discussion Sutton Harnass question

[Guest]

I see the Sutton harnass used on the Spit Mk2 had a set of 2 shoulder straps that are joined together.
One end goes to the rear bulkhead with a cable but the other end seems to go between the pilot's back and the backrest padding on the seat but where would this attatch to the seat....on the joint between the seatpan and backrest?

Thanx

Theuns

 

[Robert1968]

From my ref the Sutton harness was secured to the set back from a centre hole that secures the Y brace and the harness secures over the seat and is on a spring lock retention. I'm not an expert on Spitfirs but I have given you a ref pic that may help
View attachment 271630

 

[stona]

Here you go.
SteveView attachment 271631

 

[Guest]

Exactly what I needed , thanx allot.
I see some spits has what appears to be a thin padded backrest, was this a standard thing or would pilots install that themselves?
I assume they would sit on the chute backs in the "bowl" of the seatpan?
I have also read the seat was made from some form of "plastic or bakalite" so it would not scuff and scratch paint off like on metal?

Last question, was the whole inside of the cockpit area/firewall and rear bulkheads interior green ? I have seen some spits with only the cockpit area up to the instrument pannel green and the rest infront and behind it was silver, how would a Mk2 have been?

Thanx

Theuns

 

[stona]

1) I'm not sure when the padded back came in, it could be fitted to the seat separately. It was not a 'pilot thing'. I don't think that early Marks, including the Mk II had it, but I could be wrong.

2) Yes, and the dinghy.

3) It was a composite made with phenolic resin, hence the red-brown colour. It wasn't 'Bakelite', though some idiot at the MAP wrote that, and it stuck.

4) This is a photo of P9374 during restoration, internal finish to Supermarine period specification. View attachment 271650

Cheers

Steve

 

[Guest]

Aha, thanx Steve, that helps allot.

Theuns