Confused over the instrument panel layout in a Swordfish MK1

[pogotc]

I'm attempting to create a 3D model of a Swordfish and I'm trying to get my head around the instrument panel but it's very confusing as I feel like every Swordfish still around seems to have a different layout. In this YouTube video:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx-ysOGUicI he gives an overview of the layout of the instrument panel and I believe that's a MK1 Swordfish. However, in the Swordfish handbook from 1937 it shows this diagram for the layout:

Which is completely different, and I don't understand why.

I had a look at some screenshots of how it was modelled in War Thunder and they seem to have something different again. The book this diagram is from was published in 1937 and I think the Swordfish in the YouTube video is this one: Swordfish W5856 - Navy Wings - Naval Aviation Charity which was built in 1941. Is it possible Fairey changed the layout even though it's the same model? The Swordfish in the video was restored in the 90s, is it possible they made such a drastic change to the instrument panel as part of that?

I haven't been able to find any photos (other than a blurry one in the handbook) of a Swordfish with the same layout as that diagram, I'm hoping to find a nice photo of what the diagram above actually looks like so I'm very confused why all the real planes are completely different so hoping someone knows what's going on.

 

[cvairwerks]

pogotc: Cockpit layouts are not always the same between the various models of aircraft. There are any number of reasons for a panel layout to change. Change in instruments, instrument requirements for the particular cockpit, additions or deletions of equipment and so on. In the case of the Swordfish, there were 5 versions over the 8 years they were in production.

A good, modern example is the F-16. There are about 40 different cockpit layouts, depending on what block the airplane is and who it was built for and what, if any upgrades the airframe has gone thru. For your modeling, best bet is try nad find a copy of the Pilot's Notes or flight manual for the version you are modeling.

 

[Wurger]

I agree with the post above. Secondly the W5856 doesn't seem to be the Mk.I but the Swordfish Mk.II according to the list of Swordfish serials numbers. As it was restored the changes to the panel layout are almost sure. as it can be noticed. Below three pics of the indicator panel for the Swordfish Mk.II I found via the net. You may notice that the central part of the panel got the special adding with the three indicators. Looking at your diagram posted above I would say it looks similar to the panel used for the prototype. So IMHO the Mk.I got it just the same. Of course it is very likely the panel used for MK.I could have been replaced with the one used for the Mk.II. Also please note that the two of the three indicators of the mid panel for the Mk.II could be mounted inversely.

the pic source: the net.

 

[EwenS]

Firstly not all Swordfish were built by Fairey. Fairey only built the first 692 Swordfish with production ending in Jan 1940.

Production at Blackburn's Sherburn on Elmet site began in Nov 1940 with Mk.I moving on to Mk.II & III as the war went on. But manufacture of components was spread throughout the Leeds area as well as at the main factory. So there was an opportunity for change there.

Then there is the question of the introduction of the RAF Standard Blind Flying Panel. This Wiki article, referenced to David Wragg's "Swordfish at War", makes reference to its introduction on the Swordfish later in the war. That may well account for changes as well.

" Biplanes in British service, such as the Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber, often featured blind instrument panels on later-built examples despite otherwise relatively spartan cockpits become commonplace.[8]"

Blind flying panel - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Unfortunately I don't have that book in my library to see what else the author said on the subject.

 

[Wurger]

Also a very good point.

 

[Wurger]

Anyway ... according to the Eduard instruction for the PE set no.FE212+49212, the panel seen in the first post had been used before the war while the second one seen below was the wartime one.

 

[fubar57]

Interesting. "Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939-1945" by Ray Sturtivant says this about W5856

 

[pogotc]

Those are some fantastic responses, thanks everyone so much for the additional information. I think it makes more sense now why I'm seeing so many different cockpits, although I think I need to do a bit more research to decide which one to try and model.

 

[EwenS]

Interesting. "Fleet Air Arm Aircraft 1939-1945" by Ray Sturtivant says this about W5856

View attachment 750005
View attachment 750006​

There is a new and greatly expanded version of that book being worked on which will no doubt bring its history up to date. No publication date yet. Last I heard was that the authors were wondering whether to publish it as 1 or 2 volumes!

 

[VERSUCH]

AP1517 1937....No Blind Flying Panel, Large Rheostat for Flying suit heat, 1930s chrome spade grip.


Source Via Avilogs

 

[pogotc]

You guys are so good at finding these photos, I thought I was pretty good at googling but apparently not as I couldn't find any of these. The last one posted I do have in the manual but it's very small and blurry in comparison to that one.

 

[Skyediamonds]

For what it's worth. I modeled the Swordfish back in the mid-80's. At that time the Internet did not exist, so I had limited access to any detailed information. The photo of me holding the model was when I was in my early 30's, about 40+ years ago.

I've enclosed a few photos of the model, published drawings & photos of the full sized aircraft from Aircraft in Profiles book Vol. 10, series # 212.

Hope this helps.

 

[pogotc]

That's super helpful, I've come across a couple of those drawings but not all of them. Your model Swordfish looks fantastic btw!

 

[Snautzer01]

Are that the Wylam drawings?

 

[Skyediamonds]

That's super helpful, I've come across a couple of those drawings but not all of them. Your model Swordfish looks fantastic btw!

Thank you very much! It's greatly appreciated.

As to Wylam, no. Those are not his drawings.

 

[EwenS]

I was today reading again Kenneth Poolman's "Escort Carrier HMS Vindex at War" and there is a note that in Aug 1944 the engineering personnel in 825 squadron carried out some rewiring on their new Swordfish III. Switchgear on the starboard side of the cockpit where it was awkward for a pilot with gloved hands to find (one pilot had found the wrong switch and dropped a flare on deck just missing one of the crew!) was repositioned across the front of the cockpit. It then goes on

"Lieutenant Molyneaux, the Air Electrical Officer, sent details of the process to the Admiralty, A Fleet Order was issued, and new Swordfish, as well as those on active service, were fitted with the modification."