The Nieuport emerged from the CAM workshops on September 12, 1926, and after static runs and taxi tests, made it's first flight on September 15 (Guatemalan Independence Day). Christened "El Conquistador," the Nieuport roared down the grass at La Aurora under the guidance of CAM's senior pilot, Tenente Colonel Carlos Pastanos. Unfortunately, the torque from the big Liberty pulled the Conquistador in a right-hand curve off the takeoff path, and Pastanos had to abort the takeoff. After two more unsuccessful attempts, Zevala and Pastanos consulted and determined the power of the Liberty would have to be limited. Zevada installed a physical stop (in the guise of a simple bolt on the throttle quadrant) that stopped the throttle from going to the full open position. After this modification, El Conquistador finally got airborne, but turned out to be quite a handful for Pastanos. The heavy engine drastically reduced maneuverability, and made the aircraft very nose-heavy. Pastanos nevertheless managed to land the Nieuport safely, though the spectators let out a great gasp when he applied the wheel brakes and the tail rose, threatening to nose over the aircraft.
Subsequently, Zevada installed 60 pounds of lead in the tail of El Conquistador, which dramatically improved maneuverability and reduced the danger of nose-overs. El Conquistador continued in service with the CAM until 1937, though it was frequently out of service for repairs, including many propeller repairs and replacements (nose overs were still a problem).
El Conquistador finally met its demise due to a takeoff accident in 1937 which ended in the destruction of the aircraft, as well as a small hangar. The pilot (Tenente Jose Ramora) was killed. An investigation determined that several pilots (including Ramora) had requested that the ground crew move the throttle-limiting bolt forward ("un poquito solamente" - "just a little"). At least three mechanics had secretly acquiesced to the pilots' requests, until the safety margin was finally gone.
Thus ends the long career of the Nieuport 28 in Guatemalan service, and (apparently) the last military use of the Nieuport 29 anywhere!
This build was based on the Revell (Germany) Nieuport 28C-1 kit I received as a prize for the Great War GB. The engine is built up from various bits and bobs, mostly leftover from my Curtiss H-16 build. The guns come from the H-16 also. All three wheels and the propeller are from an Airfix Kingfisher, and the decals from Aztec Models' Guatemalan sheet.
hope you like it!
