V 1 Rocket Engine?

Darrell, your straying from the BCATP buddy!

The noise level of the Chino example has to be heard to be believed…

Thanks for the info Skipper, I managed to get some pictures, really not sure what I am up against moneywise here, but neat item for sure, Darrell

Hello yes I have a chance to go see a V1 rocket engine maybe for sale, I do not know much about them at all, in regards to markings,stampings, makers label, data plates or anything? I believe Ford reproduced some ? if anyone has any info would appreciate prior to visiting this thing, actually any value would help too. really don ‘t know what it would be worth to purchase, but would be neat to own, thank you Darrell

Hi Bolyman,

I studied quite a few examples intensely for a year or so a while back to get enough data to build one of my own. In the process of tooling up for that right now.

Ford certainly did reproduce a few of their own for the Loon. Planes of Fame have refurbed one of those and have it running in Chino (see Youtube for some good footage).

Absolutely no idea what the purchase price would be for one. However, I did see bits of one on the Miltrade? website last week – the klappenregister alone, which was in quite poor nick was being sold for £1500.

I have never seen any labels or data plates on the ones I’ve studied in Germany, France and the UK. Cost reduction was certainly top of the agenda when these things were made, and I guess they weren’t really required for in-service inspection purposes! Maybe some VW (Volkswagen) stamps on the front-end components – to be honest I don’t know.

I guess it’s just one of those things that you will know when you see it if it is genuine. What I would say, though, is:
1. Have a look on the internet at some photos (I have loads in you need to look at any specifics) to see the line-up of welds on the pipe. These are staggered and usually at distinct locations on the pipe although I seem to recall that they are slightly different on the Ford version. The welds are also pretty “lumpy” on the German versions.
2. The thickness of the pipe material (mild steel) is something I would also check – should be 2.5mm at the working end.
3. Although quite easily changed, if the original spark plug is still there then it should be a Bosch W145T1 (as fitted to many period VW cars).

If you are seriously looking at buying to get this thing running, then I would certainly check out the condition of the spring steel valves and the intricate die-cast alloy grid. Valve discolouration and tip wear (fretted, broken springs) would be a sure sign of some use and would maybe point towards it being one of the American test engines. Remember these things were lifed for only 20-30 minutes! Also, unless stored in dry conditions over the passed 60 odd years, these items will probably show some sign of decay. I guess you should be prepared to do some significant refurb on these!

The guys at Planes of Fame would be the best people to talk to as they have refurbed their Ford one “from the bottom up”.

Btw, have you seen the latest Youtube footage of Rob Maddox running his own version of the V-1 Argus?:D:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3pOyWLgasg&feature=feedwll
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HC6LRYy-Cg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFj9dGZF_zc

Good luck!!!!

There’s one on display at Newark – how quickly do you need the information?

At the risk of seeming to be a pendant, it was a pulse jet engine, not a rocket.

As far as Ford goes, did they make the power plant for the yank V1 rip off, the “loon” ?

I suppose a blue badge would give the game away on that one:D

edit- found this

The airframe for the JB-2 was built by the Republic Aviation Corporation and the engine by the Ford Motor