Some pics from the 80's

[Obergrafeter]

Why not use a turbine for the starter motor? They have to be good for something, much better use for diesel fuel.

[JohnH]

I had the accessory side panels off the Skyraider today and I had a great idea. I was looking at that big ole starter that it takes to turn over that 3000hp R3350 and occurred to me that I should just pull it off the back of the engine and replace it with one of them cute little "Merlins". It would make that quaint little popping and whirring noise a Spitfire makes, and then almost immeadiately you would get real 3350 engine sound to drown it out. Best of both worlds. I could save a little weight and get Bill off my back for not having anything that's merlin powered.

I think it would probably turn it fast enough to get started, but I still need to work out how to keep the stack fires from setting off the 40 gals of oil in the tank above it. Guess I'll have to put in another call to Gary Austin.

Man, I thought you liked me, Eric. Guess I was wrong. First of all, if you're gonna attempt to get a Merlin to have enough horsepower to turn over a 3350, then you better get a call into Dave Zueschal, Dwight Thorn,
though......like an engine, only smaller.

Gary

Hmmm Zeuschel and Dwight Thorne.... Can't call them. They or JRS aren't answering the phone anymore. And that's a shame.

JH

[RickH]

Maybe Dave is looking down at us, keeping an eye on what's going on.

There are times the problems at hand could benefit with some Divine intervention.

[retroaviation]

Yeah, that wasn't exactly the way I should have worded that comment. Poor attempt at humor. Sorry.

Was just trying to show respect to the guys who could actually make Merlins run VERY well.

Gary

[EDowning]

What? No comment Bill?

[retroaviation]

Oh, he chastised me about my negative Merlin comments via a Private Message.
But it was worth it.

Gary