WW2 RAF Coastal Command Hood.

[rick howarth]

WW2 Coastal Command Irvin. Replacing a missing hood.


Earlier posted on the WW2 site I have been advised to post it here so details as follows

This is an appeal for help with some measurements taken from an RAF WW2 Coastal Command Irvin hood. I recently purchased a size 6 Jacket [small grubby label tells me that] the hood of which has been cut off leaving just the short yellow collar. Uncommon larger size but not uncommon to find the hoods removed I understand. As I can't find any manufacturer who will make a replacement I have decided to make one myself. Devising a pattern is proving difficult and so far has been done on the basis of some excellent photographs on this site but if some kind person out there would provide me with a couple of crucial measurements and details I think I can do it.

Question one. Main measurement I need is the length of the edge of the front of the hood from the top of one half of the zip to the other ?

Question two. Looking at the hood from the back the two panels either side of the central seam each have a short seam at an angle from the main seam covering what I take to be a closed triangular cut out to give the hood curvature. Along the main seam how far up the panel are those cuts and still following the main seam what is the measurement from that cut to the front of the hood ?.

Final Question Three, are the two central panels the same width along their whole length.

If you aren't familiar with the jacket type all this will seem as clear as mud, and about as interesting !, but I know there are experts on this forum who can provide the information I need and I would be most appreciative of it.

Thankyou in advance


Last edited by rick howarth; Today at 04:00 PM.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I'll have to dig mine out, but I'll help you out in the morning. I'll bet the size of the hood is proportional to the size of the collar seam - a size 0-1 like mine will have a significantly smaller hood than a size 6! I'm sure if other members chime in with their measurements we should be able to run up a pattern for you, based on a proportional system.

Note: it won't be easy to source the right kind of sheepskin, the proper waterproofing, or the seam binding calfskin, but good luck!

 

[Graemsay]

Aero made a reproduction Coastal Command jacket for Nigel Cabourn a year or two back. I don't know if it was an accurate reproduction, or whether they would make up and attach a new hood for you, but it would be a starting point.

Though I'd be inclined to leave the jacket in its cut down state.

 

[Dr H]

Rather than tackle it yourself, why not contact Jon at Aces High (http://www.aceshighjackets.com/)? His Irvins are really excellent and he might be willing to try a collar.
Cheers
Ian

 

[Dr H]

That's an awful replica - it bears little resemblance to a CC Irvin.

 

[rocketeer]

I had an original Coastal Command Irvin that also had the hood trimmed to a collar. It was a professional job and all the seams were taped just like the rest of the jacket as though it was done during the period. The edges still had traces of the yellow paint or whatever the colouring of the hood were.
I have seen a couple and the hood was painted a bright yellow, a bit like most wet weather gear. cant comment on waterproofing but the body of the jackets always looks normal to me.
Mine was a dead ringer for a normal Irvin in the body construction, close curled fleece, four panelled front/back, a British DoT or Lightning zip(cant remember).
Why not contact Andrew S on here, he seems to be the local expert on British flying jackets, or, I see you are in the UK so maybe it it worth trying to track down Stephen Silburn, he is near Colchester and his speciality was the repair of British flying equipment.
If I find a pic I'll post it.
John

 

[aswatland]

I'll check the information later today from a CC jacket that I have at home.

 

[rick howarth]

Many thanks Andrew, that would be really appreciated. I was already aware of your expertise in this field before I enrolled here in fact it was in the hope of your input that I joined. Since I bought the jacket I have thought a lot about how to approach the construction in fact it's become an obsession. I have made a pattern but without those measurements I doubt its accuracy.

 

[rick howarth]

Thankyou John, the remaining short collar left on mine still has the original crackled and weathered yellow paint and when I have finished the hood I intend to try to match that finish.

 

[rick howarth]

Ian I did try Aero here in the UK but didn't even get a reply although looking at their website they seem to be facing something of a management crisis and are finding it difficult to fulfill existing orders

 

[rick howarth]

Ian, just visited the site. I wasn't aware of this company, some great jackets but necessity requires I compramise and do this myself. It's taken me 70 years to finally get my hands on a genuine Irvin although I have a two fabulous repros in my ELC B3 and IRVIN. I have been led to these jackets via my MGTD, almost standard dress for a 1950's open sportscar. If only it would stop raining !!

 

[Dr H]

Do contact Jon, Rick - at least he can advise you before you start. The CC Irvin is comparatively rare and it would be shame to source the 'wrong' materials.
Jon is a very helpful and practical guy (and posts on FL).
Cheers
Ian

 

[Dr H]

Ian I did try Aero here in the UK but didn't even get a reply although looking at their website they seem to be facing something of a management crisis and are finding it difficult to fulfill existing orders

Yes, Aero have other problems, covered in depth elsewhere on FL.
However, for accuracy I'd look to others to help.
The 'fashion CC' that was posted looks like the unhappy union of an Irvin and an AN-J-4 and that fluorescent orange hood is an odd choice.
I don't think that the CC was waterproofed particularly. The yellow hood was to aid visibility if the airman was awaiting rescue in the sea.
Good luck with the restoration.
Best
Ian

 

[rick howarth]

Just sent him an email Ian. I'll let you know if I get a reply.

 

[Edward]

The CC poctured above was produced by Aero for a fashion label. They have made one (that I know of) actual repro. It was for a Lounger, and was then sold on ebay about a year ago. Looked nice, though I gather it had the usual "tubular sleeves" issue.

 

[rick howarth]

Jon at Ace High quickly replied to the email I sent on Ians advice and he is very positive and is keen to help. Apparently he was considerring making a CC Irvin in 2013 but first wants to get his hands on a genuine hood or borrow a complete jacket. I said I would make this information known in case anyone following this thread can help.

To quote Jons email; " I couldn't have got this far with jacket making without the help and support of several forum members, and have aimed to share as much of my progress as possible on the forum.
I think this could a be great project, which will hopefully be interesting to many other forum members."

 

[Dr H]

Excellent news! Good luck both, looking forward to seeing the results.

 

[Sloan1874]

The CC poctured above was produced by Aero for a fashion label. They have made one (that I know of) actual repro. It was for a Lounger, and was then sold on ebay about a year ago. Looked nice, though I gather it had the usual "tubular sleeves" issue.

The arm issue has been fixed on their latest Irvins, as far as I can tell.

 

[Dr H]

The arm issue has been fixed on their latest Irvins, as far as I can tell.

Now Aero need to tackle the repro zips.

 

[Sloan1874]

Now Aero need to tackle the repro zips.

Yes, I've heard Andrew say that. I'm not too hard line on this kind of thing, though. Are they really so off the mark as to ruin the look? Or is it just for your personal satisfaction. I've seen the model they're basing the late WWII on and it's a peach.