Much like the B-29, the Lockheed EC-121 had an extensive Flight Engineer’s station located just behind the co-pilot, where all flight and engine gauges were housed in a large floor to ceiling bulkhead along with electrical systems and fuel mix controls.
Some of these gauges were repeated on the pilot’s main flying instrument panel such as the engine RPM gauges and Manifold Temperature Indicators and it was the flight engineer who monitored and adjusted the aircraft’s engine performance throughout the mission.
The EC-121's pilot’s two RMP gauges sat side by side on his main instrument panel, just below the Manifold Pressure gauges with the left hand gauge monitoring the Port No 1 & 2 engines and the right, the Starboard No 3 & 4 engines. Sister gauges were also mounted in the middle of the Flight Engineer’s panel to the left of the Cylinder Head Temperature gauges and just below the Engine Torque gauges
Early USAF RMP gauges were mainly mechanical tachometers mounted to the instrument panel with a direct flexible drive cable to the engine's tachometer drive. Later models, such as gauge featured here, were electrical remote indicators connected electrically to a generator or autosyn transmitter attached to the engine’s tachometer drive.
Produced by the Chicago Flexible Shaft Co, this AN5530 - 2A Electric Tachometer monitored the starboard 3 and 4 engines of the Lockheed Ec-121 and is dated 1945 with additional service stamps on the rear of the unit.
Like many late WWII aircraft instruments, this Duel Engine Rpm gauge was reserviced and found its way into the next generation of Post War aircraft such as the Lockheed Ec-121 Warning Star. The face glass is relatively unmarked and the unit is in remarkable condition for a gauge over 75 years old.
Mounted in its 100yr old mango Wood Display Stand with engraved plaque, printed and laminated Fact Sheet and an incredible detailed 1/72 scale model of the Lockheed EC-121 perched atop its removable magnetic arm, this Recovery Curios EC-121 Warning Star, flight instrument display would make a fantastic gift for any aviation enthusiast.
This Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star Instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.
Your Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star RPM gauge Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:
Both the 1/72 scale hand-built and airbrushed plastic model is available with 'wheels & flaps up or down' and 'canopy open or closed' options with a choice of two Squadron markings and camouflage.
Upon order placement you will receive an email asking for your preferred configuration.
Your complete Recovery Curios Original Instrument Collectable is securely packed and delivery normally takes between 4 - 5 weeks approx.
Did you fly, crew or maintain a Lockheed ECX-121 or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.