The only connexion is that these two both came from the same bootsale garden shed collection, 6A/450 and 6A/418. I think I have seen the pressure gauge listed somewhere as being used on Gladiator. The rpm gauge has unusual coloured markings at about the right place. What do you all think of this theory?
Perhaps they’re off a Spitfire after all :diablo:
By: pogno - 12th January 2009 at 22:20
From what I can find in various publications the RPM range fits roughly with the Merlin, the red segment up to 3000rpm is probably the FULL power range that was only allowed for a very short time, ie start of take off roll until 100ft was achieved then reduced to 2600/2850rpm for the
en-route climb with a further reduction to 2000 to 2400rpm for the cruise.
Many different settings were tried and tested in an attempt to get best range, speed and reduced strain on the engines, especially on heavily loaded bombers, like Whitley, Wellington, Halifax and Lancaster.
Mosquito’s seem to use 3000rpm as the max with 2650 for climb/high speed, and 2300 for long range.
Richard
By: smirky - 12th January 2009 at 20:55
looks like it really could be “off a Spitfire” then :D:D
By: Arabella-Cox - 12th January 2009 at 13:50
There’s always a demand for 6A/450 R.P.M.s from the many people who are putting together an early Spitfire instrument panel (or Hurricane, etc).
Pity about the customised dial, but someone will take it off you on eBay.
(Actually, it is against eBay’s rules to advertise hazardous substances (e.g. radium painted dials) for sale, and you will also break the Post Office’s rules if you use them to send it to the lucky new owner, but not a lot of people seem to know (or care) about that! ;))
By: smirky - 12th January 2009 at 12:56
Thanks for that Anne, I guess the Gladiator theory is dead.
Can anyone suggest an application for the rpm gauge then? – I was thinking Bristol Mercury …
Thanks for concern about the dial Anon. This is why I put a replacement glass on it in the first place – the thing is as radioactive as Chenobyl’s door knob 😮
By: anneorac - 12th January 2009 at 08:34
Can’t say for sure but neither appears in the May 1940 equipment schedule for the Gladiator. That lists Indicator, Engine Speed, Mechanical, Mark IXA 6A/413 and doesn’t list an Air Pressure Gauge at all.
Anne
By: Arabella-Cox - 11th January 2009 at 19:58
Instruments
Isn’t every aircraft part found in the garden shed off of a Spitfire?!
The RPM gauge’s needle apears to be off or missing. Don’t be tempted to open the case and fix it as those luminous figures look like they are discolouring and possibly flaking off. Be very careful, you don’t want any of that stuff floating around you or on your fingers.
Anon.
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January 11, 2009 at 7:42 pm