Turret Gunner Controls

[MadBlaster]

I think most of these machine gun turrets are simple ball bearing type mechanisms? The movement is controlled by the physical movement of the gunners arms and body, not a motor. So, moving the gun directly with your mouse would be more similar then moving a mouse pointer to a location and waiting for the gun to get there because there would be no lag in that type of design. It's point and shoot. True, some turrets are motor driven. But I'm with Wutz. Have a hard time believing the designers would make a laggy imprecise turret to replace the ball bearing types.

[Flying Pencil]

Originally Posted by MadBlaster

I think most of these machine gun turrets are simple ball bearing type mechanisms? The movement is controlled by the physical movement of the gunners arms and body, not a motor. So, moving the gun directly with your mouse would be more similar then moving a mouse pointer to a location and waiting for the gun to get there because there would be no lag in that type of design. It's point and shoot. True, some turrets are motor driven. But I'm with Wutz. Have a hard time believing the designers would make a laggy imprecise turret to replace the ball bearing types.

In BoB era, all LW aircraft was manual, and the RAF the only powered one I can recall is the Blen's (Wellington with powered was just being installed at that moment.

Some vids of 111 gun positions (top gun being worked on, when I get time...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBhGp23NS_s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlJlOQcDAhE

[Flying Pencil]

Oh, ANOTHER thing to consider!

The WIND FORCE on the barrel of the gun can be VERY strong.

I must upload the video of me moving the gun on a B-24...

[Novotny]

Oh, is that your good self, Mr Pencil? I've watched those vids before - thanks for making them

[MadBlaster]

Thanks for posting those FlyingPencil. I have seen your videos before and actually had them in mind when I posted that comment. Though, I guess I should have said "gimble" instead of "ball bearing".

[Flying Pencil]

Originally Posted by Novotny

Oh, is that your good self, Mr Pencil? I've watched those vids before - thanks for making them

Yes it is,
Your welcome

Originally Posted by MadBlaster

Thanks for posting those FlyingPencil. I have seen your videos before and actually had them in mind when I posted that comment. Though, I guess I should have said "gimble" instead of "ball bearing".

Thanks.


I was amazed by how much detail the books missed.
You can find bits and pieces, but have yet to find a really good book on these things.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Flying Pencil

In BoB era, all LW aircraft was manual, and the RAF the only powered one I can recall is the Blen's (Wellington with powered was just being installed at that moment.

Some vids of 111 gun positions (top gun being worked on, when I get time...)

Ahh, Brings back memories! The He-111 is the only German WW2 aircraft I've ever sat my foot in