For We Are His Workmanship, Created in Christ Jesus to do Good Works. Eph 2:10
US Navy P-3 Orion Cockpit Gage Display
This P-3 Cockpit gage display was made for a longtime friend of the family, retired Master Chief and P3 Flight Engineer, Robert Sass. Bob recently visited us while in town for business and stopped by to see the new workshop. While he was here, he brought me this set of cockpit gages and "E-handle" hardware, and asked if I could create some kind of mount for them. Without hesitation, I eagerly offered my time to come up with something for him. Bob permitted me the full freedom to design something from my own imagination and creativity, which is what I do best.
Check out the project details below.
The Project
Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion Cockpit
Cataloging the gages.
Fuel Flow Indicator 0 - 2300 PPH
MFR's PN: 8DJ64 S/N: 2225
Last Reworked: NARF Alameda 2Q - 1986
For this project, I really liked the idea of designing a "cradle -type" mount, that wouldn't hide the body of the gages, but would make them accessible to view and even remove for show and tell. In the P-3 Cockpit, there are four sets of identical instrument gages and E-handles - 1 set for each of the 4 engines mounted to the wings. I wanted the gages displayed in the same orientation as they were in the cockpit, so I started with the vertical concept drawing below. I would need to incorporate the "E-Handle" (Emergency Handle) hardware above the gages, as they were originally located above the instrument panel, corresponding to each engine.
Torquemeter Indicator Assy.
ALE P/N 6829276 S/N: EE2275
Last reworked: NARF Alameda 3Q -1985
Electrical Tachometer Indicator MS21971-1
MFR's PN: 8DJ81 S/N: W0329
Last FT: Fort Worth, MAR 07, 1983
Auto Temp Indicator (T.I.T) - 115VAC 400~
Model No. BH183R-58 MFR's S/N: 3548
Howell Instruments, Forth Worth, TX
Choosing the Materials and Sketching out the Concept - For this piece, I happened to come across a really good deal on some lake-harvested African Mahogany (harvested from Lake Volta in Ghana.) Since I love to create contrast in all my pieces, I integrated some Wenge and Curly Maple to give this a unique look.
Both vertical pieces in the glue-up process.
Right Side View
Left Side View
The Finished Product
If you are interested in commissioning one or two pieces for your personal collection, please contact me for pricing and delivery information by completing the contact form below.