Searching for Mercedes D III Parts

Sopwith, thank you re prop and project. A bit of tongue-in-cheek regarding the Mercedes aero engine club, as I do not believe that one exists. Not many owners/ guardians of original engines. I’m probably the newest ‘member’ but have been in touch with many.

J Boyle also a thank you for your information. I have visited and met with Chuck who, at the time, was working on 2 Mercedes engine projects. A very skilled and helpful person.

Regards
John

That’s a good looking propellor John, very impressive. Incidentally I didn’t know that there was a Mercedes aero engine club. Good luck with your project and please keep us posted.

Try Antique Aero in Paso Robles. The contact is Chuck Wentworth,805 239 0749. My contact says he may be working on a Mercedes for an Albatros now

Here’s an article that mentions them and their well-regarded work with Mr. Arangos and his large collection of airworthy Great War types.

http://www.airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/mr-arangos-aeroplanes-3409154/?no-ist

Back in 2003 at a WWI fly-in at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, someone had an almost complete D VII…with correct Mercedes engine. I loved its looks and brass radiator, it reminded me of the one I have on my WWI-era sports car. I understand it was out of California..it came in it’s own very large semi-trailer truck.

Hope this helps and good luck.

J Boyle,

Interested to see who your California contact is.

Status of the engine is static display for now which will be a continuation of its original life in Canada. This very engine toured Canada and the US in 1918, while the war was still on and spent the last 90+ years bouncing between museums who had little interest in it.

If all the correct parts can be found or made, then a ground running display would be the next step to be followed by an appropriate aircraft build.

I have built a couple of ‘Heine’ propellers for D IIIau engined Fokker D VIIs. This one is currently in Holland.

A Wotan propeller, designed for the D III engine, is in my shop. I plan to copy it for display along with the engine. If/when the engine is running, the Wotan would be used as being a more appropriate propeller for the D III engine.

Regards
John

There is a WW1 engine specialist firm in California. I haven’t had any direct dealings with then, but after had his Le Rhone overhauled there. I’ll try and get a name if you can’t find it.
What are your plans for the project, static running only ?

Sopwith, thank you for the response. I am in contact with TVAL and wrote this for their website many years ago: http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/projects/mercedes-engine/daimler-mercedes-d-iii-series-engine

Currently they are working with the D IIIa engine and not the D III. While there are many common parts; crankshaft, connecting rods, vales etc, the valve actuation and cylinder cooling is quite different.

As you can imagine, the ‘Mercedes Aero Engine Owners Club’ is quite small in numbers. Current engine owners do not necessarily know all or have access to all pieces that may be out there. That is why I am posting to this forum to see if there are usable pieces hidden away in collections. Collections that may see the value in their parts being used as they were originally intended.

Please keep the leads coming. I am always appreciative of any interest in this project.

Regards
John

Hello John, have you tried contacting The Vintage Aviator people in New Zealand?. They may be a good start.