Step in and grip openings on the starboard side of Bf 109E?
 

Were these two openings in the fuselage of the Bf 109E (and earlier models) on the starboard side, too? I believe not.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/228...7no6detail.jpg

I checked many drawings and colour profiles and the result is inconclusive, all variations were depicted by the artists. However, I have yet to see a close-up photo with these openings...

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starborad side of Bf 109E?
 

I don’t know but could be for the mechanic to climb on the wing to crank the motor.
Just a guess
Erhard

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starborad side of Bf 109E?
 

The engine was cranked from the front, there was no need to climb on the wing for that.

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starborad side of Bf 109E?
 

Sorry, all versions of the Bf109 were hand cranked from the right side of the engine. In the picture you can see the handle.
http://www.google.de/imgres?imgurl=h...w=1141&bih=666

Erhard

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starborad side of Bf 109E?
 

Yes, I know that. What I meant was that the crankshaft could be turned by people standing on the ground (or on a small ladder), in front of the wing. But now I have second thoughts. Indeed, it looks like it was needed to climb on the starboard wing to turn that crankshaft. I have to check some photos...

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starboard side of Bf 109E?
 

There is no doubt ALL versions of the Emil had grips on BOTH sides. In fact, they continued to be fitted to both sides up until production of the Gustav-10 and 14 officially commenced. But even here, some early production examples had dual grips. Incidentially, hand and foot grips were outlined in BLACK not red.

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starboard side of Bf 109E?
 

Here are three randomly selected photos of different museum exhibits:

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/2/2...1300047242.jpg

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/1/9...1252151079.jpg

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/1/6...1222510766.jpg

I don't see the opening in discussion.

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starboard side of Bf 109E?
 

No, there is no hand grip on that side. Please check your email, I send you high resolution image as one clear sample.

Cheers :)

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starboard side of Bf 109E?
 

I stand corrected. I spoke too soon. From available photographs, it now seems clear enough the Emil did NOT have foot and hand grips on the starboard side. Also, from photographic evidence, it seems equally clear the Friedrich was the first Bf 109 to have such grips on the starboard side. HTH

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starboard side of Bf 109E?
 

Harold,
effectively: http://cgi.ebay.de/B34-LW-Flugzeug-M...item3cb8c4b74f
.... never thought did exist such "problem"!!! Good question Dénes!

Cheers, Franck.