FIFI's engines

[b29driver]

I'm only finishing up my 20th year in this business, but have been hearing the "No Avgas" threats during that entire time. It's kind of like the guy walking around with the sign, "The world will end tomorrow." Will it eventually happen? Yes. Am I going to stress about it now? No. We will deal with our options for AvGas when that situation arises.

The airplane will certainly retain it's preoilers for the engines. There will also be a preoiler on Testiclese. It is my opinion that all of these big, round engines benefit from preoiling...if not ALL engines.

Gary

That switch should be labeled KY JELLY

[CAPFlyer]

The airplane will certainly retain it's preoilers for the engines. There will also be a preoiler on Testiclese. It is my opinion that all of these big, round engines benefit from preoiling...if not ALL engines.

I think that all radials benefit from the use of pre-oilers, but those who don't run on a daily basis ESPECIALLY benefit from their use. Those who run daily don't have as much of a problem with draining of the oil into the lower cylinders, but it still helps to move that oil around and make sure it's where it needs to be, but with engines not run daily, it is essential to prevent undue wear.

We installed them on the R4D several years ago, and we live by them religiously, so I hope our new engines will last much longer than the old ones did.

[wwrw2007]

As a CAF outsider and bascially a lurker I don't know the whole story but there sure seems to be a lot of animosity directed toward Gary by the FIFI crew. I'm posting to this thread to remind everybody just how much work Gary did to get this engine project where it is today. I'm looking forward to seeing my favorite warbird, the B-29 in the air and I believe a lot of thanks goes to Gary.

[retroaviation]

Thanks for the kind words.

Gary

[Jack Frost]

Amen, brother. Gary got the ball rolling and we're all awaiting the day it flies again.

[Jack Cook]

I don't know the whole story but there sure seems to be a lot of animosity directed toward Gary by the FIFI crew.

Well dang that's something that's been needing to be said for a long f-ing time.
My worthless opinion is that Gary did 10X more for the CAF than they ever did for him.
More than we'll ever know and certainly more than they'll EVER admit to
Rant over & flame suit on!

Last edited by Jack Cook on Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:40 am, edited 1 time in total.

[John Cotter]

I agree completely. I had the opportunity to go to MAF and "help" (hopefully not get in his way) Gary back when he was putting Ole 927 together. It was a pleasure to see him perform his artistry. He also has made it possible to keep FIFI flying with the new engine project. It was a sad day at my house when I heard he was no longer involved with the CAF.

None of this is meant as a dis to the current team putting FIFI together or the crew keeping Ole 927 operating. They are busting their a$$es. Everyone should get the credit they deserve without the political BS.

[B29B24crewchief]

Please let me assure all of you that I will always and have always given Gary my respect and credit for what he's done with these two airplanes. It was also a very sad day for me, when I heard Gary was leaving the CAF. I don't know who said the "FIFI" crew holds any animosity towards Gary because it's not true. I have never and will never take credit for putting this project together. I said in my first post as the new crew chief, that I am here to carry on his work and to see this project through to the end. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Gary Austin!!

Dave

[Jack Cook]

I hope that's sincere Dave because even you have posted a comment or 2.
But a few are more open in their hostility (not necessarily here on wix) and specially from that vipers pit called HQ.

[B29B24crewchief]

Jack, it is sincere and I challenge you to ask Gary, that I am anything but honest about my respect and admiration for him! I have always supported his vision for these airplanes even though I have my own thoughts as to how they should be. I take what he has presented and try to see the logic and use it or improve it. I respect Gary for his knowledge, wisdom and artistic qualities and feel the CAF has lost a valuable asset. Are we Clear? What more needs to be said about this? I admit, I have been outspoken about the CAF bashing that goes on in this forum, because I work here and love what I do. I feel sometimes that it's an easy thing to jump on because it's had a bad reputation for a very long time. It is my hope that people like Gary and myself will make a difference and change the way folks feel about the CAF. Gary did a whole lot in improving maintenance practices and standards here and folks know the shody work and lack of qualitiy will no longer be tolerated. It will get better and I wish nothing but a great future and success for Gary Austin in whatever he chooses to tackle!

Dave

[Jack Cook]

No Dave it's not you! But the folks a short walk away are a different story.

[warbird1]

Can someone answer this question? Why did the original investor (forgot his name) - the businessman - who was going to donate the $ 1.5 Million for FiFi's re-engining, back out of the deal? This was before Cavanaugh's donation.

[CAPFlyer]

I think it had something to do with the soft economy.

[warbird1]

I think it had something to do with the soft economy.

So, basically, he couldn't keep his pledge because he didn't have the money?

Did he donate any amount of money, or did he back out completely?

[flyingsailor]

I think it had something to do with the soft economy.

So, basically, he couldn't keep his pledge because he didn't have the money?

Did he donate any amount of money, or did he back out completely?

The squadron never received as much as membership dues from this individual!