That is wonderful C51! Thanks a million old chap. Splendid!

I have fired off a PM and a mail to your email addy.

Let me know what I can do in return.

Folks,

From a veritable and wonderful blizzard of recent posts JRT plucks the most unusual one to answer first.

C51:

What a joy it is to have you visit us once again. I am sure everyone will agree it has been far too long since your last visit. You have made MG's day for sure and I thank you for responding to my e-mail sent late last night old friend. You have not said in your daily e-mails to me if the Lanc project will end with her in the air or as a static display. Which will it be and how far along is the progress?

MG:

I have read your posts and your scholarly thoughts are well thought out and further illuminate our discussion. LOL! I am sure that the concept of wooden aircraft was not all that foreign or new to aircraft designers or the military here however the trend was definitely away from it. Surely the amazing Mosquito was not unknown to them. It might take some deeper scrutiny and heavy Googling on our part to uncover the true reason that flights of lightning fast Mosquitoes were not used instead of the lumbering B-17s. Politics surely played a part and maybe even a desire by the government to support the aircraft industry and economy of the US.

Dux, you would know, how long did it take to produce a Mossie? Surely great skill by a limited number of available people with those laminating skills was required at least in some of the wooden construction process. Where as those B-17's might not require such specialized knowledge and they might be able to be churned out much faster. Industry and its ability to maintain production, even increase it as needed to recover losses relative to the enemy played a huge part in WW2. There has to be a reason why the 10 man crewed B17 was chosen over coordinated flights of 2 man Mosquitoes. The loss of life might have been five times less and perhaps the bombing accuracy might even have improved?

I swear that sometimes when I read with hind sight about the apparent lunacy of the political leaders and top brass of WW1 and WW2; I have to wonder if the true reason for those horrible wars wasn't simply to kill as many men on both sides as expeditiously as possible. If the members of government that start these wars had to go out and fight them while the rest of the population had to stay at home there would be no military conflicts. It seems that we, just like lemmings, every so often go quite mad and rush together right off the nearest cliff.

Dux:

What a delightfully twisted mind you do indeed possess. Perhaps you are in fact either seriously demented or possessed by a moderately benign evil yourself? How can we ever hope to tell since we are even crazier than you are?

There is usually an explanation for apparent paranormal occurrences. I thought the mirror world phenomenon was due to the gasses released from the pit that had disoriented Olga and caused her to swoon. We can easily explain the greenish, disabling gas as fumes emanating from a faulty Dungski Mark 5 chemical toilet recently installed, might I add, with perilous difficulty and one loss of life, down in the HWH archives.

Someone or some thing must have possessed Olga to cause her to give up her chase of you and I and instead creep down those 3,000 crumbling steps into the abyss, cross that dark cavern, much less go on into the Stygian blackness beyond. Olga is totally fearless as we know therefor what possible evil known to science could be powerful and terrible enough to cause even the indomitable Olga of Minsk to flee? We simply cannot wait to find out.

JRT, McG, C51,

The Germans tried to emulate the success of our Mosquito by designing and building one of their own - the Ta154 Moskito, (note the imaginative choice of name) also using plywood construction. Due to heavy damage of the factory which made the special glue, they were forced to use an inferior substitute which led to several crashes. Eventually, the development was cancelled after production of only 50 aircraft.

I hope to add another chapter to Olga's latest escapade tomorrow but it may run into two more chapters.

The kind offer of C51 has certainly made my day, if not the entire month! Such acts of friendship are truly never forgotten.

The study of the Mosquito vs. the B-17 brings up several interesting aspects.

12.731 B-17's were apparently built, the corresponding numbers for the Mosquito being 7.781. The question to me seems to be; could the plants in Totonto, Hertfordshire, Luton, Coventry, Portsmouth, Chester have built more, had the order been given?

De Havilland was a company specialising in light aircraft designs, relying on speed in stead of toughness and crew protection and as such they had the required experience to pull it off, re. Dux' information regarding the Ta154.

One must also remember that production capacity would probably be stretched to the limit all over the U.K, and the demand for engines to go other aircraft types put a limitation on things as well. The Mosquito was initially rejected on ground of scepticism towards it being built in wood, and it also suffered from the fact that Merlin engines for Spitfires/fighters had priority in the days after the Dunkirk debacle.

