19.06.2008, 23:42
Regarding the throttle levers, the sim's original cockpits have the right style for their respective models. From what I can ascertain from wartime operating manuals, the 'Tempest-like' lever was introduced in the last Thunderbolt models.
I believe that the D-40 variant had the grip styled throttle lever installed at the factory. The P-47M probably did as well. The c.1945 training manual for the P-47N is the only vintage manual I've found that specifically illustrates that kind of lever. The photos of the P-47D-30 on display at Warner-Robbins shows the square handled throttle, and that ship reportedly was taken directly off the line in 1947 and put into storage 'as is.'
Of course I'm mostly concerned of how the planes were configured when they left the factory. I'll concede that field kits might have been available to upgrade older planes, or that newer planes were cannibalized to keep older planes flying. I think this is part of the reason why it is so difficult to model a perfectly accurate cockpit; there were so many variations even during the war. Thunderbolts in postwar service (either with the USAF/National Guard or with foreign air forces) probably were usually field upgraded until retired completely; some were being used well into the 1960s. Modern restorations are usually a hodge-podge of available vintage instruments and various required modern instruments. Airshow and museum photographs are therefore usually of a limited value as historical references.
I believe that the D-40 variant had the grip styled throttle lever installed at the factory. The P-47M probably did as well. The c.1945 training manual for the P-47N is the only vintage manual I've found that specifically illustrates that kind of lever. The photos of the P-47D-30 on display at Warner-Robbins shows the square handled throttle, and that ship reportedly was taken directly off the line in 1947 and put into storage 'as is.'
Of course I'm mostly concerned of how the planes were configured when they left the factory. I'll concede that field kits might have been available to upgrade older planes, or that newer planes were cannibalized to keep older planes flying. I think this is part of the reason why it is so difficult to model a perfectly accurate cockpit; there were so many variations even during the war. Thunderbolts in postwar service (either with the USAF/National Guard or with foreign air forces) probably were usually field upgraded until retired completely; some were being used well into the 1960s. Modern restorations are usually a hodge-podge of available vintage instruments and various required modern instruments. Airshow and museum photographs are therefore usually of a limited value as historical references.