A bit of WWII trivia.

From the 1946 American Flyer catalog.

That's a neat bit of information to know!

-Greg

The P-40 was an early design in the war..I wonder how late they produced those, and if Gilbert made equip. for other and later war material....

Another piece of military material produced by Gilbert for the war effort was the Anti Aircraft Range Indicator. I purchased one of these many years ago from military surplus. Unfortunately, I've never actually seen mine as it is still sealed in its original wax coated wrapper. I know exactly what it is and I prefer to keep it sealed. But I have pictures like these.

As new these came with a lanyard so that the unit could be held the proper distance from the operator's eyes. If a plane was identified the scale could be moved to get the plane in between the sighting hairs. An approximate range could be determined from the scale. (At least that was the operating theory...)

I've actually seen these show up (rarely) on eBay, though typically not in pristine condition. I have no idea how many were produced or how successful they were. An interesting piece of history in any event.

More info: http://www.usmilitariaforum.co...ange-indicator-1942/

COOL! About how big is that? - (can't really tell from the photos)

Roving Sign posted:

COOL! About how big is that? - (can't really tell from the photos)

Here's a pic with a measuring tape. Looks like about 9" or so in height. This unit was on display when I purchased my sealed example. It was dated 1943, so I'm guessing mine would be the same.

At the Great Midwest Train Show, commonly known to locals as the Wheaton Show, I found this A.C. Gilbert motor made for aircraft use. I don't know the application nor the model of aircraft it was used in.

The 1946 Gilbert AF catalog has a page stating that the S gauge steam worm drive motor was derived from a control valve motor used in the Grumman F6F Hellcat.  This is the first I have heard that Gilbert motors were used in P40's.

Lionel made compasses for naval use and telegraph keys. I know a WW2 collector who's into 3-rail and he often shows me those pieces as if I haven't already seen them countless times...

Everyone who could gear up for war contracts, did so. Union Switch and Signal made M1911A1 pistols. I'd love to have one for my substantial WW2 collection, but they're very rare and quite expensive if you can find one for sale:

Heck, Rock-Ola made carbines and typewriter company Underwood made firearms, as well.

Neat stuff....thanks for sharing!

Peter

p51 posted:

Lionel made compasses for naval use and telegraph keys. I know a WW2 collector who's into 3-rail and he often shows me those pieces as if I haven't already seen them countless times...

Everyone who could gear up for war contracts, did so. Union Switch and Signal made M1911A1 pistols. I'd love to have one for my substantial WW2 collection, but they're very rare and quite expensive if you can find one for sale:

Heck, Rock-Ola made carbines and typewriter company Underwood made firearms, as well.

Hello P51........

I am WWII buff too and wondering who makes the best model M1911 for home defense for a reasonable price.  I asked because there are so many M1911 copies and wanted to avoid junk.  Maybe all stainless steel construction version?

Tiffany

You'll find it interesting the reason for the rarity for the USS M-1911, is that they lost their contract for excessive loss of finished product.

A friend of mine who collects has 3 Union Switch and signals, and 2 Singers.