Description
You are bidding on a SUPERB and NEW OLD STOCK example of a WW2 US Army Air Force & British Royal Air Force Main Instrument Panel, as ONLY used on the Waco CG-4A Glider!
The Waco CG-4 was the most widely used American troop/cargo military glider of World War II. It was designated the CG-4A by the United States Army Air Forces, and given the service name Hadrian (after the Roman emperor) by the British. The glider was designed by the Waco Aircraft Company. Built in vast numbers by several American contractors, it was employed in nearly every major airborne operation – from Normandy and Market Garden to the Rhine crossings. The glider could carry 13 fully equipped soldiers, a Jeep, or a 75 mm pack howitzer, and was towed behind C-47 “Skytrain” transports before being released to land silently behind enemy lines. Its design was entirely utilitarian, with a steel-tube framework, fabric-covered fuselage, and a simple cockpit containing only essential flight instruments and lighting controls.
Made of aluminum, steel, and magnesium, this Main INstrument Panel is in SUPERB New Old Stock Condition! Some slight scratches and wear from storage, but nothing that detracts. The panel retains 98% of its correct wartime zinc-chromate / olive finish and features 5 circular cutouts for the instruments (Airspeed, Altimeter, Turn & Bank, Vertical Speed, and Compass). The small electrical sub-panel on the left has toggle switches for the Landing Light and Navigation Lights (Wing and Tail). All mounting holes are clean, with no witness marks from instrument bezels or fasteners. The edges are straight with no bends, cracks, or extra holes. Finish is original, never repainted or refinished. The switches and hardware remain in place and unmodified. I have not opened the attached cloth bag, but it appears to hold the original mounting screws for the instruments. I have shown its location in the last image. An outstanding and EXTREMELY RARE item, it would make a PERFECT addition to any collection, display, or restoration project!
