Information on period pilot maps

[Hoverbug]

If it's an escape and evasion map, it'll be usually be silk. If it's an aeronautical chart, it'll be on paper. You really do have some latitude on how it's printed - especially if you're not actually reproducing a period map.

[RedToo]

I have a 1930's RAF map of the south east of England. It is paper on open weave linen. I am at work at the moment. I will post more details when I get home.

RedToo.

[DD_crash]

Originally Posted by RedToo

I have a 1930's RAF map of the south east of England. It is paper on open weave linen. I am at work at the moment. I will post more details when I get home.

RedToo.

Old time (1950s) Ordenance Survey maps used to be paper backed with linen. I dont think that things would have changed much in 10 years.

[Spudkopf]

Didn't the Germans just use the Michelin Guide?

[W32Blaster]

... always used secret weapon:

google maps

[WTE_Galway]

Originally Posted by luthier

Thanks everyone for your help, but I still need more help with this. We didn't have questions about the map contents per se. We're actually pretty good on the content. We already have a high-res map of our area, which is what would be printed. We just don't know what to print it on, and how to print it.

And I'm still not sure whether this would need to be on cloth, silk, or paper. But since no one seemed to know much about these even on a forum full of aviation experts, I'm guessing the materials won't be a major deal, as long as the map itself is good.

Note that references to silk maps found so far refer exclusively to RAF "escape maps" which clearly were pointless during the Battle of Britain. From my experience printing directly on linen or silk was rare. Much more common was a paper map backed with something like linen.

I have found a few photos of crew in a he111 using maps in flight. One shows the co-pilot using what looks very much like folded paper. The second looks more interesting the as map appears to be mounted on a stiff folding board with two panels each about 40cm wide by 30 cm high. I will post these up when I get a chance to scan them.

Also remember that regularly updated/changed maps like strip maps and individual airfield maps would almost certainly be just paper. In addition the pilot/navigator generally drew on these maps with a "chinagraph" pencil meaning they had a limited operational life before becoming cluttered and needing replacement.

On the other hand, the 1940 equivalent of sectionals and WAC charts were likely to be backed with linen or some other material for longevity.

[Abbeville-Boy]

is map for our knee? good booklet would be too

[swiss]

Originally Posted by Abbeville-Boy

is map for our knee? good booklet would be too

the map is mainly deco - I hope we'll have an ingame map too.
-> silkmap= cool

[Skoshi Tiger]

Although a printed map in the box would be very cool, Please put a PDF of the map in the distribution! (like the New Guinea map on the PF disk - or better)

This thread has made me remember. Some where around the traps is the book on map reading and cartography my grandfather was issued when he joined the militia (Dad's army type - he was a WWI veteran) at the begining of WWII.

Will have to search it out!

Cheers!

[jocko417]

...and said under Elvis' breath while leaving said building...

Originally Posted by luthier

Thanks everyone for your help, but I still need more help with this. <snip> We just don't know what to print it on, and how to print it.