Enlarged center section tank?

[Dana]

Just a random thought while watching a Tiger Moth video... Why don't any small biplanes seem to have an enlarged center section tank that bulges above the wing like the Moths have? My Hatz holds only 18 gallons, I could add a fuselage tank but that'd mean plumbing and valves and vents and the loss of at least part of the front cargo space. With another 6-10 gallons in the wing I might not fly any farther or longer but sometimes it'd be nice to not have to pick up additional fuel for the flight home.

[hatz215]

You raise a good point. I don't know why we don't see oversized tanks. Just an FYI, our tank came out slightly large so that we had to make three blisters over the turnbuckles at the tank straps. Turns out it holds twenty gallons.

Steve

[alvinsager]

Fuel Tank 10.08.05-6.JPG (344.19 KiB) Viewed 3829 times

Hi All,
I sold the tank that came with the project I acquired and built one similar to what the Classic uses. The top of the tank is the top of the center section. I calculated that it will hold 25 gallons which I thought was better when using a 0-320. I found out why the Classic uses a 3/32 thickness for the top when mine (1/16") warped and puckered. I wound up riveting the top on with pro-seal (still 1/16").