The US Army Airforce had plenty of opportunity to see the promise of the Mosquito for themselves during trials in the presence of General Arnold. The Americans seemed to think that the P-38 Lightning would be it's equal, thereby revealing that the Americans were thinking more in terms of Fighter-Recon duties rather than bomber roles.

Perhaps we are also being too dismissive of the B-17: After all, it could fly longer (2000 miles) than the Mossie (900 miles), higher (35.600 ft vs. 29.000 ft.)

Boeing would certainly be able to turn out bombers from their plants at a rate that would not rival the auto industry (although I think that the world record for production of a single bomber was held by the British who turned out a Wellington in less than 48 hours; the previous record). Apparently the aircraft manufacturers were not totally geared for mass production, relying more on engineering skills and developing more advanced aircraft than being able to turn out huge quantities.

Furthermore, the B-17's dropped a frightful lot of tonnes of bombs on targets and as such made a major contribution to the overall campaign.

But still; more was needed that the 12 thousand B-17's so a huge number of B-24's were also built. Sharing the jobs over the country and differenct manufacturers leading hopefully to increased competition and lower cost per aircraft being amongst the political benefits.

The fact that "Strategic Bombing" was not as successful as it was thought to be, by protagonists such ad Gen. Arnold, Trenchard and Billy Mitchell was a lesson that still had to be learned.

In conclusion, I would guess that
a) The Mossie was probably being used primarily in the roles in which it excelled
b) More Mossies would have been very hard to produce to sustain a bomber force the size of the US Airforce during the Battle of Europe
c) The B-17 was in the role for which it had been originally intended, although some of the preconditions for its design proved to carry some tradeoffs when entering battle
d) Numbers made the difference

By the way, I found an interesting document while composing this little post, not directly related but with some interesting background information on the B-17: http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA397895&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Enjoy!

Folks,

Dux:

The Ta154 is a rather obscure but interesting aircraft. Among other features besides wings that were completely detachable in flight..... were wings that had absolutely no dihedral.



For those of us who are interested in photos of German aircraft of that same era; may I direct you to the following site. This is a site that I only recently came across a few days ago. I have not had time to thoroughly look it over. There seem to be a large number of photos.

http://www.luftwaffephotos.com/

More chapters may be coming you say? Bring them on dear fellow, bring them on. Do I detect the slightest aroma of brimstone in the mess? ACHOO! AhhhhhChooo! Yes, I believe that I do. After typing a new chapter, kindly in future have your batman give your uniforms a good brushing. There's a good chap.

MG:

What a brilliant and informative fellow you are. At the time before D-Day, the problem of long range flights deep into Germany was sitting right in the middle and taking up most of the real estate on the Pentagon and Whitehall's plates. With no fighter that could accompany bombers all the way to Berlin and back the B-17 boxes bristling with guns seemed a great idea right up to the point where these "Flying Forts" began to fall and men by the tens failed to return.

As those sad telegrams to the blue star mothers at home began to pile up at Western Union and gold stars began to replace the blue ones in darkened windows in every state and town in the union, the boys flying desks on both sides of the Atlantic may have begun to rethunk it all. The arrival on the scene of the long range Mustangs with their supercharged Rolls engines came just in time. It was another instance of a perfect collaboration between allies.

I agree with your line of thinking on every point as I almost always do when someone so charitably agrees with me. You have done a goodly bit of research and put a lot of analytical thought to the results of that research it is plain to see. I am satisfied that your scholarly work has brought us to what seems to me to be the plain truth of the matter.

The Mossie was a terrific photo reconnaissance plane and a swift attack aircraft when pinpoint accuracy deep into dangerous territory was called for. They were almost impossible to catch with any piston driven pursuit plane in the arsenal of the Luftwaffe. And let us not forget how effective they were in destroying those spiteful V1 buzz bombs that were killing hundreds, startling their Majesties at awkward moments and generally rattling the windows all over London.

