MKI Main Panel
Made from 7/32" black Bakelite (paper reinforced) as per the Supermarine specification these panels are absolutely accurate, the instruments bolt right up without any adjustments.This is an early MK I version with twin fuel gauges, the alteration around the boost gauge, both an amp meter and volt meter, a breech control switch and a landing light switch.
This is the same as the one we supplied for the Dunkirk movie, note the "Cessna" rubber Blind Flying Panel mounts we can do for those who don't want to go to the expense of the anti-vibration pod system. In its travel box ready to go be fitted to that Yak 50!
Why use black 7/32" thick Bakelite and not the more commonly available linen reinforced Brown 1/4" Bakelite?......... The engineers found that a panel any thicker fouled the back-mounted mag and landing light switch levers and, the levers didn't protrude far enough through the panel for a pilot wearing gloves to easily work them. Black so the engraving could be done and filled in white with ease and paper reinforced because it made a very clean cut for countersinking and engraving. The linen type left a raggy edge when cut and not sanded. Painted panels had to be photo engraved hence when they did go to painted panels they fitted labels.
The engraving as shown is included. Being an aircraft under constant development and upgrade some variations happened to some aircraft immediately and some were left until the stock of parts ran out. They then modified the old panels so some went into Spitfires with the odd extra hole. If you are replicating a specific aeroplane we can custom make your panel to suit.
