Replica Instruments part deux!

I imagine it is quite a time consuming process to make these replica instruments.. and parts, i for one am very impressed, and wish i had the know how to make parts like these, especially for a replica of a non existent airframe, it certainly would fill the gap when trying to recreate a extinct type, for instance the brigand, i am sure many gauges,parts are still available, but some would be extremely expensive, if at all be able to be found and like Tony says, its a good stop gap until a real one comes along.. for instance.. if i was to actually start a brigand,1/4 cockpit, ie from front of seat to just in front the windshield, apart from a few instruments i think most of it would have to be replicated. you tell me where i can find a original bristol brigand control grip/column.. or flight panel, ??

i suppose it boils down to, if i can get real pieces i will, but if i cant afford them,or more importantly they are non existent.. making replica’s are the only option.. and will give the desired “Look” needed to proceed with the project ..

I suppose it would end up a mix/match of replica and original, but in the end its still some wonderful work producing such interesting items.. I hope to use the same process with Brigand parts, it may not be real, but it could certainly fill a void, and would be within budget i could afford .:);)

Part of the whole crazy (or strange!) thing about having aircraft bits is knowing you have something put together by industry and flown at 600+ mph!

Steady on James… some of us could only reach 383mph :o:D

The other advantage being that you can recreate something that dosen’t exist or is extremely rare.

I agree that replica instruments have a place. I am moulding a couple of Oxygen gauges from the one I could afford. have seen some for sale but the cost has been out with my budget. I am also looking for a clock to mould as I need about 3 of them.

The main benefit would be in my view of using replica instruments would be to avoid all the radiation potential restrictions for display.

I was thinking the same thing aswel re replica v real, but also don’t really want to offend. Part of the whole crazy (or strange!) thing about having aircraft bits is knowing you have something put together by industry and flown at 600+ mph!

I can see that you have put alot of fantastic and creative work into that Tony and it looks absolutely superb. Have you got pics of the back, or how you created those instruments. There probably would be a good market for that.

Fair enough – as I say its just not for me.

For myself (and this is purely personal), I would rather collect later instruments than go the replica route.

Bruce

i would not say ALL instruments Bruce! Try finding an early WW2 UK climb & descent, or most MPH marked ASIs….try finding WW2 US gauges without luminousity.

I agree it is a nice idea to get real instruments, but the availability of suitable WW2 instruments is not as prolific as you suggest. Besides, cost can be prohibitive. Many collectors of Spitfire/Mustang/whatever stuff do not have a huge amount of money and have other (more crucial, i.e. food) things to spend money on. The idea of an instrument panel for them is good but hassle/cost would not.

All my castings have come from a need I have. It all started with WW2 KG13 grip thru Titanics to a WW2 Spit U/C indicator. For the latter, I could not afford a real one for the Seafire so cast my Spit one. They fill gaps until a real one comes along!!

My solution is not for everyone, but allows me to still display without big bruuuver breathing on my neck.

I am not a business (as you know) and just have a suitable fix for some of my projects. The Hurricane and Spitfire still have proper instruments.

No offence – but it just doesnt do it for me. All the instruments can be acquired without radium faces – albeit at a cost.

Much of the joy in collecting is knowing that you hold a historical item. This seems to sidestep this!

There is however room in the hobby for all points of view!

Bruce

yes they are Peter…..most of time, no one sees behind the panel. This panel can actually be hung on the wall like a picture!

Silly question time TOny but are they just front face replicas?

beautiful work tony.. really impressive.. 😉

Thanx old chap…..pm’s cleared…..it or its brother will be on Gary’s P-51D!!

And not a Radium blob in sight!!!

Hi Tony

tried sending you a PM but your folder is full. Have sent you an e-mail instead

regards

John

Very nice – will it be at Cockpit-Fest? 😀