RAF Tangmere - WW1 Propellers

[Trackpad]

Hi, Everyone,

On my recent visit to the UK, I had the opportunity to go to RAF Tangmere to visit their museum. While there, I came across a selection of WW1 propellers. The photos below show most of their artifacts.

(L to R) Sopwith Camel, 1 1/2 Strutter, and DH6


RE8


FE2b


SE5a


SE5a (Tip detail)


I was struck by the darkness of the grey on these propellers: darker than I had expected. Other than that, it was quite an interesting visit. I hope that these images will help with any forumites future builds! 

[Jamo]

Thanks for taking the time to share these with us Gary. Very useful!
Cheers
James

[Ernie]

Thank you for posting the photos, Gary.  Good help for detailing propellers.

Cheers,
Ernie

[Nigel Jackson]

Hi Gary

Thanks for posting these photos; they're very useful indeed. I share your surprise at the darkness of the grey and would also add mine at the darkness of the laminated blades themselves. Do you suppose it might be generation after generation of varnish, sometimes sealing in grime?

Best wishes
Nigel

[Trackpad]

Thanks, everyone, for your kind comments.

Nigel hit on a point that I missed above: I was also struck by the laminations on these propellers: more obvious/prevalent than I thought. One more thing to hoist aboard when doing these models! 

[Des]

Thanks Gary for these wonderful photos, they will certainly be very useful for the members wanting to replicate the look of a genuine propeller.

Des.

[petrov27]

thank you for the pics - very interesting! I would love to have a replica of one of these props to hang over the mantle

I wonder if the darkness of the wood and grey area is just due to the age and exposure to the environment of all those years? Heck maybe they spent years on a wall somewhere smoking was allowed (for instance)?

[Trackpad]

Hello, Petrov,

I really do not know for sure. But I can say that the propellers were in very good shape for being almost 100 years old. As always, they provide a start point for discussion. In my opinion, they are fairly close to their original appearance. But, of course, time does have an effect on us all!

[IFF1418]

Thank you Gary for these unique pictures. Wow this SE5a.

Kind regards
Patrick