Vickers "S" 40mm and RAF reflector sight :-)

[Sternjaeger]

Again, this is probably one of the very few places where people can appreciate the level of geekdom: I have managed to bag two great deals over the weekend, a rare Vickers S 40mm round used on the Hurricane Mk.IID (the tank busters) and a classic RAF reflector sight, which is not rare per se, but I got it at a steal of a price! 

 

Do you guys collect any aviation memorabilia or am I the only saddo here? 

[Emgy]

Not a collector but I can appreciate the sentiment... :-)

 

BTW what kind of voltage do your German, Russian and British collimator sights run at?

[Sternjaeger]

Hi Calvamos, it depends on the aircraft's specific powerplant. The Revi was meant for a 24 volts circuit, and so where majority of the aircraft of the time. I tend not to run them at 24 volts when using the original bulbs, but somewhere around 20, which is plenty bright! 

 

One of my long term projects is to create an adequate base stand for them with an LED light source (especially for the British and US Navy ones, which have a bottom light source), so that they can stay lit up normally without heating up or damaging the bulbs or reticle.

[Emgy]

Sounds like a good idea, heat can be a killer for precision instruments.

Edited February 17, 2014 by Calvamos

[Sternjaeger]

Indeed, most reticles are basically a cutout on a coated glass surface, and they do damage with heat after a while. 

[Emgy]

The Revis have the socketed bulb inside the casing? I assume its socket screw pattern is now obsolete?

If so, do you have spare bulbs? Could take one and use its socket for LEDs.

Edited February 18, 2014 by Calvamos

[Sternjaeger]

they all have a bayonet mount actually! Good thinking indeed mate! I found some LED bulbs actually which could just do the job, it's about finding the right size now! 

[Emgy]

Interesting! good thing 24V is still one standard these days. do keep this thread updated :-)

Edited February 18, 2014 by Calvamos

[Sternjaeger]

Gunsight hasn't arrived yet, but here's the Vickers:

From left to right - .303; 20mm Hispano Suiza SAPI; 40mm Vickers S and for good measure the 37mm round used on the Stukas (this is the HE version, currently waiting for the AP one).

The last two are new to the collection and need some cleaning, but the final result will be spot on :-)

Edited February 18, 2014 by Sternjaeger

[Sternjaeger]

The Vickers S is basically a Naval 2 pounder with a bigger AP round, very heavy bugger! Apparently it could take out everything but the Tiger in North Africa! 

 

 

my round will receive its original colour scheme: all black with white tip and band :-)

[DD_fruitbat]

Cool stuff, thanks for sharing, looking forward to pics of the gunsight.

[Sternjaeger]

So here it is: it's as filthy as Miley Cyrus, but it's complete and only need a good scrub/lubricating :-)

[LukeFF]

Very, very neat!

[Sternjaeger]

I already have a night fighter version (with just one adjustment ring and different double reticle) and a Typhoon version with rocket head, but I have to say that the worn patina and scars of this one not only mean this was actually used, but saw also some considerable action.

We're currently looking for a house to buy, and my wife says "once the 'masturbatorium' (aka the mancave) is complete, you'd probably need admission tickets for it..", her patience is comparable to my lack of common sense