[bitzahawk]

The Lysander is really a strange aircraft, I like it and am going to get either the recon low countries version or the Med version. Whats with this canopy though ? Did it really come off like that ? So you flew with or without it ? Also what is the long silver tube along the bottom ? Fuel dump? and lastly I love those moving rear stabilizers. Is this an example of early Stabs or does this represent stab trim and it had elevators too? I am definately getting one. Thanks guys

[Shamrock]

The canopy must be flown in position on this model. On the real aircraft the rear cockpit slides back for access and the rear gunner. The pilot's cockpit top part of the canopy also slid back. The moving horizontal tail units enabled slow flying and STOL. As far as I'm aware the long tube was a fuel bleed off. All of the Lysanders are 'crackers'.

[p-51d]

Go for the France version, i'm afraid the black one has too many faults with it to bother with. The ladder should be fixed to side of fuselage, the rear gunner and Mg really should'nt be there and aircraft can't be put on stand with long range tank fitted.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by bitzahawk

The Lysander is really a strange aircraft, I like it and am going to get either the recon low countries version or the Med version. Whats with this canopy though ? Did it really come off like that ? So you flew with or without it ? Also what is the long silver tube along the bottom ? Fuel dump? and lastly I love those moving rear stabilizers. Is this an example of early Stabs or does this represent stab trim and it had elevators too? I am definately getting one. Thanks guys

Long tube with hook on end is for picking up messages. Early mail planes like Stinson Reliant were similarly equipped.
P.S. You can also barely make out the observer canopy slid back on side rails towards rudder of plane.

[Cruver Collecter]

Found some more information on front canopy of Lysander. Picture shows three piece affair. The upper portion sliding back over the upper portion of glazed fuselage with each side looking to have panel that folded down or could be removed. Picture of message pickup looks to upper portion forward with at least the left side and possibly right also removed. Profile Publications Number 159 on the Lysander has a good close up of canopy open arrangement on page 10, but to small to make decent picture to post.

[djjeffhall]

bitzahawk,
I agree with you that The Lysander is a right purty little plane. Actually, its goofy looking as all get out, but certainly has a charm. I've picked up a couple of Lizzies and I love them all, including the maligned black one. Yes, it has some faults that are accurately pointed out here and elsewhere on the forum, but to this Lysander novice, I think it looks great.

[bitzahawk]

So really the only thing not accurate is the canopy in the open position, I am definately getting one.