tipper Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 Hi guys/gals! In the middle of nimrod build now. That 'pod' at the leading edge of the starboard main wing with the clear 'cap' - is there supposed to be anything atttached inside? It just looks incomplete. While we're at it, what color do i paint the inside? Sorry if this has been asked before! Tipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 It's a searchlight. Can't remember if it has anything inside, not built mine yet. Nothing on the plans? Silver? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boffin Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 As already said its a searchlight. Clear dome with a silver reflector behind it. There must be a bulb at the focus of the reflector, but it is the reflector that is noticeable. I'll see if I have any good photos George Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foghorn Leghorn Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 Here's a blow up of one of my photos ... Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don McIntyre Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 It's not a bulb it's a carbon rod and when electricity arced through it you got a tremendous amount of light and heat as a result. We had the same kind of thing on our P-3Bs. Put out 90-million candlepower! I can't recall how it worked but someone will be along soon to explain, I'm sure... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truro Model Builder Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I believe it was the most powerful light ever carried by an aircraft. I'm sure I read that somewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aeronut Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 During the last couple of years of their operational life not every Nimrod had the light fitted but retained the clear nose cap on the pod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrvbowman Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 It was an industrial searchlight manufactured by the Strong Electric Co in the USA adapted for flight use and was indeed two carbon rods striking each other to produce the light. I work for a company that purchased the drawing pack to manufacture parts for the Nimrod fleet back in the day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tipper Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Thanks for the quick replies guys! Any suggestions on how to add details to this area? Tipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edge Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 There's a guy who occasionally sells a polished metal 'dish' specifically for this kit. I bought one ages ago & stuffed it in the box for a 'one day when there's time' build. IIRC I paid about £14 for it - I'll try to find the details if you're interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spike7451 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Use a sequin (available from dress makers shops) & stick a thin plastic rod thru the hole in the sequin that the thread to sew it onto a dress goes thru.Sequins are also useful for landing lights ect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob G Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 That carbon rod arrangement... once upon a time, it was the way that ALL really bright light was generated - my Dad was a cinema projectionist back in the late '50s (you didn't go to the 'movies', you went to 'the cinema' back then - it was 'an occasion'), and had some experience with them - there was a lot of adjustment required to keep it arcing correctly, as one of the rods was sacrificial and a pit was eroded into it. If you were a beginner, you adjusted them after they'd cooled down (the whole thing got very hot indeed), if you were good, you did it while the film was running, to keep the light even for the cinema goers. I had the experience of playing with a carbon-arc projector in the early 80s, when Dad volunteered with a local chap who ran the part time cinema in a small town close by, and he had 2 of them for Saturday night movies in the local shire hall. I can only imagine what a PITA they were in an aircraft wing mount.These days, carbon rods are used for arc/air gouging in heavy construction; lots of light, heat and noise, but rapid cutting of big metal blocks! None of this adds to the collective knowledge of Nimrod bits, of course... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truro Model Builder Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 That carbon rod arrangement... once upon a time, it was the way that ALL really bright light was generated - my Dad was a cinema projectionist back in the late '50s (you didn't go to the 'movies', you went to 'the cinema' back then - it was 'an occasion'), and had some experience with them - there was a lot of adjustment required to keep it arcing correctly, as one of the rods was sacrificial and a pit was eroded into it. If you were a beginner, you adjusted them after they'd cooled down (the whole thing got very hot indeed), if you were good, you did it while the film was running, to keep the light even for the cinema goers. I had the experience of playing with a carbon-arc projector in the early 80s, when Dad volunteered with a local chap who ran the part time cinema in a small town close by, and he had 2 of them for Saturday night movies in the local shire hall. I can only imagine what a PITA they were in an aircraft wing mount. These days, carbon rods are used for arc/air gouging in heavy construction; lots of light, heat and noise, but rapid cutting of big metal blocks! None of this adds to the collective knowledge of Nimrod bits, of course... It doesn't matter. It's all interesting stuff. And I still go to the cinema. Never to the movies. In fact, I once asked the receptionist in the hotel where we were staying in the US where the nearest cinema was. She gave me a funny look. Anyway, back on topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tipper Posted September 24, 2014 Author Share Posted September 24, 2014 Right then, think i'll pluck a sequin from one of mum's old dresses, lol!!! Thanks again! Tipper 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smeds Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 I might be wrong, but if I remember correctly, there is a light on the clear sprue, cut off the rod/pole and attatch the sequin, replace rod....sorted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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