While reading the Beaufighter special there is an article that mentions the longevity of the Hercules engines and that the skills required to maintain them existed long after the war in connection with their many transport applications. As I understand it the Beaufighter engine is very different from the later transport versions but is it so different that there is no commonality? If at least a couple of Beaufighter engines did come to light would they be able to use any of the presumably more numerous spare parts from the later engines?
Secondly I understand that the TFC search for useable engines has gone far and wide. Is there not any other likely locations that a suitable Hercules might be hiding away? What about any of the static Beau’s? Do any of them have engines suitable for rebuild that could be swapped for static engines?
By: David Burke - 28th May 2012 at 19:09
Its far more difficult to fit the latter engines then people think. It involves a substancial amount of re-engineering to make it work. The post war engines are quite a bit different to the wartime models. Far easier to find usable wartime engines .
By: Moggy C - 28th May 2012 at 17:59
Memory failing old chap?
By: Arabella-Cox - 28th May 2012 at 17:20
I thought the plan was to compromise and fit much later Hercules engines?
Certainly, TFC bought from me a pair (or was it just one?) ex Hastings Herc and I think they (or one?) are still in the blue frame it/they was/were in when I delivered them and alongside or near the Beau at Duxford.
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May 28, 2012 at 4:30 pm