Vickers variable hydraulic transmission, WWII, maybe bombbay door B24 or B29, US $350.00 – Picture 0

Vickers variable hydraulic transmission, WWII, maybe bombbay door B24 or B29, US $350.00 – Picture 1

Vickers variable hydraulic transmission, WWII, maybe bombbay door B24 or B29, US $350.00 – Picture 2

Vickers variable hydraulic transmission, WWII, maybe bombbay door B24 or B29, US $350.00 – Picture 3

Vickers variable hydraulic transmission, WWII, maybe bombbay door B24 or B29, US $350.00 – Picture 4

Vickers variable hydraulic transmission, WWII, maybe bombbay door B24 or B29, US $350.00 – Picture 5

Vickers variable hydraulic transmission, WWII, maybe bombbay door B24 or B29, US $350.00 – Picture 6

Vickers Variable Hydraulic Transmission, Wwii, Maybe Bombbay Door B24 Or B29

US $350.00

Delray Beach, Florida, United States
Jan 30th

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In 1955, when I was 15 and building a “quarter-size racer”, I bought this amazing device from one of the great war surplus houses of the time, probably in Nebraska or Kansas. But never installed it or ran it under serious power. It is a single dense greenish cube transmission weighing about 18 lbs, and 7 to 8 inches a side. It contains all sealed up, a hydraulic pump driving a hydraulic motor with the bidirectional speed continuously variable up to about one-third of the input speed, if my hazy memory is right. If I recall correctly, it was used to open the bomb bay on a large WWII bomber, maybe the B24 or B29; not sure. OK, not quite as complex as a Norden bombsight, but quite amazing to see it in all its complexity. Comes with two 3.5 inch splined steel shafts that mate with the input and outputs. I never did find any later application for it. But was duly impressed with it as a continuously variable and ingenious bidirectional transmission. This would look great on a coffee table but what a waste of functionality. Only two owners so far: me and the US Air Force (and the surplus house too). If you are rebuilding World War II airplanes or just want a unique challenge to engage your mind, this is it. Sorry, I am not able to accept returns except for any explicit claim presented in this offer that is substantially wrong. Unit and shafts weigh about 18.5 lbs.(label says 16.1) Vickers Detroit model AA16801 A I will ship within 2 business days of receipt of payment using any method you choose that is feasible.

Seller Notes

“I tried it out just a few times but not under full power. I thought about eyeballing the inside and started to remove wires and bolts but didn’t get far when I started damaging tight bolts. Otherwise it has been sitting in my shop for the last 60 years. It appears to be dry all around but I think in the past it may have leaked some oil from a stripped bolt but I can’t say for sure at this point in time. I installed a piece of wood dowel to replace the small metal control knob, now disappeared, and may have drilled or modified the shaft to take my wood knob. Some parts seem frozen and the only claim I make is that it could be great fun to tear this complex unit apart and make it work.”