Recent content by 2banaviator

It appears that the device was intended to be placed upon a map/chart with a scale 1.25in=10mile along the planned flight path. I've determined that the left side scale is actually Miles, not MPH. The center axis at about 40 Miles is the calculated ground speed, up to 150 MPH. You can't see the...

I've come across a mechanical flight calculator that I've not seen before, and thought I'd put it up to the community to ponder. The device is labeled Navigadget Mark I and appears to be a speed and course correction computer. On the back is handwritten "WWII 8th Air Force B-17... etc." but I...

The direct reading magnetic compass was a USN Mk VIII (later designated AN5732-1) type mounted at the top of the windscreen. You can sort of see it in this illustration from the E&M manual (haven't found a photo or technical illustration yet). Here it is in an SBD Dauntless.

Highly unlikely from a WWII aircraft, judging from its data label.

BTW, instead of speculating on future landing gear ID (or instruments, oxygen equip, armament, save yourself some time and download the reference documents mentioned in my previous post here. They come in pretty handy.

I think that this is post-WWII or late WWII, or civilian. Why? Using the Army-Navy Index of Aeronautical Equipment Vol 2 Landing Gear date 1944 as the master reference, the information on both the wheel and casing (tire) do not appear to be on the charts. For example, the highest ply 34x9...

You are now my unequalled hero of warbird part numbering systems! Fantastic information. Thank you!

I also think that if you spend some time perusing flight manuals of USAAF and USN dive bombers and fighters that had bombing capabilities, you'll spot that mounting apparatus and ID the specific aircraft type. I don't think this mount was used in either SBD or SB2C s. If you are interested in...

Here is some documentation for the Handle, Bomb Release Mk 4 Mod 2, and the note describing the difference between the Mod 2 and 3 (yours). I believe that this may have been used in dive bomber applications, such as the SBD, SB2C, (and their USAAF versions) and A-36. I tried to add the page...

Were those shoes regulation?

Superb! Thanks!

And just for grins, here's the B-29 Pedestal Sight in my personal collection.

Nice find. My father was an observer (waist gunner) on a B-29 and I'd never heard of Weaponeer until now. Looks like it was only on the 29's that delivered the atomic bombs, per that Howlett Interiors publication, herewith: "Weaponeer’s Station Above: Definitely a Silverplate only device. The...

This is a typical post WWII aircraft standby compass MS17983-2. Commonly made by AirPath. It has been used across many USAF and USN aircraft and helicopters since, but not during WWII. Look at any warbird flight manual after WWII and you'll likely find it mounted at the top of the windscreen...

Matt, That's quite an ambitious project and I hope that it leads to a flyable restoration! I have an original B-26B-1 / B-26C Erection and Maintenance Manual (dated 25 Nov 1943 revised 10 Ju 1944) TO AN 01-35EB-2 and would be happy to look up some specific information. It doesn't appear to have...