Plenty of finds from a new site on a British Airfield.

**LUCKYSTRIKE** · 03-30-2011, 04:01 PM

Oh thanks Ivor, I misread your original post, 100 stationed there was about 8 to 9% of all that were built! what a shame most that were lost were at sea. I understand why you dont want to investigate further as many are grave sites. Finding a wheel with the surviving chalk address is remarkable, I'll certainly visit your Museum if I'm ever over on the IOM.

I've taken a photograph so you can see for yourself your suggestion. It does seem to fit in the way shown. The plate box is made slightly larger to the top to compensate nicely for the sticking out catch on the switch box. So perhaps as stated the Barra 3 did use the same switch boxes as Barra 1 and 2 but modified by the fitting of the plate. If this is the case very well spotted. You've unravelled another a small part of Barra history.

Plenty of finds from a new site on a British Airfield.

LUCKYSTRIKE

**iramsden** · 03-30-2011, 04:09 PM

It's upside down.

Snigger....

Sorry - I should explain - the picture in the Barra 3 notes shows that the long rectangular cut-out goes over the data plate on the box. That way most of the switches are blanked off.

**LUCKYSTRIKE** · 03-30-2011, 04:32 PM

Ivor,
I tried it the other way first and it only seemed to leave access for just two switches so I thought it must be wrong, but there again what do I know?

, Here's the picture, it does seem to fit okay with the cutout window for the switch box display label.

LS

**iramsden** · 03-30-2011, 04:38 PM

Aye, that's better. I've just worked out how to post photos on this forum so here's a crappy copy of the Barra pilot's cockpit diagram which I pinched from the net somewhere.

You can see how the cover fits. Sorry the picture's so small.

**LUCKYSTRIKE** · 03-30-2011, 04:58 PM

Ivor

Thats got it!

Thanks for the picture, Ive enlarged the box in the picture as best I can.

LS

**NickW** · 03-30-2011, 05:26 PM

by Paul B

Re the Merlin plate, it's from the side of the engine crankcase. PB

Sorry to Nit-pick - This is an engine limitations plate and is from the cockpit - The makers plate would be from the engine itself - the latter is a highly prized find as the Air Ministry engine number can often be matched to an individual aircraft - Still a nice find though!

**Paul B** · 03-30-2011, 06:21 PM

Apologies. Long day, got my plates mixed up.

**Paul B** · 03-30-2011, 06:28 PM

Barracuda I and II selector box for comparison:

Also a section from the manual.
The last sentance refers specifically to the selector box cover plate, and it being fitted while carrying the torpedo only:

PB

**Paul B** · 03-30-2011, 06:46 PM

The other two cockpit views from the manual:

All the best,
PB

**ian_** · 03-30-2011, 07:24 PM

This is an exciting selection, LS! The Barracuda is a rare beast indeed. The Fleet Air Arm museum might be interested as they have the largest surviving lump of one, on display at Yeovilton. The only ID I can add is the control lever 64. It was used in several aircraft including Blenheim and Mk VII Spit I n Spits it controlled the pressure in high altitude versions, in the Blenhiem it relesed the pilot's straps so he could lean forward. Picture here:
To view our current stock of Aircraft Parts Please click the drop
Thanks for the pilot's notes scans Paul, fascinating to see inside. First contemporary picture of the fire extinguisher I found a while back, and I've never seen a spade grip without a gun button before. Looking forward to more.