Mosquito (oz866)

About this Plan

Mosquito. Scale WWII twin, for control line and 1 - 2.5cc motors.

Update 24/01/2020: Added article, thanks to hlsat.

Quote: "A 40 inch span control line model of the Mosquito Mk.XVI for 1 - 2-1/2 cc motors.

The vogue for twin-engined control-line scale models is attaining tremendous proportions in this country, probably due to the fact that multiengined machines offer a relatively untapped field of prototypes for the scale enthusiast, and the only really foolproof way of flying models of such aircraft is on the end of lines. The popularity of the APS Douglas A-26 Invader (oz9062) plan led us to look for a British machine which could be worked up into a really classic model - what better than the ubiquitous Mosquito?

A review of the various Mosquito marks produced the fact that the XVI was fitted with chin intakes immediately behind the spinners which would help to disguise a pair of inverted motors. Used by PRU's as well as for bombing, this mark also offered a choice of colour-scheme, and since the glazed nose was sometimes doped over, a chance to produce different appearances while still being authentic. Invasion markings, optional but also correct dress for the mark, further widen the scope and allow builders to vary the rut.

To preserve the sleek lines of this beautiful aeroplane all-sheet covering was obviously essential; this offers splendid opportunities to concours builders, and we expect to see whole squadrons of really first-class 'Mossies' at 1955 rallies!

At 3/4 in to the foot the model comes out at a little more than 40 in span and will accommodate most 2.5 cc motors. Our original, using two ED 246s, lapped at nearly 50 mph on one motor and at well over 60 on both. About the minimum power for flight would be two 1 cc motors."

Note the article file also includes:

Quote: "My Cover Painting. By Rupert C Moore.

Nothing could demonstrate the supremacy of the Mosquito during Hitler's war better than the incident depicted in the cover painting. This shows a 'Civil' Mosquito belonging to BOAC. running the gauntlet to Sweden in 1943. The audacity of the BOAC in flying unarmed aircraft right through the Skagerrak in broad daylight infuriated the Hun enough to cause him to divert fighter squadrons to try and stop them. 'The Ball Bearing Run' to Sweden as it was known, was a revival of the commercial route to Stockholm from Perth which had been flown regularly until April 9 1940, when the Germans overran Norway.

Early in 1941 BOAC were asked to re-open this route in spite of the fact that the whole of the European coastline was in the hands of the Hun. The 'fleet' was started by one Lockheed aircraft which had once belonged to Poland and was flown here by a refugee crew. It was given a registration ending in BG and was therefore known as 'Bashful Gertie,' the terror of the Skagerrak! Lockheed Hudsons were released from the RAF and Lodestars with Norwegian crews joined in. British crews flew the obsolete converted Whitleys.

It was usual for these aircraft to fly high, but on being intercepted speed would be gained by diving to a few feet above the sea, this manoeuvre also prevented attack from below. Casualties were not light in those slow aircraft, but in spite of this, on some nights a dozen aircraft flew the gauntlet.

In the summer of 1943 the whole scene was changed by the introduction of Mosquitoes to this route. Sweden makes some of the finest ball bearings in the world and Germany needed them badly and she would get them all unless we could go and get them ourselves. The ball bearings could be packed into a small heavy concentrated load just suitable for BOAC Mosquito bomb-bays.

Soon after their introduction Mosquitoes were called to carry passengers! The crew of two occupied the only available space in the cabin so the bomb-bay was the only place possible. The first two passengers were both elderly men with no previous flying experience. They were both experts in the ball bearing industry and they both had to be in Stockholm the next morning to counter a German move to get more of the ball bearings. The bomb-bays of two Mosquitoes were padded with felt and fitted with safety belts. One passenger was strapped down inside each. A quickly improvised electric light and intercom was fixed and they were given books to read on the journey, a packet of sandwiches and a flask of coffee. These gentlemen not only arrived safely in Stockholm, where they successfully completed their mission, but both returned home safely a few nights later by the same means. Of all the great exploits of the Mosquito - and they were many - none could have surpassed the cool courage of the crews and passengers of these unarmed aircraft on the Ball Bearing Run.

Only two other exploits can be mentioned in this short resume. In September, 1941, six Mosquitoes bombed a hole in the Gestapo headquarters in Oslo to release prisoners and, of course, the regular raids on Berlin each Mossie dropping a 4,000 lb 'block buster.'

Colouring: Regulation colour for BOAC aircraft during the war was: Top surfaces, flanks including rudder and fin, camouflage of dark green with dark earth; undersurfaces, aluminium. Most Mosquitoes, however, were the pale duck egg green known as 'Sky' below. Black civil letters were carried above and below the wings and on the fuselage sides, the latter outlined in aluminium. Broad bands of vermilion, white and ultramarine underlined the letters on the fuselage and below the wings, the band underlining the top letters had the white omitted. A military type fin flash was used. Spinners varied, dark green, dark earth or black..."

Supplementary file notes

Article.

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