Hampden

[Paul K]

I haven't been doing anything with flight simming lately, having lost my mum in May. Just about got everything squared away now though, and this evening I was able to close the door on the real world, start up P3D and renew my acquaintance with Virtavia's Hampden.



Thank you Mr. Booker. Thank you, Mr. Boatr.

[Filonian]

Sincere condolences Paul. Lost my Mum in 1994,m so know what it is like.


Graham

[Paul K]

Thanks Graham.

Edit: Thinking about it, here's a photo of her during the war ( she joined the RAF in 1942 ). What aircraft is she standing on ?

[nigelb]

Paul, I just want to add my condolences also. I lost my mum in 2006. Always hard to loose a parent. I have no idea what aircraft that is in the picture but it certainly is a fetching photo of your Mum!

[Kevin Farnell]

Hi Paul.

So sorry to hear of your loss. I've lost both of my parents, over the last 13 years and can understand how you must be feeling.
It's good that you've managed to get back to flight simming (or any other hobby). Part of the healing process, is to give yourself a 'distraction', as this lets your mind rest for short periods.
What a wonderful photo of your Mother.
I only wish that I could shed some light on the aircraft type, but my only guess is that the exhaust stubs indicate a RR Merlin.

Treasure your memories!

Regards

Kevin

[Edit] Looking closer at the photo, the following observations are noted.
It appears that she is standing on the wing, the leading edge of which is below the rear of the engine. There is a long front fuselage, with no canopy visible in the photo. The 'nose up' attitude of the aircraft would indicate a 'tail dragger' and, considering the other observations probably a fighter.
Looking at where your Mother was leaning, seems to show a 'flat' top to the fuselage, along with flat sides. A short 90 degree curve joining the two surfaces.
Retaining screws are visible both above and below the exhaust stubs.
From the above, my inclination is to say a Spitfire.

The following photos may confirm my thoughts. Look at the retaining screws above and below the fifth exhaust stub -

http://www.newforestfitness.co.uk/wp-co ... itfire.jpg

http://planesoffame.org/temp/HighRes/POF-Spitfire-2.jpg

Also, in the second photo, a retaining screw is visible above the sixth exhaust stub, but not below it.

If those retaining screws are at the fifth exhaust stub (in the photo of your Mother), it would indicate that she is stood behind the sixth exhaust stub and leaning forward slightly. The leading edge of the Spitfires wing would fit this very well.

I can't say for certain, but the evidence seems to stack up.

Kevin

[Paul K]

NIgel, Kevin, thank you for your kind words, and condolences on your own losses. You too, Graham.

The aircraft - mum always said it was her standing on the wing of the C.O.'s personal Hurricane, but it doesn't appear to be a Hurricane to me - the engine cowling / nose is too long and the wrong shape. Also, if it were a Hurricane, from that angle I think you'd be able to see the wind shield at least. Perhaps she was thinking of another occasion. I agree, Kevin - Spitfire looks the most likely. Thanks for examining it.

RAFBF Tribute Book entry

[Airspeed]

Paul,
Condolences from Downunder, too.
Good on your Mum for her contribution to our freedom.
You will never forget the good times.

[Paul K]

Thank you, Mike.

[Paul K]

Back on topic for a moment, this is just about the only third party repaint I can find for the Virtavia Hampden - Ronny Olofsson's P5 Flygvapnet:



Available here http://www.rbdesign.se/alpha.html