Folks,

All this talk of piston power and speed caused me to think. And on the unusual occasion when I think and do not get a terrible headache I often find myself asking questions. What was the fastest piston driven aircraft in WW2 and to this day? We will not break them down into specific categories so though it may not be especially fair it will hurry the process greatly and perhaps avert the onset of a blinding pain in my noggin due to too much thinking.

According to an older version of The Guinness Book of World Records, "The fastest propeller-driven aircraft today is the former soviet Tu-95/142, code named 'Bear' by NATO. It has four 14,795-h.p. engines driving eight-blade contra-rotating propellers, and a maximum level speed of Mach 0.829(575 m.p.h/)." I believe we can safely assume that aircraft was not available in WW2.

We have already discussed the Mosquito. The Bearcat was also a very fast ship. It was the replacement for the F6F Hellcat but never saw combat in WW2. The powerful Tempest was bloody fast as well. Some contend that the Seafury was the fastest piston production built fighter of it's time. That ship might be the fastest piston pounder today; I recall that a Hawker Sea Fury won the 2006 Reno Race.

Anyone have any light to shine on this swiftly moving topic?

Gents,

Interesting to note that the B24 always came off second in the hall of fame stakes but the B24 was built in greater numbers - over 18,000 compared with 12,800 B17s.
B17s dropped 650000 short tons = 580000 long tons, and the B24 about 630000 short tons which works out roughly equal for the two types.
The Lancaster dropped 608000 long tons which was more than either the B17 or the B24. All depends on your source of information.
The USAAF appears to have dropped about 4 tons to every 3 of the RAF.

Gents,

DDTH

Chapter IV.

'Sod this...' thought Olga, and turned to face the distant exit and the first of many steps back to the gardens.
The torch was still sending a clear and illuminating beam across the space to be covered and revealed a shocking realization. The grotesque, demonic figures were no longer in their positions on the recess ledges.
Olga issued a booming challenge which reverberated around the vaults.
'Come on then, show yourselves and let's make real fight of it you stinking miserable sewer rats'
Standing firmly and with muscular legs apart, she braced herself for the onslaught that at this point was not forthcoming...
the creatures choosing to ignore her compliment.
'Waiting to get behind me are you? Alright, I'll give you the chance then, you hell-spawn of the s-bend!'
Such flattery again fell on deaf, pointed ears.
Steadily retracing her steps and glancing into each row of the pews, she duly arrived at the lower stairway.
Glancing up revealed that the spiral had indeed now been corrected and led off to the left! But her relief was only short-lived. What if the platoon from hell was waiting up there, blocking the stairs as well as others waiting to cut off a retreat by closing in behind?

She whirled around after hearing a leathery flapping sound and beheld a hideous group of bat-winged horrors with slobbering jaws, greenish yellow eyes and scaly, spiked limbs which terminated in vicious talons. All the nightmares she had ever had could not come near to matching the pure evil and malevolence which emanated from the advancing 'things'.
Olga backed off and started to negotiate the stairs while facing the demons. Up and up in that left hand spiral while all the while they scrambled to get closer for their attack.
'Here we go then', Olga shrieked. 'Game on!!!' Then the Remington blasted forth the heavy gauge charge with a deafening bang which took the head clean off the closest demon. Some scrambled over the corpse to feast on their erstwhile ally while others passed on to continue the pursuit. Again the Remington spoke and another head splattered against the wall to run down like greengage jam.
'HAHAHAHA!' Olga screamed, now in full cry and laughing hysterically. As she fumbled to reload, the Webley appeared in the other hand. 'Let's see how you like this'. Each round she fired took the back out of each target until the chamber was empty. But still thay came on, clambering over the bodies of their companions, no less eager to chew on Olga's ample supply of succulent human flesh. This how it continued, step by step, load by load until the hammers clicked on empty.

Lord Duxlington would have been proud to look down, or up as the case may be, to see that his beloved cavalry sword was
once again being used to defeat the forces of evil. With a swish and a slash, scaly arms and legs were removed with a dexterity which revealed her Cossack heritage. With aching thighs and aching right arm she seemed to become rejuvenated by the first shafts of sunlight pouring through the iron door, and with a final plunging thrust, despatched one more creature before stumbling out into the three-holer from which she scrambled onto the lawn.

