Wooden shift wheel/ P 51

[4trade]

Never seen this before...and i have been seeing old photo Spitfire hauling beer cask!

 

[FLYBOYJ]

That was for moving the aircraft around the factory. Regular tires were installed when the aircraft was first flown.

 

[4trade]

Why do they seem that extra trouble, because they must install real tires anyway before first fly?

 

[Geedee]

Love where it says "do not inflate !"

 

[FLYBOYJ]

Why do they seem that extra trouble, because they must install real tires anyway before first fly?

Rubber products were at a premium and many times there were shortages. Because there were more aircraft at a given time resting on their landing gear in the final stages of assembly, it was better logistically to only put rubber on aircraft that were ready to fly.

 

[A4K]

Interesting post and info!
Also had a laugh at the 'Do not inflate' comment