hi all, i work in a converted wartime hangar and recently a workmate lifted a metal floor plate and found the top half of a piston. ever the romantic id love to think its from one of the aircraft based there during the war. it is quite badly corroded, but after a quick wire brush, some numbers and letters are visible on top of the piston. was wondering if anyone knew if there are any ways to try identify said piece? best regards. s.:D
By: stavid - 20th April 2012 at 08:53
Sorry, I’m no use when it comes to instruments…..but I’m sure somebody here will be able to help.
I’d still like to see a photograph of your piston if you can post one.
the mystery piston. cheers. s.
By: stavid - 19th April 2012 at 18:54
Vampires were operational from 1944, so no reason why not!
Bruce
many thanks for your reply bruce. wasnt at all sure when the old vampire came into service wrongly presumed it was later than when raf evanton closed. im delighted because i couldnt tie it together otherwise. the literature states all the aircraft based there before, during and after the war. this obviously doesnt include the vampire, though i suppose it makes sense they could easily have been visiting, on detatchment etc?.
By: Bruce - 19th April 2012 at 15:52
Vampires were operational from 1944, so no reason why not!
Bruce
By: stavid - 19th April 2012 at 15:46
Vampire
hi there, according to some bumf i found, the closing date for the airfield here was march 1948. this obviously means there were no vampires based here. any suggestions?
By: stavid - 19th April 2012 at 15:41
Sorry, I’m no use when it comes to instruments…..but I’m sure somebody here will be able to help.
I’d still like to see a photograph of your piston if you can post one.
will be happy to post a pic of the piston asap. cheers.
By: Bruce - 19th April 2012 at 14:37
Vampire
By: Creaking Door - 19th April 2012 at 14:04
Sorry, I’m no use when it comes to instruments…..but I’m sure somebody here will be able to help.
I’d still like to see a photograph of your piston if you can post one.
By: stavid - 19th April 2012 at 13:56
Sorry, way too small for any serious aero-engine (unless you count Napier)!
hi again, could i pick your brain regarding the possible origin of a flap position dial found in the hangar where i work at ex raf rn evanton. many thanks. s.
By: stavid - 12th April 2012 at 20:08
Sorry, way too small for any serious aero-engine (unless you count Napier)!
cheers CD. i actually thought it was a bit large for an aircraft engine. shows how much ( or little) i know!! . as an aside, the hanger in which i work at ex raf evanton used to have some lovely aircraft recognition posters on the wall, which some clown saw fit to paint over. some folk just dont get it!!
By: Creaking Door - 10th April 2012 at 00:43
…approx 107mm dia. x 120mm high or imperial equivalent…
Sorry, way too small for any serious aero-engine (unless you count Napier)!
By: Denis - 9th April 2012 at 21:41
Sounds like a Perkins diesel piston to me too.
By: stavid - 9th April 2012 at 19:29
Not white metal, if they are gleaming, most probably chrome (plated); it is sounding like a diesel piston to me.
hi again, was afraid id hear it might not be an aircraft piston but hey ho! wasnt able to take pics today but jotted down a couple of sizes and numbers that are legible. they are as follows: approx 107mm dia. x 120mm high or imperial equivalent. metric rule used sorry. numbers: BLPV 100080?? 703F-61??.
By: Creaking Door - 9th April 2012 at 11:09
…also, parts of piston rings are just gleaming. would these be white metal?
Not white metal, if they are gleaming, most probably chrome (plated); it is sounding like a diesel piston to me.
By: Dr Strangelove - 8th April 2012 at 22:58
pretty sure top of piston is flat but with concave dip with a nipple
Sounds like a diesel piston… 
By: stavid - 8th April 2012 at 22:21
Sounds a very interesting find you have made. As everyone states, “A picture paints a thousand words”If anyone can I.D. it, given what is asked, then C.D. is the chap, he has I.Dd. several for me.
Jim.
Lincoln .7.
many thanks for that. just hope its not from a tractor lol. 😀
By: stavid - 8th April 2012 at 22:17
As has been said a photograph would be best but failing that:
– diameter of piston crown?
– description of crown: flat, domed or concave?
– description of underside of crown: smooth, ribbed (insert condom joke here) or other features?
will take few sizes with the old tape when back to work. pretty sure top of piston is flat but with concave dip with a nipple (insert joke) in it. something to do with combustion?. also, parts of piston rings are just gleaming. would these be white metal? hope photos to come are of help too. cheers . s.:D
By: Lincoln 7 - 8th April 2012 at 22:11
Sounds a very interesting find you have made. As everyone states, “A picture paints a thousand words”If anyone can I.D. it, given what is asked, then C.D. is the chap, he has I.Dd. several for me.
Jim.
Lincoln .7.
By: stavid - 8th April 2012 at 22:08
A picture of said piston & numbers would be helpful…..
will endeavour to come up with both picture and numbers asap. cheers. s.:D
By: Creaking Door - 8th April 2012 at 20:51
As has been said a photograph would be best but failing that:
– diameter of piston crown?
– description of crown: flat, domed or concave?
– description of underside of crown: smooth, ribbed (insert condom joke here) or other features?
By: Dr Strangelove - 8th April 2012 at 19:55
A picture of said piston & numbers would be helpful…..
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April 8, 2012 at 7:52 pm