MW Miniature Work

Welcome to the S.E.5a ., one of Britain's best planes of WWI. It was a product of the Royal Aircraft Factory , otherwise known for a series of mostly undistinguished observation types. The S.E.5 was different, and designed to benefit from the radical new French built  Hispano Suiza engine, which was also powering the new SPAD fighters. It wasn't perfect; it was often unreliable, especially in connection with its geared propeller. When supplies of this otherwise highly promising engine faltered, the automotive manufacturer Wolseley was tasked with building a licensed version, and in due course they developed the Wolseley Viper , which was a direct drive engine. The difference is visible from the lowering of the propeller on the aircraft's blunt nose. Also, incidentally, from the fractional lowering of the Lewis gun on the top wing, simply positioned to fire over the propeller. So, this is a Viper equipped SE, specifically the mount of W.G. Claxton , a Canadian and with 37 ...