Hello,
I have bought control grip this morning from my local antiques shop. It was marked up as Vampire but I don’t think it is, at least it does not match with any pictures on the net as Vampire. The closest but not exact match I have found is a Javelin grip.
The grip I have has a small plate attached marked:
PT NO AC 14362
ISS 3 000
NO 67 20 63
There are also some circular inspection stamps and a broad arrow. The 1 at the beginning of the first number may be a vertical line rather than a digit.
Stamped/cast into the body of the grip is:
AC 60266 D
ISS 2A
with another broad arrow next to the number. It also has what looks to have been hand stamped in with larger letter punches:
7151A/5
and then a much smaller number scratched into the paint which I cannot make out.
Any ideas on the information given as to what this grip might be? Many thanks JDH
By: Gin Ye Daur - 22nd March 2018 at 19:59
All part of the service : )
GYD
By: JDH1976 - 22nd March 2018 at 13:14
Thanks Martyn that would be great. Thanks also for the WD40 tip. it free the safety up instantly. It has also cleaned all the grime and gunk off the grip so no further cleaning will be needed, looks much tidier now.
Jdh
By: Gin Ye Daur - 21st March 2018 at 22:45
No,
That’s on the throttle handles, I think it may be something to do with the auto pilot or, feel cut off, my pilot’s notes are buried in the garage somewhere!
GYD
By: Rocketeer - 21st March 2018 at 22:15
Isn’t it just a transmit?
By: Gin Ye Daur - 21st March 2018 at 19:48
Hi JDH,
Yes, the safe/fire switch should move back and forth, just spray a little WD-40 (or any other reputable water dispersent anti seize product widely available on the open market!) and leave it for a few hours. You can also spray the whole grip with said product then wipe off, this will clean and bring it to life. Avoid any abrasive cleaning if you can.
I will dig out my pilot’s notes to remind me what the buttons are for but, the trigger is obviously stores release, the top centre button is ‘Auto throttle clutch switch’ and I can’t remember what the front paddle switch is for?
Martyn
GYD
By: JDH1976 - 21st March 2018 at 13:46
Thanks for all those who have replied, it seems I am now the proud owner of a Vixen grip. Cannot be too many around still and for one to pop up in a general antiques shop shows stuff is still out there. For completeness here is the grip in question. Just needs a light clean and a suitable display stand making. What would the various switches and buttons be on this? I see the word safe at the top of presumably the trigger, is the part above it supposed to move to a fire position? If so it seems to be seized.
Jdh
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]259526[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]259527[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]259528[/ATTACH]
By: Arabella-Cox - 21st March 2018 at 09:38
That certainly looks like a Vixen grip & column.
Good buy!
By: Wyvernfan - 21st March 2018 at 06:22
Wow that’s an impressive bit of kit, Martin.
Rob
By: Gin Ye Daur - 20th March 2018 at 22:25
Indeed, AC14362 Section Ref 27J 453 – Sea Vixen
You should see the size of the whole column assembly!
[ATTACH=CONFIG]259522[/ATTACH]
GYD
By: Rocketeer - 20th March 2018 at 22:21
The Dunlop hand model was apparently a large chap with big hands!
By: JDH1976 - 20th March 2018 at 18:43
Thank you for your reply. I have been trying to think of other De Havilland types that the vendor might have got mixed up with, Sea Vixen would certainly fit the bill. As you say more interesting than a vampire in terms of rarity, 145 built IIRC. I will try to get a picture of it posted for confirmation, it is a lump of a stick must have had big hands those jet pilots!
Jdh
By: ian_ - 20th March 2018 at 16:37
According to my shelf, an AC14362 is a Sea Vixen grip, although a photo would help. A great improvement on a Vampire grip and a nice acquisition.
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March 20, 2018 at 12:13 pm