RAF Hunter details please.

The airbrake could be partially extended on the ground (undercarriage down:rolleyes:) by using a test switch in the cockpit – we spanner wielders used the airbrake test facility to communicate between cockpit and spanner man when carrying out engine adjustments during a ground run – this was in the days before the headset and long lead were in common usage.
The gun barrels were fitted into the forward fuselage prior to the gun-pack being winched into position, and were then connected to the cannon, if my memory is still serviceable. Can’t remember how long the barrels were, though – not my job, I’m engines chiefy!

True, when using the test switch the airbrake doesn’t deploy to it’s fullest extent (only about 20 degrees I think) and then snaps back to the up position automatically.

Your memory is spot on, the gun barrels were disconnected from the front of the gun package to allow it to be dropped out. The barrels were then withdrawn from the blast tubes and stored in the gun pack trolley with their respective guns. As you say they had to be inserted into the blast tubes prior to the gun package being winched up into position. The barrels were not visible when fitted as has already been said.

Try the recently published SAM Publishing Modeller’s Datafile on the Hunter by Paul Bradley for all the info, colour walkaround photos, profiles, diagrams and accurate scale plans you’ll ever need to model one!;)

The cannon, and ammunition boxes, were on a drop-out pallet, so the Adens had short barrels, and were totally hidden from view. One other thing to watch, and it’s true of all Hunter models; don’t drop the airbrake, if you have the u/c extended. The two items were linked; with u/c down, the brake could not be deployed (unless you had a fairly major hydraulics problem.)
Edgar

The airbrake could be partially extended on the ground (undercarriage down:rolleyes:) by using a test switch in the cockpit – we spanner wielders used the airbrake test facility to communicate between cockpit and spanner man when carrying out engine adjustments during a ground run – this was in the days before the headset and long lead were in common usage.
The gun barrels were fitted into the forward fuselage prior to the gun-pack being winched into position, and were then connected to the cannon, if my memory is still serviceable. Can’t remember how long the barrels were, though – not my job, I’m engines chiefy!

Close-up photos in my Hunter book (Crecy Publishing) are of the F1 at Newark. Shows locks fitted and also shows cannon muzzles… if that’s any help. It’s the biggest and most detailed Hunter book available at present and it includes plenty of stuff for model builders (and no I’m not on commission!).

The cannon, and ammunition boxes, were on a drop-out pallet, so the Adens had short barrels, and were totally hidden from view. One other thing to watch, and it’s true of all Hunter models; don’t drop the airbrake, if you have the u/c extended. The two items were linked; with u/c down, the brake could not be deployed (unless you had a fairly major hydraulics problem.)
Edgar

Thank you very much for that, it is much appreciated.

No problem. Happy to help.

I have one last question. Were the undercarriage locks usually red or yellow in colour or did it vary?

I’ve only ever seen red.

All the Revell Hunters are cracking models. One thing though, they have moulded the de-icer tank and destructor access panels on both sides of the nose rather than on the port side only. I have a totally disproportionate bee in my bonnet over that one so I insist that you fill the starboard side ones on your model.:D

Mark

Thanks all for the help.

It’s purely for modelling reasons that I have asked. I’m having a go at the Revell 1/32 scale Hunter which, like most of my projects, will probably slowly progress its merry way along the production line to the bin! Still, I keep trying.

Regards,

kev35

😀 I recognise those close up shots of XF382 (back in days before its repaint). Worth mentioning too that the locks as seen in the pics are missing the vital “Remove Before Flight” banner/streamer/flag bit which would have always been seen in service. Basically a 1ft red and white striped pvc part.

Would this be a modelling related question or for some other reason Kev?

Were the undercarriage locks usually red or yellow in colour or did it vary?
kev35

By the 70’s the u/c locks were usually red,dont know about 50’s/60’s

cheers baz

Mark.

Thank you very much for that, it is much appreciated. Now you have shown me what to look for it’s really obvious.

I have one last question. Were the undercarriage locks usually red or yellow in colour or did it vary?

Thanks again.

Regards,

kev35

Yes, Hunters did use U/C locks.

The main gear lock was basically a tube opened down one side which slipped over the exposed ‘ram’ part of the U/C jack and was held in place with a couple of pip pins.

The nose gear lock was a square metal bar which mounted across the nosewheel bay opening in front of the U/C leg. It was held in place by a rod which extended up into the bay and fitted to an eye on the the end of the leg jack and was held in place by a pip pin.

I have some photos somewhere so will post them later if required.

Edit: they are just visible in the undercarriage photos on Damian Burke’s website – http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/hunter/walkaround.php

The gun barrels are buried well in the Hunter fuselage so are not really visible at all, even from the front under normal viewing/lighting conditions.