Triumphrat

ohiorider · 01-08-2008

Well, this is the second shot at this thread ... the first one sort of poofed away!

All I wanted to say was that, after watching this old Brit plane go through its low-level manuvers, I could understand why I like riding a great Brit bike. With its low bars, well-tuned engine, and TOR pipes barking as I come out of a turn, there is a comparison, though maybe it is a stretch! And, although one is ground-bound and will never fly, and the other depends on having air under its wings, they both follow a road of sorts.

When I watch this video, I see why those of us who like bikes also like planes.

Bob

Pauljo · 01-08-2008

I enjoyed watching that, and the sound of those twin engines. Most folks today think that internal combustion engines should run silently. I'm not one of them. I believe there are socially responsible limits to sound output - but those aren't the same as current legally mandated limits. The sounds of a highly tuned vintage sports car, motorcycle, or airplane are sweet music to my ears for sure.

Tbirdnz · 01-08-2008

Love it, great aircraft, Mosquito, mainly made out of laminated plywood with twin Merlin engines. I have a model I made years ago on my book shelf.

-------------
Ride on !

CommandoRdster · 01-09-2008

Thanks for the link Bob,and I agree.I love WWII Warbirds.Is that a Mosquito?

You recall,in the weeks after 9-11 that all civilian flights,except emergency, were grounded. At that time I worked for a pool table factory that was just under the east bound runway of Sky Harbor Airport.After years of hearing airliners roar overhead,the silence was deafening.For weeks there were no airliners,no private planes,not even any traffic helicopters.One day I heard a wonderful sound going over.It was a familiar sound,I had heard before,but couldn't believe my ears.I ran outside and looked at the sky,and going almost directly over the building,only a few hundred feet up,was a B-17. I have no idea where it was going,or how it had permission to be in the air,but I still can't describe the feeling it gave me,at this time that felt as though our country were under siege,to see this ancient legend of Allied military might flying still.I guess it made me feel safe.For me,at least,there probably could not have been a better morale booster.

Cheers!Bruce

Old Scratcher · 01-09-2008

Well now you guys just have to come & have a Nth. Qld. Holiday. 'Coz we've got a genuine WWII airfield in Mareeba (50 miles inland from Cairns) that's full of working WWII fighter planes, of all persuasions. & you can book a joy-flight in one, from as little as $260 AUD! Here's the link http://www.warbirdadventures.com.au/.
So where the bloody hell are ya?

ohiorider · 01-09-2008

Yes, it is a Mosquito. How many of us would know?

I never got into jets. But I love these piston engine-driven planes. Spitfires, Hurricanes, Mustangs. And this Mosquito. I have no problem with a big radial engine powered plane, like a Corsair, or P-47, either. They'll blow your ears off, too.

If I can find a good radial video, I'lll post it.

Bob

purplelinny · 01-09-2008

I would have known

And without seeing the vid, I could have told you that was a coupla Rolls-Royce Merlins purring away too - aaaaaahhhhhh - makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. As does jet noise.

Never really thought about the link between liking bikes and planes, but it works for me. Always loved aviation and never missed a Fairford International Air Tattoo when I lived in the ol' Blighty. Even saw the two Mig-29s crash in mid air several years ago. Pretty scary.

Also, my great grandad was John Alexander Whitehead (same name as my dad) who owned the Whitehead Aircraft factory that built many Sopwith Pups that were used in WWI.

K, nuff bragging from me

Thanks for posting that vid - great viewing!

Old Scratcher · 01-09-2008

This Mad Bstd's name is Lucky Keiser, from Dubbo on the western plains of NSW

& that's a bike he built in the 80's to go drag racing with.
He created the motor by shaving the first two cylinders from a RR Merlin V-12 that came out of a Mosquito bomber. It had a displacement of 5000cc!
It was also supercharged & ran on NO2.
& with that cam belt getting real friendly with the family jewels, it's no wonder they called him Lucky!

ohiorider · 01-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplelinny

I would have known

And without seeing the vid, I could have told you that was a coupla Rolls-Royce Merlins purring away too - aaaaaahhhhhh - makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. As does jet noise.

Never really thought about the link between liking bikes and planes, but it works for me. Always loved aviation and never missed a Fairford International Air Tattoo when I lived in the ol' Blighty. Even saw the two Mig-29s crash in mid air several years ago. Pretty scary.

Also, my great grandad was John Alexander Whitehead (same name as my dad) who owned the Whitehead Aircraft factory that built many Sopwith Pups that were used in WWI.

K, nuff bragging from me

Thanks for posting that vid - great viewing!

We are motorheads, for sure. And I have to agree .... the sound of the Merlins is truly a sound akin to a gasoline-powered musical instrument ... as you listen, the pitch rises as the plane approaches, then lowers as it flies away. V-engines .... wonderful!

And the fact you're related to the family that built some of the Sopwith fighters of WW1 links you to some of the earliest aviation personalities. Your great granddad probably met several times with TOM Sopwith. That in itself is so neat!

Bob

ohiorider · 01-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scratcher

This Mad Bstd's name is Lucky Keiser, from Dubbo on the western plains of NSW

& that's a bike he built in the 80's to go drag racing with.
He created the motor by shaving the first two cylinders from a RR Merlin V-12 that came out of a Mosquito bomber. It had a displacement of 5000cc!
It was also supercharged & ran on NO2.
& with that cam belt getting real friendly with the family jewels, it's no wonder they called him Lucky!

Scratch - I think I remember reading an article about this bike. Fuel tank was made from two Honda tanks welded together. But the engine was the biggie ... two cylinders cut from a V12 RR. As i recall, this was pure Oz.

Bob