We have started on the Instrument Panel and things are coming along nicely 🙂
The panel consists of a main panel and the “Blind Flying Panel” or six-pack. We have placed the magneto switches and had a very interesting time researching the clocks that were installed in the Spitfire.
The earlier marks of Spitfire did not generally have a cutout for a clock and it is apparent that many different types of clocks were employed from various manufacturers. It would seem most of the clocks utilised called for an 8 Day life after a full wind.
The DCS World Spitfire Mk.IX’s manual notes that the clock employed in their model is a Mk.IV (106A/322) Aviation Watch. “The watch is designed to display the current time in hours, minutes and seconds. It has a crown at the bottom of the device. The pendulum is used as the operating principle. The construction is of a common spring pendulum clock with a round-balancer. Power reserve is good for 8 days.”
We have thus based our clock on this design, using the internal face of a Longines WITTNAUER US TYPE A-11. This model is the 7 jeweled A-11 with 2 barrels for 8 days reserve power.
Remembering that this is to be used in VR, there is no need to model the actual internals and a decal has been placed on the faceplate. That is covered by a disc of 1mm clear acrylic.
The knurled crown can be rotated to either side to send a signal to the simulator to increase or decrease the time setting. This is achieved by means of a lever at the rear depressing one of two micro pushbuttons.
We have also taken the opportunity to refine the design of the starter and booster coil button covers. A clip has been incorporated to ensure the cover remains in place when closed. The intricate detail that can be incorporated in 3D Printed designs at no extra cost never ceases to amaze.
