USAS Camels

[AndyK]

Hi All

I've checked and can't find a thread on this subject, but if I've missed it please accept my apologies and point me in the right direction!

In 1918 Boulton & Paul took on a contract to modify the Sopwith Camel to take the 160hp Gnome for USAS service. B&P had huge trouble with the conversion, but I've never seen any official report of the cause of this bother - and the resultant delivery delays.

Even when the first aircraft were delivered off the contract, the initial delivery flights to Orly were a disaster, with many aircraft suffering engine failures en route.

I've heard one theory, which was that the Gnome needed more length behind the firewall than the Le Rhone or Clerget, impinging on the pilot's foot room. As it therefore had to be mounted further forward, this caused all sorts of issues with the C of G - and presumably the stability of the engine mounting.

I've watched with great interest the replica builders on this forum picking Clergets, Le Rhones and Gnomes for their Camel projects - and I'm wondering whether their experiences in "living archaeology" can bring anything to this particular party?

Looking forward to seeing some light shining in this dark corner of Norfolk engineering ...

Cheers!

Andy