Help dating C130 Yoke Cap

[grimes]

Picked up this C130 yoke cap, but am having trouble dating it.

It's an early design but I don't know how early.

[herkman]

Looks like the same that were on our c130a

These were the last A models built but were followed by the Rc130A and then to the B model.

So it could be off any of those models, but I do not recall it belonging to our C130E

Regards

Col

[grimes]

Looks like the same that were on our c130a

These were the last A models built but were followed by the Rc130A and then to the B model.

So it could be off any of those models, but I do not recall it belonging to our C130E

Regards

Col

Thank you for the reply.

Glad to hear it's likely from an A or B model.

[Richard W.]

Are the 4 screws original?

Seems like an inelegant way to put the cap together, compared to the beauties other firms produced.

[grimes]

Are the 4 screws original?

Seems like an inelegant way to put the cap together, compared to the beauties other firms produced.

Yes, the C130 caps are attached with 4 screws. The modern C130 doesn't use that extended locking assembly, but is still attached with 4 screws on the center of the yoke.

Definitely way different than how other manufactures attached their caps.


Here's a modern c130 with a modern cap.

[Ken]

I've always enjoyed these yoke cap discussions but this one is personal since I flew C-130's. I never saw a USAF Herk with a yoke cap, as our cap was a flat plate with two studs used for mounting an instrument approach plate holder and flat black rather than a design. Two more of these "caps" were mounted on the forward side of the 245 bulkhead near the crew stairs to keep the plate holders if not in use (although I never saw them used).

When I look at this image, here are things that come to mind:

1. I don't have the resolution to read the tail number placard on the glareshield - is it legible on the original?

2. The pilot looks to be wearing rank from a European country, but I'm not versed enough to say which one.

3. The type of ADI shown was replaced by a Collins unit around 1978-80 and the seats are the same vintage, so I presume this aircraft is older. If I had to guess I'd say C-130E/K.

4. The top of the control column has a cannon plug for the approach plate holder lights, so this airplane may not have always had these designer caps.

Ken