Post Battle of Britain picture

In my opinion the picture is post Battle of Britain as i`m 99% certain that the Mae West that the chap is wearing is either a flap type or a 41 pattern Mae West and not a 32 pattern (the only type of Mae West worn during the Battle of Britain). I can tell by the strap arrangements, position of the inflation tube, lightness of colour and what looks like the C02 release lever on the left hand side as you look at it (32 pattern Mae West`s didn`t have C02 cartridges). While the classic 32 pattern (green) Mae West carried on after the Battle of Britain (i have a 41 dated example), this is not the case in this photo in my opinion and both the flap type and 41 pattern were issued too late for the Battle of Britain.
Just my five penneth though, hope this helps :confused:

Selectric firing button

Hi

I`m looking for a selectric firing button(the type used on AH 8400 grips) if someone has one going spare?

BS :rolleyes:

Defiant wheel

Thanks

Harnessuit

This is a parachute harness which is contained within an outer suit.
There were three types,chest type,seat type and dual purpose.I can only surmise that the chest type and seat type were designed first and then the dual purpose type slightly later as this comprised the fittings for both the chest and seat type packs. It must have suprceded the other two,otherwise what would be the point of all three types.This is borne out by the fact that it is virtually always the dual purpose type that comes up for sale and very rarely the chest or seat type versions.Also the dual purpose suits that come up for sale are always in mint unissued condition which would lead me to believe that there were a lot more of them knocking about.

Hope this answers your question.

BS :confused:

Observer Hanessuit

Hi

As Andy correctly says,it is a chest type GQ Harnessuit(also made by Irvin as well).This would have been worn by Blenheim crews during the Battle of Britain but not by Defiant gunners who wore the GQ Parasuit.

The chest type Harnessuit is rarer then the dual purpose type which are the ones most commonly seen for sale but it looks like the stole which contains the bladder is missing from your one and it is almost impossible to replace this item.

If you require any more information/photos of these suits let me know.

BS 😀

Stirling

Hi

I got mine just before Christmas after pre-ordering it a year ago.I`m very pleased with it.
I don`t make models myself as i don`t have an artistic bone in my body and so i either buy diecast or buy models which other people have made.

I see that there is one on ebay which is up to £148 at the moment:eek: