Following my recent visit to Fenland and West Norfolk Museum, a few photos of this are in my collection, the remains of an engine trawled from the wash, with the fishermans nets still attached !
I think I was told what it is ? but would like your collected opinions ?? both engine and possible airframe ??
Keith.
By: keithnewsome - 16th July 2009 at 22:43
Thank you John ! As ever your knowledge astounds me ! In the 40th year of mans first walk on the moon, we are still looking for answers to events that happened so many years prior to that ?????
Keith.
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th July 2009 at 22:30
Hercules engine remains
Yes,
I agree with Creaking Door, definitely Bristol Hercules.
The later models of Wellington had this engine and the Rotol electric propeller – a hybrid design based on the Curtiss electric prop (motor/gearbox pitch change gear) with a Rotol hub – as in this picture.
I think the Halifax only ever used the Rotol hydraulic type and the de-H Hydromatics. The Beau used Bracket and Hydromatic de-H’s.
As for the Lanc II, this had 3-blade Rotols which, I am fairly sure, were hydraulic though they often used spinners which could have concealed an electric system.
My money’s on it being from a Wellington Herc.
Anon.
By: John Aeroclub - 16th July 2009 at 22:27
I would agree with Creaking door, Hercules with a Rotol Prop. This rules out the Halifax
and Stirling. Again probably Wellington (two props recovered) and possibly Lanc II.
John
By: Creaking Door - 16th July 2009 at 22:05
Creaking Door. Bristol Hercules is the name my guide suggested, but with a question mark in his voice??
It is definitely 100% certain a Bristol Hercules engine.
Yes, it is a very similar hub also from a Hercules engine; possibly even the same aircraft. Notice the four brass rings between the hub and reduction gear? These are for brushes for the electrically controlled variable-pitch propeller; on the front view you can see four electrical contacts (2+1+1) on the front face of the hub (between the six studs).
Iād be very interested to know what type of aircraft this propeller was fitted to also as I have an identical one in my garage.
By: keithnewsome - 16th July 2009 at 21:51
Creaking Door. Bristol Hercules is the name my guide suggested, but with a question mark in his voice ?? And the ‘hallowed’ name of ‘Halifax’ in his mind ???
Meanwhile this hub was laying very close, as you can see, could it be related ??
By: Creaking Door - 16th July 2009 at 21:31
It is definitely a Bristol Hercules engine with Rotol propeller, as to what is from…
…possibly Wellington or Lancaster II.
By: Lindy's Lad - 16th July 2009 at 21:07
100% Bristol Hercules! š
http://www.supercoolprops.com/images/2aresize.gif
Reduction gears, accessory gear and twin row seem to match….
Not my first thought , the BMW – the location of the reduction gear and accessory drive don’t match…
Its all wrong for a merlin
By: Mark V - 16th July 2009 at 20:58
Twin row radial with a three blade VP prop……. could be almost anything german, or american….. With the externals of the engine rotted away, hinting at extensive use of magnesium, I’d say some kind of german unit – BMW / FW190? (just a guess)
The remains of wooden blades would suggest its not American. Three blade, wood, probably early Spitfire or Hurricane unless anything else was using wooden blades?
By: Creaking Door - 16th July 2009 at 20:57
100% Bristol Hercules! š
By: Lindy's Lad - 16th July 2009 at 20:43
Twin row radial with a three blade VP prop……. could be almost anything german, or american….. With the externals of the engine rotted away, hinting at extensive use of magnesium, I’d say some kind of german unit – BMW / FW190? (just a guess)
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July 16, 2009 at 8:37 pm