Hi Rich and Martyn,

The RAF Lightnings had 17 different handles fitted during their service and subsequently 17 different drawing numbers. 

The AC64664 was also fitted to the RAF F3, T4 and F6 and it is the last number issued to the single seaters (on my list at least, it was replaced under Modification M1140).    Each time a modification was made to the handle, be it a switch function, modification to the ‘body’ of the handle (eg making the space inside larger to reduce wiring restriction etc), a spring clip change – all resulted in a new drawing number. 

For example:  Mod. No. Dunlop 3670: Introduction of control handle, Part No. AC60968 (ref. No. 27J 555), in place and by conversion of Part No. AC14248 (ref. No. 27J 455) – Lightning F. Mk1, F. Mk1A, F. Mk2, F3 and T. Mk4 Aircraft.  This modification makes provision for the introduction of lightened trim buttons and a stiffer auto-pilot switch fitted to the control handle.

By virtue of the fact the AC63+++ series do not appear in the RAF list of handles leads (me) to believe, that these would have been initially used for the export marks – both Saudi and Kuwaiti aircraft; to differentiate from the RAF aircraft.  Subsequent upgrade modifications to the handles across the whole Lightning fleet would result in the ‘latest mod state’ handle to be fitted to ‘all’ Lightning aircraft toward the end of their service lives, hence Richard’s Saudi example.

Martyn

GYD

Alas, this is yet just another frustration added to the many that have occurred throughout this mad time but, I fully support NAM’s decision to again, postpone this event.  Especially given the new caveat of legally having to retain the personal information of a fair few number of people for three weeks!  

I’m sure the Government watches these threads purely just to curtail our enjoyment!

I echo Ian’s thoughts though, that hopefully the museum is still making it’s way through the darkness.

Calm thoughts everybody!

GYD

Hi Nick,

Well at least it brings another B-47 wheel into the public domain!  Don’t know the vendor though.  I have put a ‘watch’ on it,  just to see what happens!

Alex, yet again another splendid result!  From the backgrounds of your pictures, it seems you have a bit of a ‘production line’ in the making!

GYD

York??

GYD

Hi AM,

This picture shows the ‘Father’ of the helicopter Igor Sikorsky, in one of his early aircraft, the R-5 although, you can’t see the grip however, the shape of the column is a very close match and I would seem to think that it could well be something from this stable/era, especially with the simplistic handle.

 https://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/comments/9foooc/aviation_pioneer_igor_sikorsky_at_the_controls_of/

What do you think?

GYD

Hi Alex,

That is a fantastic job, well done!  

Martyn

GYD

Hi Martyn,

I use black ‘milliput’ modelling putty to great effect filling all sorts of holes and missing/corroded parts of grips/yokes.  What I suggest is to remove as much ‘loose’ material, give an undercoat of black paint/primer to seal the surface and then mix the putty together in small batches and take your time!  it is best worked while still malleable use a wet finger to smooth (this reduces sanding later!)  Once complete give it another coat of paint.

I also seem to remember seeing pictures of Valliant yokes with a ‘string’ binding but, that may well be something that has been done post ‘real use’ – as we have discussed before!

Martyn

GYD

Hi Brightspark180,

I have a Sea Fury FB-11 Dunlop Mk-2 handle numbered AH 8490.  It is exactly the same but, it has a slightly different version of the ‘Selectric’ weapon switch to your example.  Therefore this change/upgrade of this switch, would normally necessitate a change in the Dunlop drawing number to your AH 9846 accordingly.  This was normal practice at Dunlop; to issue ‘upgraded/modified’ handles with different sequential drawing numbers.  Just look at the 30 or so different Wessex handles produced!

The ‘press to transmit’ button was fitted to the throttle on the FB-10 so, I would be inclined to say that it is indeed a Sea Fury FB-11.  As far as I am aware, the Firefly was fitted with a Dunlop Mk-1 ring handle AH 8272 but, I have been offered a Mk 2 handle that was supposedly fitted to the AS-6 Firefly.  It too,  appears exactly the same but, has the word ‘guns’ deleted from the firing switch.  Unfortunately, I have not found any photographic evidence to substantiate the Mk-2 handle actually being fitted to the Firefly but, if anyone else can provide this information, I for one would be very interested to see!!! 

Good catch, well done!

GYD