SE5a Instrument Panel Question

Brisby · 21 March 2011, 08:22 AM

While doing some research on the SE5a, I looked over a few pix of the instrument panel and noticed that there is no (at least from what I can see), fuel gauge. So my question to the forum is: How does an SE pilot know his fuel remaining?

The pics I have are varied (Squadron publications, The Vintage Aviator and Osprey) but from what I can see, no actual 'gauge'.

Can anyone be of assistance? I have attached, for reference, the best photo of the panel I can fine

Many thanks in advance.

John McKenzie · 21 March 2011, 10:06 AM

Hello ..There is a Triumph , Simms type fuel gauge in the (appx) top centre of the rear face of the main petrol tank , just to the right of the MG cut out / trough.

Without digging out and checking the original Drawings , I'd say , from memory , that the glass face is about 2" dia. with the surrounding Aluminium bezel being a Hexagon, (6 sides) being about 2,5" A/F and which is screwed to the bronze flange , riveted & sweated to the rear tank face .
This gauge is operated by a cork float on the end of a wire arm .

The gauge can be read by the pilot ,... the line of sight being over the MG ammo container , and to the right of the (Vickers) MG.....Some daylight is provided by "Windows" in the cockpit combing .

Regards John M

PS..... A similar , but slightly larger earlier model gauge is fitted in the rear face of the BE2b service tank ..... If you care to look up " My BE2b Reproduction" , an old thread , there is a photo of it there .........( That will save me from going through a lot of SE stuff .

)

John McKenzie · 21 March 2011, 10:12 AM

Brisby · 21 March 2011, 10:18 AM

Thank you very much John. I really appreciate your assistance.

albatros1234 · 21 March 2011, 07:24 PM

do you have ant more photos of your be2b online john? i want to convert a roden be2c to a "b" or "a"

John McKenzie · 22 March 2011, 01:03 AM

Hi Albatros1234 ,...If you have a look back in the old threads for Replica Aircraft , you should be able to find my old thread on my Be2b , that I built for the RAF museum at Hendon , with a selection of photos .
At present , the aircraft stands close beside the FE2b , which I also built for the museum , and which was put on display in a "Dark" corner in 2009 .

I don't know how to do a " link" to an old thread as I'm not that well up on computers etc.....However the thread was " My Be2b Reproduction " , and was started 14th of May , 2009 .....so I hope you can find it OK from that .

Regards John M

PS. The above FE2b build is also currently being shown on the replica aircraft thread , "My FE2b Reproduction " .

John McKenzie · 22 March 2011, 01:19 AM

snj5 · 22 March 2011, 04:02 AM

My new screensaver - just beautiful.

Jim · 22 March 2011, 03:15 PM

The clock in that photo seems very odd to me. It is an American clock, a Waltham model XA made in Massachusetts, that as far as I know should not be in a British machine. The Air Ministry used MkV watches in panel mounted holders.

SCMc · 22 March 2011, 05:38 PM

Here is a link to John's BE2b thread:
http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/re...roduction.html

and his FE2b thread (in case you are interested):
http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/re...roduction.html

Steve