P-51B/C Cockpit Equipment and Related Questions...

[JohnTerrell]

Hi all,

I'm currently trying to find some information concerning a couple of radio control type boxes within the cockpit of the P-51B/C type aircraft, that were along the right wall, mainly just pictures of these. Trying to go by the Mk.III Mustang manual, which shows the correct later configuration, not the B-1 configuration, I haven't been able to locate the types of control boxes these are, and the photo is much too small to pinpoint any details. First off, I was wondering if anyone may have some information as to what these pieces are (squared off in red), and better yet, some detailed pictures of these pieces.

I know that Kermit Weeks' P-51C Ina the Macon Belle is more than likely configured in this same mannor, with the same type of equipment, and if anyone here has and can share, or could go out and get, a picture of the right side of Ina's cockpit, that would be really great.

Thanks,
-John

[Tim Adams]

This is as good as I can give you.



Unfortunately the angle is not the best.

[JohnTerrell]

Thank you Tim. Even though it doesn't show the area I'd like to see, I believe this is still probably the most I've seen of the right side of the cockpit on Ina yet. Unfortunately it is such an area that I'd imagine only a select few could get the oppurtunity to photograph.

[Taigh Ramey]

The highlighted item on the right is the control head for the SCR-695 IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) radio set. It was one of the first transponders used to identify friendly aircraft. I have examples in our museum’s collection and photos of these control heads at work so I can send you a more detailed shot if you like.

The other box looks like it has an early switch guard on the right similar to the IFF head. I will look at my research information to see if I can figure out what it might be. I wonder if it might be the emergency keyer switch.

[JohnTerrell]

That would be excellent Taigh! I would especially be interested in any photos that would show detail of the placards and markings on these.

[Taigh Ramey]

Here is a shot of the ABK-2 control head. The ABK set was nearly identical to the SCR-695 so the head is essentially the same.



I hope this helps,

Taigh

[JohnTerrell]

Thank you Taigh! This is exactly what I need. Going by the old black and white picture, where some areas are unclear, I thought it to look quite a bit different than what it really does look like.

[ausflyboy]

If anyone has one spare, i'd love one to install on the Boomerang

feel free to PM

[ausflyboy]

Oh and forgot to post a picture too of that unit installation on an Aussie built Mustang

[51fixer]

This is what P-51C Princess Elisabeth looks like on the inside.


We don't have that box but our current radio and transponder control heads occupy that spot.
Rich

[omega7]

After enhancing the photo of the remaining box in question, the vague outline of the letter “G” presents itself, making it a likely candidate for a “G” band switch box.

SCR-695 IFF transponders had a provision for an adjustable 200-210mc/s frequency range ( [b]“G” band[/b]) that could be switched on, allowing the GCI controller’s scopes to distinguish the host airplane as an interceptor, thereby differentiating it from friendly bombers that were squawking the conventional Army “I” (Navy “A”) band codes. Styles vary, but typically “G” band controls had both an “on-off” toggle, as well as a push button switch to start the internal timer. –Adrian

[JohnTerrell]

Thank you for this information Adrian! I thought the knob on the left would have been some sort of volume control, but without any apparent markings around it I did not know. It makes a lot of sense that it is a simple push button switch, and it is also nice to know what the role of the piece was.

Thank you Rich for the photos. The reason for this information actually is for the use in recreating a virtual P-51B/C, in particular Princess Elizabeth. Jim has actually sent me quite a few photos from PE's cockpit which has been and will be a huge help in modeling and texturing the cockpit.

Thank you Ausflyboy as well...with the follow up photo that you supplied I was able to see the differences and incorporate the differences into the control head.