Martin P4M-1Q Mercator

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I am working at developing a panel for a Mercator and many freeware gauges are suitable. I have a copy of NAVAER 01-35EH-501 which shows a panel with a keyed list of instruments. According to this there are two Cylinder Head Temperature Indicators which is logical as the Mercator has two piston engines. However the illustration shows that each guage has two scales. For two engines I would have expected one gauge with a scale for each engine. All the Flight Sim CHT gauges I have found so far are either single scaled or twin scaled so for example a DC6 has two twin CHT gauges for four engines. Did each R-4360 need a twin gauge as cooling for the rear cylinders was dodgy? Also, while I get to grips with mastering gauge editing is there a way of removing the surrounding housing from gauges as the Mercator seems to have had a flat panel with round instruments fitted in recesses.
 
One thought that comes to mind is to check the inst panels of any other aircraft that used -4360s. The B-36 comes to mind, and they were rather tightly cowled in that aircraft. If rear cylinder cooling was a worry in any aircraft, one would think it would be in a B-36. Time to check photos of B-36 FE panels and see if a similar gauge was fitted there.
 
Just messaged the B-36 museum in Ft Worth, TX asking if their FE's panel shows two reading scales on the CHT gauges. If not, what would reason be for second reading scale. Awaiting their reply.
 
Thanks for the tips SS101. I have the C-124 from FS Berlin which has four combined CHT and Exhaust Gas Temperature gauges. These look similar to the gauges on the real Mercator panel so may be an answer. In the fairly poor Mercator panel monochrome illustrations I have both scales look the same but a combined EGT and CHT gauge for each engine would make sense.
 
Will check the email momentarily for a reply from the museum. If I'm not back fairly shortly that means it didn't come yet.

I'm wondering about that raised rim around the gauge - does that means the gauge night lighting was in the rim, or was it backlit?
 
Harrybasset - I've still not heard back from the B-36 museum re: your gauge question; I suspect this is because it's not open all the time so maybe they're not in to read their computer email. Not sure of the reason, but will let you know if/when I hear something back.:salute:
 
Thank you for your interest SS101. For the moment I am treating it as a EGT/CHT combined gauge and I am trying to refine a preliminary panel background. I am still hoping some kind modeller will present us with a Mercator as a Christmas surprise.
 
I was just wondering if any one is working on the 3 d model for the Martin P4M-1Q Mercator?

If not I would be willing to give the 3D model a try.

I believe in an earlier post Harrybasset said he was working on a panel for The Martin P4M-1Q Mercator which could be used for it.

I also seem to remmber seeing a post that OBIO had a sound file for the Martin P4M-1Q Mercator which could be used for it.

It could be a joint effort.

Please let me know if somebody is working on the 3D model

David Wooster
 
I don't know of anyone working on a 3D model of the Mercator. I am dipping my toe in the water but have never made a model before. I have just a child type of panel bitmap with an almost full set of gauges and a soundset combining loud radial and jet noises. The main problem with a Mercator is said to be the mixed power not being accomodated in FS2004. I think that could be worked round to get an acceptable result. There are working simulations of the Ryan Fireball, North American Savage and Fairchild C-123. A 3D model from you would be great David.
 
Well, David, I have no modeling skills at all but may be able to pull together some research. In the FSim arena unfortunately I'm a "taker," not a "maker," to use modern vernacular. I'd love to learn how to do that, but I'd have to start from scratch with instruction from someone who really knows how, and that's a big drain on anyone's time.
 
this4dave2 said:
I was just wondering if any one is working on the 3 d model for the Martin P4M-1Q Mercator?

If not I would be willing to give the 3D model a try.

I believe in an earlier post Harrybasset said he was working on a panel for The Martin P4M-1Q Mercator which could be used for it.

I also seem to remmber seeing a post that OBIO had a sound file for the Martin P4M-1Q Mercator which could be used for it.

It could be a joint effort.

Please let me know if somebody is working on the 3D model

David Wooster
Click to expand...

My copy of the ALPHA P-2 seems to have jet sound along with the recip.
 
SSI01 said:
Well, David, I have no modeling skills at all but may be able to pull together some research. In the FSim arena unfortunately I'm a "taker," not a "maker," to use modern vernacular. I'd love to learn how to do that, but I'd have to start from scratch with instruction from someone who really knows how, and that's a big drain on anyone's time.
Click to expand...

I have always relied on other people making models but I have now bought FSDS 3.5 and I am now trying out the various techniques. There is an overwhelming amount of information and tutorials available with FSDS itself and many other sources on the Internet to help me. I don't suppose I will ever compete with the Master Modellers but starting to learn is interesting and challenging, also a chance to keep current on my faithful swear words and curses.
 
harrybasset said:
I have always relied on other people making models but I have now bought FSDS 3.5 and I am now trying out the various techniques. There is an overwhelming amount of information and tutorials available with FSDS itself and many other sources on the Internet to help me. I don't suppose I will ever compete with the Master Modellers but starting to learn is interesting and challenging, also a chance to keep current on my faithful swear words and curses.
Click to expand...


LOL I salute you Sir for taking up arms. I wish others would be so inclined.

My only advice is take your time, learn the tool, experiment and play with it a lot, and have fun.
Once the basic tools are understood, then you have a foundation upon which to build and have even more fun. :)

Go forth and conquer Sir!
 
Thank you for your encouraging words Milton. I intend to master this skill, being retired means I have some time to work at this modelling business. My hounds snoring in the background is soothing when I get frustrated at making mistakes, still there is no mess or broken components left on the floor when something does not work out. My first project, which does not seem to have been attempted before has a bulged canopy. I think, using the FSDS documentation, I have found out how to do this, I feel as though Christmas has come early and my brain is getting some good exercise.
 
I second Milton's praise for you sir and salute you as well. In fact, as time goes on I would like to check in with you re: insights into pursuing this as a pastime (i.e., cost of program, perceived degree of difficulty, add-on programs that may/will become necessary, and so on). In the meantime please let me know if I can be of assistance to you re: the Merc.:salute:
 
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