The What is it? Game

[Graeme]

My guess is French.

French it is. Here's a bit more of the puzzle...

 

[WJPearce]

Dewoitine HD.730?

 

[GrauGeist]

But...why a handrail?

Were they expecting handicap access?

 

[Graeme]

Dewoitine HD.730?

Dunno about the handrail Dave, but it is the HD.730 - well done Bill, over to you...

 

[Capt. Vick]

Was it a float plane?

 

[WJPearce]

The Dewoitine HD.730 floatplane was to be catapult launched and recovered by crane I believe. I would assume the handrails were to provide grips for the crew as they attached the aircraft to the crane after landing and while still on the water's surface. I know other crane-recovered floatplanes did not have such robust handrails, but it is French after all.

Here is the next challenge.

 

[GrauGeist]

That green sure looks like a Japanese color...

 

[Capt. Vick]

Can we get a whole picture of that French plane?

Is that the radial engined "comet" Japanese dive bomber?

 

[Airframes]

Green shade aside, could this be a P-47 ?

 

[WJPearce]

Geez, you guys are too good. Yes P-47. Airframes has it!

 

[GrauGeist]

Way to go, Terry!

 

[Capt. Vick]

Damn Terry! I almost laughed at your guess. Good going!

 

[Graeme]

Yeah, that's impressive Terry - well done mate! I was hooked on Japan.

Vick.

Can we get a whole picture of that French plane?

Here's the pic I used and the details that came with it...

I'm sure there's more if you Google.

Cheers
Graeme.

 

[GrauGeist]

Good info, Graeme!

Sadly for France, alot of their development was brought to a sudden halt with Germany's intervention.

Several manufacturers, especially LeO, held alot of promise with their types.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Thanks Graeme. She's a beaut'

 

[Airframes]

It looks quite like a Percival Prentice, on floats, but with a narrower cockpit.

OK, have a dab at this one.

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

I have no idea where to start on this one.

 

[WJPearce]

Beech 18?

 

[Airframes]

Hell's teeth, that was quick! And well done!
Yes, it's a Beech 18, or C-45 Expeditor, tail light assembly, this one seen in TFC's hangar at Duxford earlier this year.
Take it away!

 

[WJPearce]

I know right? You post something thinking "Ha, this will take a while" only to have someone swoop in and nail it (you all are very good). Well, here is my next "this will take a while" effort...