Breathing heavily, she plunged the sword into the lawn and with hands defiantly rested on hips, waited for the demons to emerge...but none came. Save one!

It was bigger than the others, more powerful and evil looking, uttering a deep and revolting gutteral sound. She grasped the sword again and braced herself for one final onslaught. The creature paused and shielded its eyes with a slimy grey-green wing while looking around with apparent bewilderment and wonder at the sun, clouds, and trees. Their eyes met and Olga seemed to identify a questioning almost beseeching look. She felt a surge of pity for this creature that existed in such a foul and utterly evil environment but remained ready to defend herself nevertheless.
Then, against all expectation, the creature slowly turned and entered the stairway to slam the heavy iron door behind it...

Olga took in great breaths of crisp winter air while noting with extreme satisfaction that all was right again. But Duxy bebe still had questions to answer and although he and JRT, at this very moment were probably bouncing up and down on the delightful and under-attended Ladies Amelia and Charlotte, they would eventually be brought to account...enjoy themselves while they may.

Sequel to follow.

Folks,

Dux:

The "Liberator" was an excellent bomber. I have an older relative with whom I once went flying in his private plane who served as bombardier on a B25. He did not enjoy talking about his experiences so sadly I have none that I can recount. It is a problem well known to scholars and others. These fellows saw horrors and experienced feelings no one who did not do the same could be expected to understand given the limited ability of many to express themselves. Fortunately before they have all gone a few are beginning to share what they witnessed. It has taken over 60 years for them to be able to do so.

Olga showing even a infinitesimal speck of mercy....? You have finally convinced me, now I know this is a mirror world. Well done old boy; your last chapter reeks of brimstone and glowing ectoplasm. Your anti-heroine puts us mere mortals to shame once more. Considering the many well oiled, gnarled blue steel choices available for Olga's use sitting there in their polished mahogany and oaken cases in your gun room I have to wonder at her choice of the Remington 870 or 1100. The old but reliable Webley revolver was a reasonable choice but why not the automatic Walthers or the Colt 1911 match grade hand gun in its expensive wooden presentation case?

I'd have chosen the short barreled Browning pump loaded with buck or solid shot for combat me thinks. Of course I'd have used that purely defensively whilst I was so heroically running backwards. Why the shotgun when her choice of rifles could not have been finer or more varied if she had been Rigby himself. Your collection goes back to the famed Damascus barreled heavies of the explorers in the 19th century.

OK, maybe they aren't considered combat weapons. A rifle for dangerous game has one specialized purpose; to kill a dangerous animal under difficult circumstances. Under ideal circumstances any animal can be killed with almost any rifle. No beasties on this earth, including the dangerous ones, can stand with disdain and careless impunity before a well placed round by even a relatively puny .30-6. Even elephants and arguably the most dangerous big game of all, the cape buffalo, have been separated from the toils of life by small rifles with light bullets.

The Remington 870 is a very good gun. I once owned one myself. It was great for birds and skeet or trap shooting. I found it to be every bit as good as its gas operated cousins when properly handles. With all possible modesty; I handled it properly.

For Olga's purposes I might have chosen one of the Englishman James Purdey's incomparable double express rifles loaded with as many cigar sized .500 Nitro Express loads as I could cram into it, under my hat or into all my pockets (and I have lotsa pockets). You can never have too many cartridges...just in case. She might have chosen a last ditch stopping caliber like the .577 or .600 Nitro Express of course but even Olga might have had some difficulty with either of those. They are just about as deadly on both ends of the rifle.

Who ya gonna call? There is a new Ghost Busters film being talked about but that's no help. All things especially the paranormal nature of the quarry being considered, and somewhat like the personal shooter game "Doom" (which all this so nostalgically reminds me of so much), I'd have probably chosen a nasty personalized chain gun with spent Uranium loads.... if they had been invented back then.

JRT,

It was necessary for our heroine to leave the more exotic and destructive firearms for the next task. After all, what were the devil's legions when compared to the conniving, shifty, adroit, Machiavellian minds of that pair now on the top of her hit list? No, my dear friend...only the best will be good enough them. They deserve that much consideration at least.