It is a lost art Phyllis, not many people are in the machining trade and I dont think very many are taking classes to learn it. We are going to be in trouble in the next few decades as our manufacturing dies in this country and is moved overseas.... :(
Looks like a 60-degree v-12 . . . just like the Merlin (and later Packard) engines which powered the P-51 Mustang and British planes including the Spitfire and Lancaster bombers. I have to wonder if our engine builder also makes model planes.
It's not *quite* like a Merlin or Allison, other than being a 60* V-12. Those were DOHC, 4-valve per cylinder engines, while this one is a two-valve pushrod engine. It's absolutely brilliant work, and at TWELVE HUNDRED hours to build it, I'm impressed.
Dr Jim, you sir are a geek of the highest order. You have my praise as I am not worthy. Good call on the DOHC, etc. IIRC, even back in the 30's and 40's those valves were sodium filled for weight reduction and better cooling.
Forgive the model builder in me . . . I'm seeing something like a 1:6 or 1:8 scale Spit running that engine. It would be a sight to behold.
That's just too cool........;)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful craftsmanship! My Dad used to build model steam engines powered by alcohol. Sadly, it's a lost art now.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lost art Phyllis, not many people are in the machining trade and I dont think very many are taking classes to learn it. We are going to be in trouble in the next few decades as our manufacturing dies in this country and is moved overseas.... :(
DeleteThat was art.
ReplyDeleteTruely beautiful.
Looks like a 60-degree v-12 . . . just like the Merlin (and later Packard) engines which powered the P-51 Mustang and British planes including the Spitfire and Lancaster bombers. I have to wonder if our engine builder also makes model planes.
ReplyDeleteIt's not *quite* like a Merlin or Allison, other than being a 60* V-12. Those were DOHC, 4-valve per cylinder engines, while this one is a two-valve pushrod engine.
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely brilliant work, and at TWELVE HUNDRED hours to build it, I'm impressed.
Dr Jim, you sir are a geek of the highest order. You have my praise as I am not worthy. Good call on the DOHC, etc. IIRC, even back in the 30's and 40's those valves were sodium filled for weight reduction and better cooling.
ReplyDeleteForgive the model builder in me . . . I'm seeing something like a 1:6 or 1:8 scale Spit running that engine. It would be a sight to behold.
Brad
WELL.....that engines "runs" on compressed ait. If you notice, there's NO ignition system.
Delete