[WWI] A lot of Gotha G.III questions

[Diego Fernetti]

Ocsi!
> I'm building the Roden Gotha G.III in the markings with the skull at the
front of the fuselage. As a good reference I found a good clear picture of
this plane at the web.
> http://www.thomasgenth.de/GothaG.IIISchaedel.jpg
> But still more questions than answers!

Ain't it always like that?

> 1. What the hell is this round thing at the fuselage strut?

As already said, I also think it's the rear of a strut mounted rearview
mirror. I always wonder where the crews would snatch these non-standard
gizmos. perhaps from the squadron's staff car?

> 2. Is there a wire mesh grid in the frame at the backgunners position? And
I cannot see a similar frame at the oposite of the fuselage?

Not that I can see from this angle. Anyway, it doesn't mean that it's not
there, hidden, or else folded down the other side of the fuselage. I doubt
that they were fixed always in that position, there must have been some sort
of hinge at its base, and a lock to keep them upright during flight.

> 3. What is that for a wind organ left of frontgunners place? (Not the
signal cartridges on the skull!)

Bomb release levers, in the locked position. To release any chosen bomb, you
just pulled one of these. Some Gothas had this device mounted inside the
nacelle, but I guess it was more easily knocked off by accident, with dire
consequences.

> 4. What is round thing in the front window?

An instrument bezel face mounted on the opposite inner wall.

> 5. What is this wire coming out of the center of the fuselage near the
rear window?

Damned if I know.

> 6. Further there are wires coming out of the upper wing, right in the
middle between fuselage and engine nacelle. What are they for and where do
they lead?

Probably rigging wires (formed in a Y shape) that led to some point in the
engine pod structure. Note that the attachment points are the same in the
other side.
BTW have you noticed that near the rear cabane strut there is a small dial
(or some sort of round object) attached to the lower surface of the wing
tank? Would this be a content gauge? the pilot would have to look behind and
up to see it!
D.