I'm trying to model a range of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and vehicles (e.g. tugs, bowsers) from the 1960s and '70s. The real obstacle for me is the lack of drawings/plans/blueprints...
Does anyone have a collection of such? Does anyone know where I might go looking?
Ultimately I'd like to model many different GSE and vehicles, but for now I'm most interested in...
Houchin ground power units (GPU), 25 kVA and 35 kW
I did the 60KVA for BW the 35Kw is externally identical except for one indicator light on the roof. I will try and locate my original drawings and scan them onto the thread
TEd
Since GSE was 'bought-in' from external manufacturers, many well known and long-time suppliers to the RAF, the original drawings would be with them.
The RAF produced an Air Publication (AP) - Ted may know the number - in which would have been described all items of GSE in service. Usually this had a page for each item with a photograph (or diagram) of the item followed by the Leading Particulars and function etc. It would also have referred to the specific AP for the servicing and maintenance of the item which usually contained other photographs and drawings.
Your requirements are fairly simple. A three view drawing with dimensions. If you can get the number of the AP it is likely that the RAF Museum will have copies but you would really need a visit to view to identify specific pages for copying.
Peter, I read that Kew (and Hendon) have APs, but do you know if the Fleet Air Arm Museum (FAAM) also hold some (hopefully for GSE!)? I live a lot closer to the latter than the former!
Peter, the DATA Book of GSE became AP 119A 1000-1A 1b etc
Afraid I can't remember the old AP number but I will dig. I binned volumes of the old version when the 119A came out I never thought for one minute I would have a PC let alone be on forums with people interested in such items !!
Andy Attached are ; the sheet on the 60Kva from the data book ; 2 colour views, and 2 pages of dimensions. I put this package together when I was helping BW with research for some GSE models.
Note the AP 119A leaf shows the original radiator doors. However although on a spring loaded stay they often were closed by the wind or the sqn lads forgot to open them. The engine would overheat often leading to a blown head gasket, or a fire starting in the spark arrester at the front.
There were 2 versions powered by AEC engines, a third version was driven by an elect motor that took power fron a plinth on the pan or in the hanger. These could be recognised as they had a huge input cable that wrapped around the body on top of the output cable paniers when not in use.
The 35 Kw twin 28v DC set was identical externally to a 60Kva but only had one power on light on the roof instead of 2.
Hendon will have the Data Book Of Ground Equipment, but remember; as a bit of kit became obselesent the leaf on it was removed from the book and its place eventually taken by the leaf on a new item.
This problem extends to virtually every AP at Hendon, parts are removed and replaced by amendments.
Don't recognise the format of the air start trolley reference is that a Kew file ref ?
Yes Ted, if we knew then what we know now, we would have kept many APs which were 'ditched'
The dynamic process of Amendments, as you say. meant that pages were literally removed and destroyed on a regular basis to keep up with changes. I did keep many pages - where they caught my fancy - and they are in amongst my personal effects stored in UK. One day I may sort them....
Peter the state of some of the MT APs at Hendon have led to a bit of confusion over the years, including thier copy of AP 3090 MT reg 1st Ed; However Kew have a mint copy which enabled me to resolve several head scratching things. Luckily I have corresponded for many years with a chap in London who is kind enough to photo pages etc at Kew for me.
Your requirements are fairly simple. A three view drawing with dimensions.
Hmmm, you'd think! The deeper I delve into this the more I realise just how tough an assignment this is! GSE seems to be a neglected aspect of airfield infrastructure. Right now I'm only after drawings of a few items, but I feel it can only get harder the more items I need... Can you sense the dejection??!!
Ted: Yes, the ref above was from the Kew online search engine. You're lucky knowing a chap nearby!
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