3D Printed Hartwell Latch Parts

Ryan's are much later latches - the male part that hooks into the housing is 1-piece on the GT40 type (as in posts #4 and #11), on this later type it is 2-piece so if it isn't properly fastened the top half sticks out like a flag. On these it is a spring that pushes the latch out rather than the bottom section of the "Press" tab. They aren't compatible with the earlier type so would need the correct 2-piece male part.

Regards,


Graham.
 
This is an image of the later-type latch, note how the male part is in two sections, when it's not engaged properly the top half hangs out like a warning flag:

3-27.png


I hope that makes sense to everyone.

Regards,


Graham
 

JimmyMac

Lifetime Supporter
This is an image of the later-type latch, note how the male part is in two sections, when it's not engaged properly the top half hangs out like a warning flag:

View attachment 111327

I hope that makes sense to everyone.

Regards,


Graham

Graham,

I know about the 2-piece clip and we had a few in the past but Ryan's latch has a 1-piece male clip ??.

fullsizeoutput_f35.jpeg
 
Hi James,

I don't think that is the correct male clip for that latch which is why it's not fully closed. A Tornado wouldn't have had the 1-piece ones fitted, I stand to be corrected.

Regards,

Graham.
 

JimmyMac

Lifetime Supporter
Hi Graham,

Brian's re-engineered "press" tabs are a great idea and I have a batch of Hartwells with the larger tabs which I had considered changing so kudos to him for the idea.
My reason for asking about Ryan's parts is there is no secondary spring in these ones that I have and they take two types of male inserts, each with differing locking positions.

The usual profiled Hartwell fits perfectly and locks under the tab at the top.
The second type has a cross pin and this lock behind the bottom of the press tab lever.

I had each type of insert scanned a while ago after considering to make a hybrid male insert combining both profiles including the horizontal locking pin which I think might be stronger and more failsafe.

IMG_1100.JPG


fullsizeoutput_da0.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Hi James,

I must admit to never having considered the other types, mainly because at one time I had boxes of these. I have some other variants that Bryan Wingfield used on 1089 where the Press tab is smaller and there is an additional cross-member at the top of the female housing. I think I have one of your type B somewhere.

If used and adjusted correctly these latches are incredibly strong but I have a few broken ones from original GT40s!

Regards,


Graham
 
Hi Graham,

Brian's re-engineered "press" tabs are a great idea and I have a batch of Hartwells with the larger tabs which I had considered changing so kudos to him for the idea.
My reason for asking about Ryan's parts is there is no secondary spring in these ones that I have and they take two types of male inserts, each with differing locking positions.

The usual profiled Hartwell fits perfectly and locks under the tab at the top.
The second type has a cross pin and this lock behind the bottom of the press tab lever.

I had each type of insert scanned a while ago after considering to make a hybrid male insert combining both profiles including the horizontal locking pin which I think might be stronger and more failsafe.

View attachment 111351

View attachment 111352
James.
If you ever want any of my printed latches, I can give you the CAD model, and the name of the company that did them for me.
 
Graham,

fullsizeoutput_f35-jpeg.111341


I know about the 2-piece clip and we had a few in the past but Ryan's latch has a 1-piece male clip ??.

View attachment 111341

Sorry, @JIMMYMAC been flat out over the weekend.

that photo is actually the combination of two different styles of latches and not representative of a complete latch.
fullsizeoutput_f35-jpeg.111341


I have two number of the early flat latches, that is where the solid part has come from that would normally be attached to the chassis of the GT40.
the part of the latch that has the words"press" on it is curved in the version that comes from the Tornado fighter jet and as you can see in the photo, does not allow for straight latch to be inserted fully and embed itself under the press button and actually latch.

yes these Tornado fighter jet latches have a spring to release the toggle/chassis mounted part and do not rely on the press button to push the toggle out.

i will get some more photos when i have a chance.

PS, i think the Tornado Jet was an early 70s aircraft from what i have read.

Hope that clears it up.
Regards Ryan
 

JimmyMac

Lifetime Supporter
Thanks Ryan,
I thought that you hit lucky with getting these fully assembled.
Originally I did order those Tornado panels but was told later that there were no male pieces so cancelled.
They are nice latches so let's hope some 2-piece parts turn up soon.
 
I had a bit of luck in getting them. I will just keep working on them. I will have to get some bits printed/machined up.
first step is to see if i can 3d print some bits in plastic that will work.
 
Finally got around to making my "Hartwell" latches from a SARMA donor, and my 3D printed Press button.

I disassembled the Sarma latches, machined the ears off, turned up some new pins, fabricated the back plates and tack welded them together.
I think they have come out quite well, and have so far cost me about £50 each, Just need to make the bracket that goes on the chassis now, but I but I need some dimensions if anyone has the drawing?
20210613_140603.jpg
 
They have come up great @Brian Coombs
I believe there are a couple of different versions of the bracket that mounts to the chassis. Certainly different between front and back (different part number) I am not sure if the wide bodies or the MK II had a different version again to account for the different offsets in the rear tail sections. (Was going to say clips/clam shells but that may get confusing given the topic)

Is the drawing for the rear clip latch base in the set that has been posted on Grab-Cad?
 
They have come up great @Brian Coombs
I believe there are a couple of different versions of the bracket that mounts to the chassis. Certainly different between front and back (different part number) I am not sure if the wide bodies or the MK II had a different version again to account for the different offsets in the rear tail sections. (Was going to say clips/clam shells but that may get confusing given the topic)

Is the drawing for the rear clip latch base in the set that has been posted on Grab-Cad?
Thanks Ryan, Yes, I now have the dimensions for the (non wide body) brackets, and as you say the front and back are different. so I hope to get the time to machine these up in the next few weeks.
 
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