CURTISS C-46 COMMANDO, SQUARE D TYPE B6, DUEL IGNITION MAGNETO SWITCH

Flying the 'Hump' over the Himalayan mountains from Allied bases in India to the besieged National Chinese Army, was one of the most dangerous and arduous supply routes of WWII but with the Japanese invasion of China effectively cutting off all road and sea ports into the country, it was the only viable option to ensure the Chinese could maintain a strong resistance against the Japanese.

By the end of the war in 1945, over 71,000 tons of critical food supplies, equipment, ammunition and fuel had been airlifted to Chiang Kai-shek's National Chinese Army - much of this was carried by the Curtiss C-46 Commando with its reinforced airframe, large cargo carrying capacity and powerful twin 2000hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines. Over 800 pilots and crew lost their lives during the course of the airlift but it kept China in the war. 

Produced by the Square D Company, this Type B-6, Duel Ignition Magneto Switch was installed on the pilot's overhead console.

The B-6 ignition switch has two switches, one each for the left and right engine, and a master switch in the centre. The master switch is switched by pulling (ignition off) or depressing (ignition on) the centre post, intending to be able to kill both engines simultaneously.

Both switches turn easily to their respective positions and the ‘PULL’ knob at the top centre moves in and out as originally designed.

This is an amazing piece of aviation memorabilia from the C-46 Commando troop/cargo transporter and combined with its detailed scale model of the aircraft perched atop its magnetic removable display arm and detailed printed Fact Sheet, would make a fantastic gift for any aviation enthusiast.

This Curtiss C-46 Commando Collectable comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit

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