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Amelia Earhart Search Forum => Aircraft & Powerplant, Performance and Operations => Topic started by: C.W. Herndon on July 03, 2012, 12:35:09 PM

Title: Gizmo
Post by: C.W. Herndon on July 03, 2012, 12:35:09 PM

I have been looking through the Purdue pictures again, seems like all I do anymore, and found this strange little thing.

Does anyone know what the little "gizmo" sticking out at the front, lower edge of the side cockpit window might be?

http://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/u?/earhart,270 (http://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/u?/earhart,270)

Title: Re: Gizmo
Post by: Jeff Victor Hayden on July 03, 2012, 01:08:31 PM

Foot hold to get into cockpit via the roof hatch? looks like a hell of a step up without it.

Title: Re: Gizmo
Post by: C.W. Herndon on July 03, 2012, 01:04:31 PM

Jeff, there are several pictures of AE getting out of the cockpit and she always appears to place one hand on each side of the opening and lift herself out. I don't recall seeing a picture that actually says she is getting into the cockpit. However there is an identical "gizmo" on the starboard side. No reason to have a foot hold there that I can see.

Title: Re: Gizmo
Post by: C.W. Herndon on July 03, 2012, 01:42:29 PM

Here are two different views of the "gizmo".

One from the front showing one on each side. Picture one below.

http://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/u?/earhart,272 (http://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/u?/earhart,272)

Here is a different view from the side. Picture 2 below.

http://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/u?/earhart,288 (http://earchives.lib.purdue.edu/u?/earhart,288)

Title: Re: Gizmo
Post by: C.W. Herndon on July 03, 2012, 02:32:15 PM

Well, I have just discovered that the Harney drawings identify the "gizmo" as a "sliding window channel". I guess it could have been there to allow more airflow through the cockpit when on the ground. No A/C back then so it likely got more than a little warm inside when on the ground. I knew the side windows would slide but I never thought about part of the "windshield" having a sliding panel.

I don't see how it could have been opened very far in flight since it had no obvious upper channel to hold the top of the window in place.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of ventilation system?

Title: Re: Gizmo
Post by: Ted G Campbell on July 03, 2012, 08:41:48 PM

All,
I think it is an over-center mech. to keep the window closed when in flight.
Ted Campbell