Snipe

Maxim08 · 15 November 2007, 06:55 AM

The Sopwith Snipe is an interesting and underappreciated aircraft.
Canada is fortunate to have the fuselage of probably the most famous Snipe.

William Barker's aircraft used during his VC winning combat against 40+ enemy machines.

Advance apologies for the low quality images. I didn't have a good camera (or skills) when I was at the Canadian War Museum. Anything other than the starboard side is impossible to get to. Even though the fuselage is within arms length, there are motion sensors all around to prevent unwarranted handling. After awhile, the security people get really peeved when you keep tripping the alarm.

Fuselage forward:

Cockpit:

More to come.
Regards,
John

Maxim08 · 15 November 2007, 06:58 AM

A few more:

Rear detail:

More Rear:

Front:

Behind the cockpit:

That's all I have. I really should go back and try for better images.

Regards,
John

Joe Perkel · 15 November 2007, 07:19 AM

John.

I don't know about anyone else but, the images did not load for me?

I would like to see these as it's apparently original frames.

crankcase · 15 November 2007, 07:50 AM

they load just fine for me (come to bucharest and see for yourself!)...
the pics are very clear and it is great to inspect the innards of these aircraft. thx for sharing!
CC

Taz · 15 November 2007, 09:18 AM

John- Great photos of this national treasure. Sure looks like it could be better presented, though. Not so much restored as cleaned up, like they did with Guynemer's Spad. I believe Barker is still the most heavily decorated serviceman of all time from Canada.

Taz
Terry Phillips

Kacey · 15 November 2007, 09:43 AM

Great pic's. Thanks for sharing.

It made me think.

Without the "Turnbuckle" the Allies might not have had many aeroplanes!!!!!!

And this is an "end of the war" design!

KC

obie · 15 November 2007, 09:52 AM

Sweet pics! I love the Snipe... and though the sentiment is totally misguided I sometimes wish WWI had gone on for a few more months so the Snipe could have taken its rightful place in history, rather than relative obscurity.

Man, dust that thing off and return it to its former glory...

Nick · 15 November 2007, 08:52 PM

Many thanks Maxim08 for posting the pictures of Barkers Snipe. I’m slowly plodding away building a replica Snipe so any photos like that are exceptionally helpful & much appreciated. I'm particulary interested in getting any photos that show the complete dash as most of the old pics I have, the bottom right hand side is obscured. From what I can gather E8102 is the only one with an original dash, although incomplete would be great to see it.

Many thanks again, Nick Caudwell

crankcase · 15 November 2007, 10:13 PM

nick
pls tell us more about your plane! your workshop looks like a great place to spend every weekend (and many evenings as well).
i can see that altho i live in europe, i must plan to visit "down under" (oz and n.z.) since so much seems to be happening "down" there... you guys sent troops half way around the world to fight for king and country and the least we can do to repay the sacrifice is to visit your homeland.
CC

Nick · 16 November 2007, 02:02 AM

Hi CC, We've got a bit of catching up to do with the boys in NZ. They're doing some great things over there with WW1 aircraft. Am looking forward to getting over there next year and checking out the new Aviation Heritage Centre at Omaka.
Regarding my Snipe project, have been building it for nearly 3 years now. Still a long way to go but have finished most of the complicated fittings like the Spar Clips and Joint boxes etc. Have just finished the Axle Fairing and hopefully will have it sitting on the wheels in the next month or so.

Nick