Can you Identify this Instrument panel?

Nice one SteveO!

Definitely Buccaneer then. Looks like an Artificial Horizon (type?) is the big one missing, but the second one I’m not so sure – it looks a bit like a clock?

Looks like your right.
http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/buccaneer/cockpit.html

C’mon you little teases, I know someone out there knows the answer….

Bucc Society must know for sure.

Mk IXF* indicates an ASI reading to 420 knots. Most wartime ASIs were of the Mk. IX type. The letter (F in this case) denotes the speed range and the “*” denotes a gauge calibrated in knots.

The Mk. IXF* was used in Seafires, for example, while its M.P.H. equivalent, the Mk. IXF, reading to 480 M.P.H., was standard for most later Spitfires.

The fact that the bezel has been painted yellow around a portion of its circumference suggests test use…and the A&AEE stamp tends to bear this out. The gauge is also unusual in that the scales are reversed, i.e. the lower speed range is inside the higher one. Plus, the dial is marked in increments of 2 knots – service issue ASIs tended to have simplified markings with fewer increments – this also suggests it may have been chosen for testing/calibration work? It’s also missing a 6A/*** Stores Reference No. which agains suggests it’s not a standard issue item.

It’s a nice, collectible item…and free from any radiological hazard as far as I can tell…enjoy it!

My guess is that being calibrated in knots, it’s a Fleet Air Arm gauge, and the RAF gauges would be calibrated in MPH (I think the RAF switched over in about 1947?)

Thanks – found the site the same way which helped me know what my panel wasn’t! Thanks for the other input.

I’ve attached a picture of an ASI I also acquired but note it is 41 dated and shows knots, again any ideas as to types used on etc.? Face is stamped “MK 9 F* No 23/41” “MUNRO”. The rear is stamped AM and P S by the Pitot and Static tubes. There is also a label marked “Instrument Section A & A E E” I know what most of these markings mean but the label is intriguing – any suggestions?

Why are some MPH and others in Knots? Also, why the yellow painted bezel? I have another identical 1948 dated one which is not painted. Incidenatlly, neither fit the panel, even without the screw-on bezel!

As you may be able to tell, I’m new to the instruments game (Apart from the ones I use on my EFIS screens at work!) On the other hand, ask me about WW2 RAF flying gear and I’m your man!

Further to my last post, I’ve found these after a quick Google….from the website of AirSam, which I believe is something to do with Guy Black. Pardon me if I’m incorrect on that. I didn’t bother uploading the images…

* Also, suitable for the Spitfire, with correct airspeed indicator, two only Blind Flying Panels, part number 6A/616 (the very rare rectangular type) complete with all instruments (requiring overhaul) price £965.

* As above, but the slightly later rounded top panel, 6A/760, complete with all instruments, price £850.

(Click on either of above images for enlargement)

* New boxed Blind Flying Panels, 6A/760, very limited number £450 each.

It doesn’t appear to be a standard WWII Instrument Flying Panel. The hole with the “chin” appears to be for a service type sensitive altimeter and maybe the large one above it is for a vacuum driven Turn and Slip Indicator. A couple of the others look to be about right for the standard ASI etc but the layout does not follow the usual service pattern and the holes for attaching it to its suspension mounts appear to be much smaller than the service type. So, yes, maybe a civilian version, or even a home built job for a light aircraft?

Genuine Instrument Flying Panels to the usual patterns, Mk. I 6A/616 and Mk. IA 6A/760 are sought after and pricey but I believe there are replicas to be had for reasonable prices. Can’t put you in touch with anyone off the cuff, though.

Regards