Intro/ AAF WWII Goggles

[Edward]

I honestly do not know, I got it for 40 bucks, so I didn't really care. I dont think it is a war issue due to the seams, pockets, and lack of tag. It is pretty close to a real b-3 look wise, plus the entire jacket's leather is all cracked up, but yet still sturdy enough for every day wear, so it does really look like a war issue in person. I do have a real B-3 at home, but it has some blow holes in it, and it is quite fragile, so it does not get worn much. Either way, I have a hard time spending 400+ for a real B-3 that I can't wear...and I don't like that new looking "stuff" hahaha

Good price! With that - and, as pointed out above, the chest seam - it's probably a civilian equivalent, but it has a great period look to it, which is thed important thing. After all, most of us who wear these things now are wearing them in a civilian contet rather than military reenactment, so in that sense those sort of details matter less...

 

[Sgt Brown]

Thanks, but I won't deal with Allan. He's known for hoarding repro equipment to sell at inflated prices.

There's another outfit with repro 6530 cushions for $90. I assume they could be trimmed to two pieces...?

I've dealt with Bass. Note past tense.

Banaire in Banning, CA, have the repro 6530 cushions. Note that B-7 frames and many AO goggle frames that used separate cushions will also fit the one-piece 6530 cushions.

Sarge

 

[Phantomfixer]

banair

I thought banair's wharehouse burned down, no? I remember getting a few face cushions from them years and a few more years ago. If you have current contact info on them please post. BTW I was with the APS at Reading for a number of years with the capitol wing. That is until it split a few years ago. I hear that it is doing well again though. Good for the group. A very worthy cause.

 

[MPicciotto]

I thought banair's wharehouse burned down, no? I remember getting a few face cushions from them years and a few more years ago. If you have current contact info on them please post. BTW I was with the APS at Reading for a number of years with the capitol wing. That is until it split a few years ago. I hear that it is doing well again though. Good for the group. A very worthy cause.

Not to be a thread hijacker but I'm a member of the current Capital Wing of the APS. Great group of guys and gals.

Matt

 

[Phantomfixer]

Hey Matt John Z here

 

[MPicciotto]

Wazzup Johny Z!!

Matt

 

[Sgt Brown]

I thought banair's wharehouse burned down, no? I remember getting a few face cushions from them years and a few more years ago. If you have current contact info on them please post. BTW I was with the APS at Reading for a number of years with the capitol wing. That is until it split a few years ago. I hear that it is doing well again though. Good for the group. A very worthy cause.

Banair is back in operation. Regretfully, I am in NC and my catalog presently resides in OH. (I'm playing snowbird for the winter.) I tried Googling it but all I came up with is they own a number of aircraft. The owner is Art Medore and they specialize in T-6 parts.

I've been a member and Co-Ordinator of the APS Ohio Wing for eighteen years now. I remember the old DC Wing with Brooksie (who's still going strong, by the way) and have had plenty of contact with the new Capital Wing. Great gang with incredible enthusiasm. Our sister Pittsburgh Wing is headed by Dan Hamilton, founder of the APS clear back in 1985.

You old/new APS members have probably met me at Reading but I am kind of a "behind the scenes" type who doesn't make a lot of noise.

Sarge

 

[KilroyCD]

Here's Banaire's website: http://www.banaire.com/
By the way, I'm the APS Capital Wing's "RAF Liaison Officer".

 

[Mike K.]

As far as the strap goes any sewing outlet has the correct black or white elastic to replace your old stuff.

Sewing outlets might have black or white elastic to replace your original straps, but it is not the correct elastic. Compare the original to what is made today. The problem with today's elastic is that it is made with a poly/cotton textile over a rubber core. Additionally, the white color is too bright and the weave is entirely off. What you need to find is old stock elastic in 100% cotton over rubber core. Easier said than done (from personal experience). You can easily find the narrow width cotton elastic used in undergarments, but the wider stuff that you need for goggle straps is apparently no longer in production. A relative was lucky enough to locate some for me in a fabric outlet somewhere in Georgia.

 

[Phantomfixer]

straps

Guess I shouldn't have said "any" sewing center. Another source of elastic is the CWU-45P winter flight jacket (still in produdtion : ) . Some of the newer models have an elastic strap on the back side armpit to armpit. It is between the liner and the shell. Very easy to harvest this elastic. Spot on replacement.
Thanks Kilroy for the banair website. Is Mark Rutch still with you guys? And Dan Hamilton is an excellent organizer not to mention cook. Heck of a guy. Glad to here Brooks is doing good I haven't seen him since a show at Frederick MD years ago. Good guy. Matt maybe we will see you at Reading this year.
Sgt Brown, I have you in a few group photos at Reading from the mid 90's maybe plus or minus a few years.

 

[KilroyCD]

I can't say that I know Mark, but I've been friends with Dan for years. Great guy.
Getting back on topic, their AN-6530 face cushions are $68.50. Their repro AN-6530 goggles (which I have seen before) are nice, and they sell for $168.50.

 

[Sgt Brown]

I can't say that I know Mark, but I've been friends with Dan for years. Great guy.
Getting back on topic, their AN-6530 face cushions are $68.50. Their repro AN-6530 goggles (which I have seen before) are nice, and they sell for $168.50.

Ah for the good old days when he sold cushions for 3/$80. Oh well.lol

Tom