After getting the 264’s back into our workshops we ripped straight into them and started to strip down the propellers.
Brain kindly lent us his Rotol tools to strip down the hubs
The first job was to strip down the pitch control mechanism.
Then remove the blades. We use the removed reduction gear bolted to a couple of beams to allow us to a 20 tonne jack to loosen of the blades.
Once the hub was stripped down Pete soon had it cleaned up, etched primed , then a coat of primer filler ready for top coat.
Next job was to cut the blades down, we used the oil feed tube and a piece of wood and a scribe to mark the blades, then a 9″ grinder with a slitting disc to cut them down.
We then fitted the other hub to the engine and test fitted the blades.
As Pete had a couple of days off , he decided to take on the sanding down of the blades, it took a full two days to do!
Nice job done Pete, have a beer
The next thing to do was make the blades all the same length. First we packed the blades of from the hub using key steel to ensure all the the blades are set the same.
Next we made a die grinder tool holder on the bottom of the engine stand.
Slowly we ground down each blade , then move up the die grinder after one full revolution of the engine.
Pete very pleased after half a days work and ten tins of WD40 and two die grinders we had the job done, blades ground down to within a couple of thou. We just need to balance them now then they can be painted.
What blades are you chopping up?
Have you got any Taurus stuff?
Any information on the Taurus gearboxes. Port and starboard types are different?
Hi Ray
We use Vickers Varsity 4 bladed props or Nord Noratlas 4 bladed props.
We are sorry to say that at the moment we don’t have any Taurus Stuff.
Kind regards
Patrick
Fascinating! You guys are really impressive the way you approach and conquer these horrific engineering challenges! well done indeed1
like you rebuild step by step, am doing a ex bristol freighter hercules engine for local museum at moment,so are getting some ideas of your rebuild, what diameter did your cut down propeller come out at, what distance is your prop shaft from ground when on trailer, keep up good work, cheers phil
Hi Phil
The Propeller was of a Vickers Varsity , it was cut down to 8 feet and it runs about 12″ from the ground , we have had no problems with it picking up FOD etc. it dose throw a bit of grass about when we set it to full feather on the last run of the show. (Note I have put a mechanical stop on the throttle butterfly’s to stop them opening above 30′ as the engine would run away on the Hobson Carb Injection System)
I am currently restoring a R-3350 from a Connie that will be swinging about a 9 foot+ prop, that should make some decent power! also check out Historic Aero Engines on Face Book for other engines that are being restored.
Cheers
Patrick