RE: DC-3

We’re into different English again. I believe this is what is known as a “Trembler Coil” on British built engines. On engines the spark is normally advanced about 20-30 degrees before top dead centre on the compression stroke to give the fuel time to burn and build up peak cylinder pressure just after TDC on the power stroke. These sparks are generated by the Magneto’s. On start up this is too far advanced, so an auxiliary coil sends a series of sparks to a trailing brush on the Magneto rotor arm which sends these to the spark plugs around 5 degs before TDC, which is just right for starting. Once the engines have started they are switched off. Hope that answers the question.

KeithMac

RE: RAF Badges

Oops! “Duff Gen” Moggy. The Badge was worn below the Medals, on the Left Hand Pocket flap between the top seam and the button.
Have you ever noticed the shoulder patch eagles ? They are produced facing left & right and are sewn on the jacket so that the eagle faces rearwards!
Keithmac.

RE: DC-3/C-47

Yes I know they are more fuel efficient and more powerful, but those Basler birds don’t SOUND like Dakota’s!!!!!!
KeithMac..

RE: DC-3/C-47

An old RAF Dakota pilot mate once told me another use of the Dakota, as a TAXI! The RAF detachment at Gatow (Berlin) was on the opposit side of the airfield from the domestic accomodation. It proved almost impossible to cross the airfield to go for lunch or knock off in the evening because aircraft had priority over vehicles on the movement area. To get around this, he would pile all the troops into the Station Flt Dakota and Taxy across the airfield, then shut down and everyone went to lunch or dinner. Everyone would climb aboard after eating and return to the tech site. After a couple of times, air traffic got the idea, but played along. He reckoned the aircraft did more miles on the ground than it did in the air!
KeithMac

RE: Uncle KeithMac, ……

No, my memories not that good. I have some of the notes I made when I taught props many moons ago. I taught the De Havilland D158/313/1 on the Pembroke as a basic prop, then I covered the Shack, but in less detail. When we stopped teaching piston engines we began to teach the monster fitted to the C-130K, which is a whole different game altogether.
KeithMac.

RE: Look out in Spain !

This charging cash for taking photographs appears to be a bit dodgy to me. Getting arrested for taking illegal photo’s of military aircraft in restricted areas has been a hazard for years, and probably well known. But I’ve never come across this situation before. Any legal eagles out there who can advise on the legalities of someone having the right to attempt to get money in this way?

KeithMac