LOCKHEED HUDSON ‘BATH TUB’ MORSE CODE SENDER KEY

$750.00

Add 1/48 SCALE, DETAILED MODEL UPGRADE for just $45.00
Add PERSONALISED COLLECTABLE OPTION for just $90.00

In Stock SKU: 2330

Rare ‘Bathtub’ Morse Code Sender Key installed in the Lockheed Hudson.



Known as the ‘bath-tub’ morse key due its resemblance to an old fashioned bathtub, the brown bakelite Morse Key was fully enclosed for operations across many RAF and Commonwealth aircraft to ensure its sparking did not ignite fuel fumes.

From left to right, you see the hinges, the two electrical stubs, the large signalling knob (designed to also be used with gloves) and the spring that held both the upper and lower halves together. 

This spring could also be used to hold down the signalling knob to broadcast a continuous carrier wave. This was done during ditching procedures or when the crew had to bail out of the plane (mostly over water) and in doing so, hopefully enable rescuers to secure a fix on their last position.

Whilst used primarily aboard the RAF’s Medium and heavy bombers, the fact that the Morse Code Key was waterproof also made it suitable for use in carrier-launched aircraft such as the Fairey Firefly,  Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber as well as the clandestine SOE Lysander which often flew in extreme weather conditions to mask its operations. 

Mounted in its 100yr old, hand-crafted Mango Wood display stand with engraved plaque and highly detailed scale model of a Lockheed Hudson perched atop its magnetic display arm, plus a detailed laminated Fact Sheet featuring a photo of the instrument in the Hudson's cockpit, this Recovery Curios Aircraft Collectable would make a perfect gift for the pilot or aviation enthusiast in your life.

This Lockheed Hudson Instrument 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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Your Lockheed Hudson, 'Bathtub' Morse Code Sender Key, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:

  • Original Warbird instrument
  • Highly detailed, hand-built and airbrushed 1/72 plastic scale model of the aircraft.*
  • Hand-crafted and beautifully finished 100yr, Far North Queensland Mango Wood display stand
  • Detailed, 2-sided, printed and laminated Instrument Fact Sheet detailing aircraft and instrument
  • Removable Magnetic Display Arm

*An upgrade to the larger and more detailed 1/48 scale model is also available for an additional $45 (Click on the 1/48 scale option)

Both the 1/72 & 1/48 scale models are available with wheels & flaps 'up or down' and a choice of two camouflage markings. 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 6 - 8 weeks approx.

Did you fly, crew or maintain a Lockheed Hudson or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.