Gentlemen.
The Blob from Oslo Norway here.
I’m currently producing a series of life sized illustrations of instrument panels from WWII British single seat aircraft. I’ve manage to get hold of an original Vickers blue print for a Spitfire Mk.IX but have struck a complete dead end when trying to aquire similar for a Hurricain MK I and Typhoon 1b.
I believe Hawker materials are now held by BA Systems and I’ve had contact with thier historic section who have either denined the existance of Hawker materials or flatly refuse me any access to any records.
Is this normal? Very odd indeed. I have also tried asking Hawker Restorations LTD but even that road has turned ino a dead end. Basically they don’t return my calls or emails! So I’m asking anyone out there to please try and come to my rescue:-
How would one go about aquirering such materials? Either original copies or modern drawings from restoration projects?
The technique i’m using produces a photo realistic rendering that is difficult for the untrained eye to distingush from the real thing. It goes without saying that many hundreds of hours are required to illustrate each panel complete with instruments and switches. Because this is so time consuming I’m committed to basing the illustration on accurate drawings showing instrument cut outs, mounting holes etc.
Is there anyone out there that could point me in the right direction?
The series will feature panels from a Gladiator, Swordfish, Hurricain, Spitfire, Typhoon and Meteor. Info regarding any of those mention excluding the Spit would be greatly appreciated.
By: the blob - 6th November 2007 at 19:58
Thanks.
I’ll most definately post some pictures when the time is right.
I’d like to finish of the series first.
I’ve completed several different Blind Flying Panels for each plane, with different Mk’s of instruments. I’ve also completed at least 75% of all the instruments and switches for the 6 planes. What I need now is to collect as accurate data as possible so the finished life sized artwork is as close as possible to the real thing. Thus the contact with the cockpit club and various owners.
Once this step has been completed I’ll then be needing some serious Nerd- Work to collect the correct AM Serial Nr’s so they can all be added to the dials and switches. Yes this is seriously A’-retentive work… but some body has to do it!
Any Takers?
If not, I’ll just dump the lot on Hendon and let them think it out.
By: MarkG - 6th November 2007 at 01:06
Unberlieverble.
I do believe you are the very same Tony D’ that I’ve been trying to contact though the International Cockpit Club. Again to no avail!
I believe the poor devil who looks after the International Cockpit Club e-mails has been away on holiday for a week and only got to read your messages this morning – so give him a chance! 🙂
Anyway, your artwork is very good – you really should post some of it here for all to see.
One comment though – on your Spitfire IX panel, you have the ASI and RoC indicator the wrong way around. Otherwise excellent – let’s see some more!
BTW, is this any good to you – http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/hurricane/hurricane/cockpit.htm?
I believe Hawker materials are now held by BA Systems and I’ve had contact with thier historic section who have either denined the existance of Hawker materials or flatly refuse me any access to any records. Is this normal?
Oh yes, quite normal. Getting blood out of a stone is a far more productive exercise. The assumption seems to be that as soon as anyone is allowed access to a plan or drawing of any sort they will immediately attempt to build their own Hurricane/Typhoon/Hunter/etc. (delete as appropriate), crash it into the ground (maiming themselves in the process), then blame BAe Systems and sue them for all they’re worth. Rather than expend some effort into arriving at a sensible mechanism for allowing access to drawings for reference/research purposes, BAe Systems’ elegant solution is to deny access to this valuable material entirely. Very helpful.:mad:
I love the smell of a rant in the morning.
By: the blob - 5th November 2007 at 21:19
Unberlieverble.
I do believe you are the very same Tony D’ that I’ve been trying to contact though the International Cockpit Club. Again to no avail!
Just before I posted here i’d sent another email to them requesting it be forwarded to you. And here you are. Absolutely brilliant mate!
Can I email you some questions and some examples of my work in the hope you can fill in the blanks? What address to use…often websiteaddress have filters that remove mails with attactments etc.
You can get me at [email]d-stubat@online.no[/email]
I deparately need somebody in the UK to help steer me the right direction.
When you see what I do, you’ll understand.
The work you’ve done on your ‘cain is simply outstanding.
By: Rocketeer - 5th November 2007 at 20:09
I have a complete original Hurricane panel and the starboard side of a Typhoon as well as same (both sides) made from originals
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November 5, 2007 at 7:46 pm