Castor Oil Music depicts Sopwith Triplane N533, one of several triplanes flown by RNAS Cdr Raymond Collishaw. Collishaw, who commanded “B” Flight of Naval Squadron 10, scored two of his 60 victories in this machine. N533 bore the name “Black Maria” on its fuselage and was marked with a large “C” on the fuselage and upper rear elevator. This was one of only six Sopwith Triplanes which were equipped with twin Vickers machine guns rather than the single Vickers which most Triplanes were armed with.
Although only about 150 Sopwith Triplanes were built, it was considered a successful design, and is acknowledged to be the inspiration for Anthony Fokker’s more famous Dr.1 triplane. Collishaw thought highly of the design stating “The Triplane I found to be a delightful machine - in my estimation much preferable to the Pup.”
The title, Castor Oil Music, refers to the castor oil which was commonly used to lubricate the rotary Clerget engines used by the Sopwith Triplane. Here was see Collishaw warming his engine as he prepares for another mission.
Details of Castor Oil Music
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