I took delivery of this big bad beauty a few weeks ago – A P&W B-series, R-2800 Double Wasp engine.
I actually acquired it several years ago but it has been in storage in a friend’s barn until recently (the sharp-eyed amongst you may have noticed it on the back of the truck delivering the Shorts 360 cockpit section to Liverpool (see thread)).
It’s very firmly in the class of War Winner amongst aero-engines, this one (dash 57) being fitted to P-47 Thunderbolt and A-26 Invader aircraft. I’ve been after one of these for years and I am very pleased to have finally acquired this example.
I know nothing about its provenance but it appears to have been coated in oil to offer it some semblance of protection. It also seems to be complete internally though is missing a few external covers and components. I have no idea if it turns or not; that will have to wait until it is mounted on a stand when I can get a prop on it and give it a heave! Judging by its condition I would say it has seen some service so it is probably time-ex.
The most obvious missing components are five exhaust and five inlet rocker covers as well as a carburettor and a starter. I probably have a pump or two I can bolt on the back. An exhaust system would be nice;)
A few of the Y-shape inlet tubes are dented though these can probably be knocked out. However, one or to may need to be replaced. It is huge – much bigger than I realised though, at just shy of 46 litres displacement I suppose that’s not surprising.
The plan is, as stated, to get it stand or trolley mounted then give it an external restoration. It’ll be good to go to shows, along with a darned great Hamilton Standard three-bladed prop to screw onto it and is guaranteed to turn heads – especially at Steam rallies where the reactions of the engineers is almost disbelief at the power to weight ratio compared to their own cast-iron monsters.
As ever, I would be pleased to hear from anyone if they can supply/provide any of the missing parts or leads thereto.
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Anon.
By: Arabella-Cox - 26th June 2014 at 09:58
Thanks redhillwings, I’ll have a look.
Weight is under a ton as it is but with accessories and a prop, etc, I believe the weight is around 2,500lbs.
Yes, indeed, how do things fly with this weight up front. They come a lot heavier than this one; the R-3350 is around 1.5t before anything is attached and complete power plant engine change units, or power eggs, can come in at 2.5 to 3.0t with the mounts, radiators, coolers, hoses, prop, cowls and everything else that it needs.
The R-4360 Wasp Major was even bigger.
Of course, the paradox is that the aircraft will not leave the ground without this weight to both power it and balance the airframe.
Fascinating stuff.
Anon.
By: Oxcart - 26th June 2014 at 09:21
Around a ton, I would think.
By: AlanR - 26th June 2014 at 07:57
Certainly a big lump.
It makes you wonder how anything could get off the ground with one or more of those bolted on the front.
Any idea what it weighs ?
By: Arabella-Cox - 26th June 2014 at 07:28
Normally stamped on cylinder head close to rockers, pretty sure all or most are stamped. Nice lump.
By: Arabella-Cox - 25th June 2014 at 21:57
Further to my earlier excited ramblings; does anyone know where I might find the engine number on this type of powerplant? As is usual the data plate is missing.
TIA, Anon.
By: Arabella-Cox - 26th May 2014 at 08:42
The plugs will be coming out anyway, TonyT, so I can squirt some release oil into the cylinders.
Anon.
By: TonyT - 26th May 2014 at 00:21
Not teaching you to suck eggs BUT
I know nothing about its provenance but it appears to have been coated in oil to offer it some semblance of protection. It also seems to be complete internally though is missing a few external covers and components. I have no idea if it turns or not; that will have to wait until it is mounted on a stand when I can get a prop on it and give it a heave! Judging by its condition I would say it has seen some service so it is probably time-ex.
Drop the plugs out first to prevent it hydraulicing, otherwise if the pots are full of oil, you’ll bend something.
By: WV-903. - 25th May 2014 at 21:24
Beast of a Beast Mike,
What an engine !!
Bill T.
By: Arabella-Cox - 25th May 2014 at 20:53
Well done Mike! As you can appreciate, I don’t have any parts for you (don’t wish to soil my Merlin garage with anything so unworthy!) but it will look a treat on a trailer. You know who can help there 🙂
All the best,
DAI
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May 25, 2014 at 8:40 pm