Sopwith Tabloid enquiry.

Lodzermensch · 25 May 2010, 12:52 PM

Hello,

I have got a question about the aircraft No 1214.

What type of engine was it powered by?

I know that Tabloids were equipped with 80 hp Gnome of course, but this one – along with No 1215 – was built as an racer for Gordon Bennett contest. Moreover – pictures of the machine show exhaust stacks protruding from sides of the fuselage, not present in other Tabloids.

I would also be grateful for any photo or drawing of this engine.

Thanks in advance.

Marek

blimp · 25 May 2010, 03:37 PM

- not exhausts , extended inlet pipes for the carburettor . GWai | Le Rhône 80hp rotary - left

-Blimp.

Patrick · 25 May 2010, 03:40 PM

Hi Marek, in his book Sopwith Aircraft Mick Davis states that 1213, 1214 and 1215 were all equipped with the 80 hp Gnome, but all had various structural modifications meant to increase performance. In particular, both 1214 and 1215 had redesigned cowls, apparently in an effort to obtain better cooling. Perhaps what you're seeing is not an exhaust stack but rather a ventilation port.

Edit: I stand corrected, Blimp IDs the stack as a carb inlet.

Dave_Kent · 25 May 2010, 08:17 PM

Hi:

Like many things, now confusing.

1215 was what is generally called the Gordon-Bennett racer, powered by a 100hp Gnome Monosoupape (Bruce). Some sources do list the 80hp Gnome.

1214 may have been a less radical back-up machine to 1215 and may also have been fitted with the 100hp Gnome, (engines do get changed). 1214 was eventually transferred to the RNAS at Dover then Dunkerque, where it was fitted with a fixed Lewis on the starboard fuselage side, and deflector plates.

I don’t know what photo you have, but could you be looking at the Lewis?

Dave

Lodzermensch · 26 May 2010, 08:28 AM

Hello,

Gentlemen, thank you very much for your inputs. I admit, it was not good idea to call the tubes “exhaust pipes”. I am still an ignorant if it comes to engines.

My question was referred to well known photo.

A tube protruding from starboard is clearly visible right under the machine gun. Unfortunately, I am not able to improve picture so as to identify the type of engine but it looks like 9 cylinder rotary "of some kind" rather than 7 cylinder 80 hp Gnome.

As for inlet pipes – I thought that there were no carburettors in rotary engines, in 1914.

Regards

Marek

John McKenzie · 26 May 2010, 09:07 AM

Hi Marek, ...Looks like probably the 100 HP 9 cylinder Gnome Mono' ....Tube under the Lewis looks like the Air inlet pipe going to the back of the motor , where a right angle joint connects it to the air inlet pipe part of the motor rearward extension /mounting . ,..(Correct in that it has no carb' as such , but it does require an air supply .) .
The Gnome in this application would have had the " Long " extended motor front plate / nose piece prop' extension for the prop hub

JM.

Lodzermensch · 26 May 2010, 09:52 AM

Thanks John.

That's what I was afraid of. I was going to build a model of No 1214. It would be an easy build. Now I have to figure out how to build an engine from scratch.

Regards

Marek

YavorD · 26 May 2010, 10:12 AM

It is induction manifold, present on both sides. The engine is Le Rhône 9C, IMHO.
Regards,
Yavor

Lodzermensch · 27 May 2010, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YavorD

It is induction manifold, present on both sides. The engine is Le Rhône 9C, IMHO.
Regards,
Yavor

Fine!

It seems we have draw. Gnome Monosoupape vs Le Rhone – 2:2.

I better go fishing. It is less stressful.

Cheers

Marek

John McKenzie · 27 May 2010, 12:52 AM

Hello , ...YavorD , I think that you are correct .
(Looking at the bottom cylinder ) .......
The push rod does seem to be slanting over to the left ,( Gnome ones are more central ), and perhaps we CAN see the copper induction pipes of the LeRhone , going to the top LH side of the cylinder , coming from the front of the crank case ...(cant actually see the crank case ).

JM