By: Bager1968 - 19th March 2010 at 20:27
No, it’s definitely not B-25.
The Mitchell had needle blades – these are paddle blades typical of the B-17, B-24 and C-47.
Anon.
Yes… the tips are rather broad, and a look at all the B-25 pics I have show a distinct taper to all the blades.
Nice ID point to remember… thanks.
By: Bograt - 19th March 2010 at 20:20
We have been assisting the finders of this relic with their research and our own thoughts are B-17. Did the B-25 have prop de-icing? On the prop found the de-icing pipes are quite well preserved. They have now taken a few bits apart and are discovering part numbers which should help.
By: Arabella-Cox - 19th March 2010 at 20:20
B-25 prop?
No, it’s definitely not B-25.
The Mitchell had needle blades – these are paddle blades typical of the B-17, B-24 and C-47.
Anon.
By: Bager1968 - 19th March 2010 at 19:28
Yes, almost certainly B-17.
The reduction gearing is typical of the Wright Cyclone engine (planetary gear). The only other two realistic options with this prop would be P&W Twin Wasp-powered B-24 and C-47 but that engine uses the Farman bevel gearing very different to that seen here.
Looks like it’s in great nick, with no obvious corrosion, which is amazing considering it has been under the sea for (presumably) 65-odd years.
Anon.
Ummm… the B-25 also had this propeller, and Wright Cyclone engines.
The RAf alone got over 900 B-25s.
Add in the other types on page 6 of this PDF that had Cyclones, and there are more candidates.
http://files.asme.org/ASMEORG/Communities/History/Landmarks/5572.pdf
By: Creaking Door - 16th March 2010 at 13:19
Looks like it’s in great nick, with no obvious corrosion, which is amazing considering it has been under the sea for (presumably) 65-odd years.
Possibly freshwater, and if the river needs dredging then it’s probably been buried in silt…..still I’d agree it is in great condition…
Makes you wonder what condition anything else left down there’s in. Well, was, until the dredger chomped it anyway…
…but, yes, I wouldn’t hold out any hope for anything more fragile…..looking at the fearsome teeth on that dredging equipment!
By: Blue_2 - 16th March 2010 at 12:55
Makes you wonder what condition anything else left down there’s in. Well, was, until the dredger chomped it anyway… 🙁
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th March 2010 at 12:45
Prop i/d
Yes, almost certainly B-17.
The reduction gearing is typical of the Wright Cyclone engine (planetary gear). The only other two realistic options with this prop would be P&W Twin Wasp-powered B-24 and C-47 but that engine uses the Farman bevel gearing very different to that seen here.
Looks like it’s in great nick, with no obvious corrosion, which is amazing considering it has been under the sea for (presumably) 65-odd years.
Anon.
By: Creaking Door - 16th March 2010 at 09:03
I’d agree so far; the reduction gear isn’t from a Merlin or any Bristol engine.
By: Blue_2 - 16th March 2010 at 08:50
PS sorry Graham, didn’t notice you’d suggested B17 in the original post too 😮
By: anneorac - 16th March 2010 at 08:30
A Hamilton Standard/DH hydromatic propeller. That narrows it down to about 30% of the aircraft types used by the Allies.
The hub looks in good nick so there is every chance they’ll be able to identify it from that.
Anne
By: Blue_2 - 16th March 2010 at 08:01
A punt- B-17?:confused:
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March 16, 2010 at 7:56 am