Mechanical clocks were the norm in aircraft until at least the 1960’s. I have several here beside me dating 1937, 1938, 1939, 1942, a couple of A11’s from the 1950’s and a 1960’s (Russian). I just parted with a US Navy one dated 1918.

If you get a copy of the magnificent book by Konrad Knirim it shows their use in aircraft up to the 60’s ( Lynx, Vulcan, Phantom etc.).

http://www.knirim.de/english.htm

Elliott – thank you for keeping up the good work. An invaluable resource.

I have been keeping photographs of all part numbers and stamps I find. Just in case they may be useful for a future reference source.

I was reading a book on the Liberator recently and it was the machine developed post the type 31 – hence the 32 part numbers. The Catalina being, I assume, Consolidated’s 28th Project. Similarly with the Oxford being the AS10 from Neville Shute’s Airspeed so it had part numbers starting with 10. Miles Martinet being M 25 etc..

I assume that there was the probability that the part numbers/project numbers would overlap with another existing project at some time. Who made the final decision ?

There are French, Dutch, German, Czech, Hungarians etc. all selling parts. Half are books and general militaria dealers – the remainder aircraft parts. Parts range from WW1 to the present day. I dont recall any Tornado parts – but I was probably not looking for them.

I will have a look.

My son will be with me and we will also visit the museum tomorrow afternoon.

I am visiting again for my annual “strangled German conversation” contest.

I should explain – my German is not so good – but everyone is very nice to me..