nor have I been able to confirm specifics on the propellers or exhausts for these two. Can anyone point me in the right direction for the correct appearance of his D.278? How about a good book recommendation- do any of the SE5 Windsock Datafiles contain decent photos or reliable profiles of Mannock's No. 74 SE5a's?

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Albatroid:
I am glad you asked this question, it has not been properly represented.
See RAF SE5a, by J.M. Bruce, A windsock Datafile special. Also RAF SE5a
by J.M.Bruce WINDSOCK DATAFILE 10, page 4 and page 27 shows the style of lettering in painting the serial no on the fin in white.
1. It is a direct drive Wolseley 200 hp."Viper". See photo 39, 40, 41, page 17.
2. It had the streamline steel tubing landing gear.
3. It had the rounded top one piece radiator with the 3 rows horizontal shutters covering the front of the radiator.
4. It had fairings on the upper cowling to the cam covers.
5. They were manufactured by Vickers Weybridge, C.9486 to 9635, Contract no A.S.10480, also D.201 to D.300 with steel u/c struts. D'301 to D'450 with wood u/c struts,Contract no. A.S.31574. B.733 was a re-built machine at Southern Aeroplane Repair Depot. B'536, No 56 squadron,page 8 and C'1096, 56 squadron, re-engined with 200 hp "Viper", page 38.
I hope this is of some help.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

[Albatroid]

I guess after you've been modeling long enough you develop a sixth sense for when a kit is leading you down the primrose path to indignation and failure. I was merely looking at a few allegorical references with not a single photo to guide me and the mixture of features in the kit simply weren't adding up. I'll probably have to consider picking up a another "Dallas-McCudden" edition kit in order to get the parts I need for a correct D.278 for Mannock and build a different SE5a from the "Bishop/Mannock/Beauchamp-Proctor" kit. Meanwhile, I'll go ahead and order the Windsock Datafile- I hope it shows the propeller too, I'm still uncertain whether it was 2- or 4-bladed.

Thanks for your help again, Dan-San; I love building great war models, but they can outfox me pretty darned quick!

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Albatroid:
It has a two bladed propeller. With the direct egine, the engine a prop are turning at the same higher rpm of 1800 to 2000 rpm.
blue skies,
Dan-San

[Albatroid]

I managed to locate a copy of Windsock Datafile #10, 'RAF SE5a' at Bill and Barbara Byrd's store in Williamsburg; it shipped out today so I might receive it as early as Saturday. Thanks for the tip on the book!