The Little World

And not a British governor, either. The Airspeed Envoys that went to China were for the use of Chinese provincial governors. Presumably not of the poor provinces, either.

Careful observers will see that a rocker-cover fairing on the starboard engine has been dented. This was in the days before bird strikes could get past the propeller, so we can only assume one of the mechanics at the provincial airport was careless. Hope he did not lose his head for it.

You may be wondering at the lack of civil registration numbering on the aircraft. I was just following the decal sheet and diagram on the back of the box, but it does lead to the speculation that if you are a governor of a rich Chinese province, you are not answerable to air traffic authorities anyway, and it makes little difference what numbers are on the outside. As long as the roundels and tail stop the local warlord’s militia from peppering you with rifle fire all is well.

There is also the thought that if you are taking the provincial treasury and your favourite wives for safe keeping in Switzerland you don’t necessarily want people to be able to report your progress over their territory. Being inscrutable applies to aircraft as well as people…