Link Trainers

[warbird_patrick]

Hello all,

I recently acquired a WWII Link Trainer that has been in a barn since the end of WWII. I plan on restoring it to operational condition and trying to find some information on what type mine is, either a C-2 or C-3. I have done searches over the web on Link Trainers and can only find limited information about the C-2 and C-3 trainers. The Trainer I have is Trainer No. E-SP 1470 and Contract No.78629 with a little stamped U.S with an anchor after the number which makes me believe the one i have was used by the navy. Another feature mine seems to have which differs from all the pictures I can find of Link Trainers is it has triangle zippers inspections in the fabric (See example picture) on all four sides instead of the rectangle doors which are on most. Any information on this would be great.

Patrick

[Dudley Henriques]

Hello all,

I recently acquired a WWII Link Trainer that has been in a barn since the end of WWII. I plan on restoring it to operational condition and trying to find some information on what type mine is, either a C-2 or C-3. I have done searches over the web on Link Trainers and can only find limited information about the C-2 and C-3 trainers. The Trainer I have is Trainer No. E-SP 1470 and Contract No.78629 with a little stamped U.S with an anchor after the number which makes me believe the one i have was used by the navy. Another feature mine seems to have which differs from all the pictures I can find of Link Trainers is it has triangle zippers inspections in the fabric (See example picture) on all four sides instead of the rectangle doors which are on most. Any information on this would be great.

Patrick

I wish I could help you with information on this as it brings back a lot of old memories.
I learned to fly instruments in an old ANT-18 Link which I believe was a derivative of the C3.
I remember one fine afternoon especially. I was running a mission on the crab and had intercepted the inbound leg of a low frequency range and was following a good steady tone. I didn't know that the guy watching the crab on the table had gone out to get a cup of coffee next door. I flew the crab right off the table ))))))))))))
Those were fun days.
Good luck with your project.
Dudley Henriques

[warbird_patrick]

I wish I could help you with information on this as it brings back a lot of old memories.
I learned to fly instruments in an old ANT-18 Link which I believe was a derivative of the C3.
I remember one fine afternoon especially. I was running a mission on the crab and had intercepted the inbound leg of a low frequency range and was following a good steady tone. I didn't know that the guy watching the crab on the table had gone out to get a cup of coffee next door. I flew the crab right off the table ))))))))))))
Those were fun days.
Good luck with your project.
Dudley Henriques

Thanks Dudley for the great story. I do not have the crab or desk for the trainer but plan on writing a software program so a laptop will take is place. I would like to trailer it to airshows and let people fly it for donations for the museum.

Patrick

[Dudley Henriques]

I wish I could help you with information on this as it brings back a lot of old memories.
I learned to fly instruments in an old ANT-18 Link which I believe was a derivative of the C3.
I remember one fine afternoon especially. I was running a mission on the crab and had intercepted the inbound leg of a low frequency range and was following a good steady tone. I didn't know that the guy watching the crab on the table had gone out to get a cup of coffee next door. I flew the crab right off the table ))))))))))))
Those were fun days.
Good luck with your project.
Dudley Henriques

Thanks Dudley for the great story. I do not have the crab or desk for the trainer but plan on writing a software program so a laptop will take is place. I would like to trailer it to airshows and let people fly it for donations for the museum.

Patrick

Sounds like a great idea. Even the kids could enjoy a link setup like that. There are similar things out there on the airshow circuit such as the Thunderbird F4 sim. I haven't seen a lot come through our show sources on how they're doing but I assume they book fairly well.
Good luck with it. Sounds like it'll be fun getting it together.
DH

[tom d. friedman]

do you have the control desk too?? a complete link is a bear to haul home. i have a few link trainer instruments available if you need them. just let me know your shopping list & i'll see if i have them. looks like a fun restoration!!!

[Cherrybomber13]

We use our Corsair simulator at shows and it draws people of all ages in from all over the field. We don't charge but it was due to a nice older gentleman that sat down , was taught to fly and then arranged a big cash donation to the CASC.

However you do it, interactivity is the key to getting todays generation involved. There is always a pack of kids waiting in line to roll down the runway.

Looking forward to seeing your progress on the restoration.

[hwhall]

Just a note about the zippered inspection port covers versus the sliding panel doors. I'm working on a Link AN-T-18 restoration and read about those doors recently. It appears the zippered covers were original design that was later changed to sliding doors "based on experience". Changes were published to be made in the field and changes were made during overhauls and on new manufactured systems.

--Wayne

[alang]

The Museum of Flight Restoration Center at Paine Field in Everett has 2 or 3 operable Link trainers with the tables. They probably can help you, they a active group of guys working them.