Re: Camel metal panels

Erik Pilawskii (xopowo@u.washington.edu)
Tue, 1 Aug 1995 10:01:16 -0700 (PDT)

Hi All,

> > And, as Erik states, you see the Camels with
> >both natural metal and painted cowls and panels, but you *never*
> >see photos with *rusty* natural metal which is what you'd get if
> >they were steel 'natural metal'. I can't right now pluck a
> >reference, but my bet is on aluminum.
> >Etc, etc...
>
Thanks for the 'add-ons', you guys. The winner appears to be aluminum.
Interestingly enough, if you look at the photos I took from Rhinebeck
(presently on Al's web page) you can see that *their* Camel's forward
panels and cowl are aluminum, at least. As the N.11's appear to be as
well (the O.R. machine's are painted, unfortunately...). Given the seemingly
wide-spread useage of the material, I'd be inclined to guess that most
Allied scout types were so covered, where necessary. Just a flying guess,
mind you....
One thing still pick at me, though: why were these aluminum areas being
worked by hand (using a hammer- thus the burnishing marks to cover it up)?
Seems kinda low-tech. But, it was WWI, I guess... maybe I'm just being
silly....
Erik /:^o
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"Here's to your Enemies' enemies!..."
--Old Irish Toast
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