Combustion in the sleeve valve engine appeared to be more efficient too with a comment that claimed there were never any flames seen out the exhaust when running or on the overrun (starting may well have been a different matter!). Yes to see and hear one running will be something worth waiting for.

I will ask on the NZ forum where there is a thread on the Catalinas in particular.

I was about 10-12 – mid 60’s and the eldest of 4 boys, and built a Short Sunderland and then a Lancaster – quite complicated tiny models first time out for me! I guess it was Dad forcing some respect and culture and patience into me…;) Merry Christmas all.

Thanks – a very moving and poignant requiem and the story too – so we may remember them.

Tallies of Aircraft

if only there had been upwards of 7000 made…then perhaps there would be more than the 1 3/4 that are known to exist!!!

Dave – I was only adding the sums listed in Wiki for production numbers of the craft – but had a mental aberration late at night:

Typhoon – 3,317 (with 2 references – Thomas and Shores 1988, Thomas 2000)

Tempest – 1,702 (which obviously included the Bristol engined Tempest II issued in mid 1945 onwards)

So somehow I made a numerical slip, Christmas excuse… but still likely that there were 4000 – 5000 Sabre engines made for at least 4200+ Sabre engined planes.

I wonder what will happen with the ownership of the Nelson one on display at the World of Wearable Art Museum now that Richard Shuttleworth has passed away. I hope it will stay in New Zealand.

I was told reliably from museum staff that that engine as shown below, is still at that museum as well as possibly two or more Kestrels – more cutaway engines!! all part of Richard Shuttleworth’s personal collection but now donated to the Museum by the family. Note that this engine had been on display at the RNZAF Wigram Museum but was returned back to Nelson. This museum is titled: The World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum… Museum Sabre link

Staff from the museum confirmed the engine was there with these photos: (also parts of the engine bear the stamp ENGINE NO S497 and a Mk VII which would indicate it is a very late engine) With upwards of 7000 Typhoons and Tempests made then the engine count could well have been over 10,000!

I believe this engine was already sectioned by another museum elsewhere before it was brought to NZ. Mr Shuttleworth was believing it was a complete engine and a possible future runner… so the story goes. Another one cut up!! JDK has already seen this one and photographed it and can be seen on the internet.

One arrived at Fantasy of Flight yesterday. I would suggest that is the only one any of us are likely to hear run again in our lifetimes.

I think it could quite well have been this one… 😉

Lets hope he can bring one of them back to life – he has two that I know of – one is in a Tempest V already I believe.

This one looks like a crate engine, never been run. here’s hoping – it is going to take a big strip and rebuild to learn how to make it better and to be more reliable. Cruises at 3150rpm so the manual states, and maximum recommended revs were 3700rpm.

Be brave Kermit Weeks!

Apologies, was on wrong website. They (all of the rebuilders) have a close liaison with the NZCAA for the builds of all ex warcraft throughout the rebuilds back to flight, but I do not know how transfer of those approvals would be accepted in UK.