Radium instrument dials

I’ve got a useful paper on this area somewhere Peter – let me know if you want a copy.

A quick check with a Geiger counter wouldn’t hurt, rather than theory based on dates? Talk to your local tech Uni or similar – they often have the kit.

It’s that nasty corner of low probability, high risk, acute dose, chronic effect – about the worst case you can face really! Better safe than glow in the dark.

HTH

Thanks Texan Tomcat that is correct I was checking on dates..

Think we covered this here Steve.. think Peter just wanted to check the dates!

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38421&highlight=radiation+instrument

Radium instrument faces, I’m all for ’em. It’s nice to know something’s glowing nice and warm in a Tiger Moth cockpit. It certainly isn’t ever me!

As far as I understand the relatively thick glass and the high lead content within the glass is a pretty effective insulation against any radiation.

The problem is really if you dismantle the instruments. I guess you wouldn’t suffer too much with one or two in isolation, but the big headache is for maintenance organisations doing it routinely, building up high background levels in dust etc.

I heard one such company in the UK had such serious problems from our Health and Safety regulators, it wound up with them having to dig up and replace all their concrete floors!

Thanks Kzee. It sounds like we will be ok then.

I believe the RCAF stopped using radium in their instruments in the late 1950s or the early 60s. A few years ago the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum tested some of their aircraft on display. Both CF-5A and the CF-104 showed no signs of radiation. Aircraft that had shown some level of radiation in the cockpit were 1950’s vintage or older, including the Sabre Mk. 5, CF-100, Tracker and Lockheed Jet Star. It should be noted that the radiation levels were low and were confined to the cockpit of the area with no trace outside the aircraft.

Peter – you might want to contact one of the DND Museums they may be able to give you a time as to when the RCAF stopped using radium painted instruments. I know the two museums here in Nova Scotia had to test all their aircraft. I believe Ottawa mandated that the DND museums test their exhibits for radiation.

What about instruments from the CF-100 Canuck?

Any word on them?

When Did the airforces especially canada stop using Radium on the instrument faces?

in the UK, it was about the early 50s…..certainly most Hunter period instruments are fine….some stuff lingered on