This last weekend I was shown what appears to be a vintage aircraft propeller. The person who holds it got it from another chap who claims it is a propeller off ‘a World War 1 Avro’ – presumably a 504.
I took some measurements and photographs of this item, which is currently mounted on a wall. It was apparently found underwater, so all markings have been erased by the process of time – probably by sand abrasion. The measurements (I only had a metric tape with me) are
Overall length tip to tip 2730mm
Diameter of hub 200mm
Thickness of hub 145mm
Width of blade at widest point 230mm
There are 8 bolts in the hub, and 6 laminations of timber in the blades.
The item was said to be found at Tauranga Bay, in New Zealand’s Northland area – see map below. This could possibly make sense for a 504K relic, as there are two potential sources:
– The New Zealand Flying School (Walsh Brothers & Dexter) operated 504L seaplanes in the Northland area in the time period 1920 – 1924.
– Les Brake, an itinerant joyriding pilot operated an ex-NZPAF 504K off beaches in Northland 1931 – 1933.
Any identification/feedback on the above welcome.
By: flyernzl - 26th March 2008 at 23:57
Thanks for the link Martin.
Will try there.
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 25th March 2008 at 15:49
Looks like later 504 to me – I have two early types but am pretty sure that you’re right – try also www.avro504.org
Cheers
TT
By: wieesso - 24th March 2008 at 18:59
Have you already tried this forum?
http://woodenpropeller.com/forum/
Martin
By: flyernzl - 24th March 2008 at 10:00
all markings have been erased by the process of time – probably by sand abrasion.
As already stated.
By: G-ASEA - 24th March 2008 at 09:14
We need to know what is stamped on the side of the hub. There should be some writing and numbers. Then should then be able to identify what it is from.
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March 24, 2008 at 7:35 am