Can anybody give me a “concise history” of the different types of props used on Lancasters – de Havilland, Rotol, Hamilton etc please? Which superseded which, and why, ie advantages? Are any specific to particular Mks? I’m particularly interested in Lancaster BIII, ME453 (PO-L) of 467 squadron which was shot down on 3/4th March 1945 with the loss of all its crew.
Any help gratefully accepted.
Max Williams
Portland, Dorset
By: Mayhem Marshy - 9th January 2013 at 09:24
Like Bomberboy, I may also be able to help out with CAD drawings. I use it for designing buildings, but would be able to sort out some engineering details if you let me know what you need and give me some guidance. Let me know if I can be of assistance.
Marts
By: Arabella-Cox - 8th January 2013 at 19:56
Props
The “British” 23 EX hubs are identical to the US 23E50, which is a widely available prop. The spline will be SAE-50 but with a new spider with SBAC-50 (Merlin-size) spline it will go into a US-built Hamilton Standard hub no probs.
The pitch change gear likewise. The de-H units are just licence built H-S Hydromatics and parts are interchangeable.
The blades can be re-shaped DC-3 or DC-4 items. This will be cheaper than new ones.
Anon.
By: nx611_1945 - 8th January 2013 at 19:12
Shouldn’t be a problem. You can make a prop up out of ‘bits’ and licence it for airworthy with 1200 hours.
We have found a company that can make the spiders and prop blades now so there is always the route of new production.
By: Bomberboy - 7th January 2013 at 20:51
Thanks for that NX.
With what you have said, it does seem to present you all with a bit of problem and if things are not forthcoming, it may very well be the case that the props already fitted are the only option available. That said if they are deemed not fit for overhaul, then quite simply this could present them with a show stopper????
Any option would involve a very costly full overhaul anyway.
Do log books exist for the props already?
How many do BBMF have?
Maybe a sawp for the DAS York props (provided they are suitable for both type and condition) might be another avenue to consider for overhauling????
WRT the CAD drawings you need, are there drawings already existing, but need to be drawn up on CAD, or are they to be ‘from scratch’ drawings?
If it’s the former, I may be able to help, but I need to ask someone first.
By: nx611_1945 - 7th January 2013 at 20:11
The props fitted are original from production. We are looking for parts and/or whole assemblies for the future of the aircraft. Unfortunately noone is in a position to be able to get hold complete assemblies as they seem to be as rare and the proverbial hens tooth. We are expecting problems with the fitted props for airworthiness due to being stood outside on the aircraft for so long before the aircraft came to EK. The more parts we have the longer we can operate her.
By: Bomberboy - 7th January 2013 at 13:12
Just out of interest, are there problems with the existing ones?
Also, once you have amassed all the bits you are seeking, what is the plan for them all then?
Props normally have their own log book as a serialled assembly, not a collection of prop bits put together?
I say this assuming that these would be intended for use for flying, or would the props already fitted, be overhaulled as serialled assemblies, again assuming that they are themselves serialled assemblies in the first place?
By: Peter - 19th November 2006 at 14:50
Your right on the money ME453!!
By: ME453 - 19th November 2006 at 12:37
Thanks for that Beaufighter. Am I correct then in saying that the DH props are the “needle” shape and the Hamilton the “paddle” shape?
By: Beaufighter VI - 18th November 2006 at 21:41
Some very brief detail.
Lancaster I Merlin XX Hamilton A5/138, DH 5/40, DH5/40H (DH hub)
Lancaster II Hercules VI Rotol RE8/36/1, 2,5 & 6. Semi flared used in emergency only.
Lancaster II Hercules VI Rotol RE9 series with fully flared blades.
Lancaster III Merlin 28 DH 5/40 & 5/40H
Lancaster III Merlin 28 Hamilton A5/138 & A5/148
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November 18, 2006 at 8:48 pm