FIFI's engines

[spookythecat]

Not a big deal (to Me) but just wondering if there will be a major difference in the sound these new engines will make?? Sure hope someone has recorded the sound of a B-29 with the original engines intact.
This might be very useful for future Hollywood Film projects, documentaries, etc.. Digger

It's been so long since i've seen FIFI I honestly can't remember what she sounds like. As long as the ground rumbles and she's in the air I could care less.

[b29driver]

The props will be at their max RPM when the engine is turning 2400 RPM, so there may be slightly more prop noise than with the old engines. The new engines will be making more horsepower, but at a lower RPM.

[retroaviation]

Yeah, what b29driver said. And at idle, it should sound pretty much the same, as we're still going to utilize the original exit stacks on the exhaust.

We're trying to make everything as close to original as we can, given the situation. It's sometimes difficult to keep everything the same, but safety, reliability, and longevity are some of the primary goals here.

Gary

[warbird1]

Thanks for the answers, Gary, you are a wealth of information! A few more questions:

1) What are you guys going to be doing with the old -3350's? Are you going to keep them? Has anyone from "Doc" asked for the old engines? What about Kermit? Do you know if he realistically ever has plans of putting "Fertile Myrtle" back in the air?

2) Assuming the funding comes, what is the realistic time frame on when you expect "FiFi" to get back in the air?

3) With this new engine configuration, has the FAA said anything about limiting your ability to give donation paid "flight experiences" in the plane?

4) From everything I've read and researched on the topic, it seems like your original -3350 series engines are about the worst American made radials put on a production airplane for durability and reliability purposes? Do you agree with this statement? Are there any other series of American radials that are worse than the B-29 engines?

Thanks.

I don't know if you saw these questions Gary or you didn't want to answer them. If it's something you don't want to discuss in public, no problem!

[retroaviation]

So many questions, so little time.

1. We will like to sell the old engines. I have spoken with Tony Mazzolini about buying the engines for Doc, but they don't have any money. (We know the feeling). Kermit has been approached about them, but he's got lots of cores (in much better shape than the Doc bunch)...that, and his B-29 projects aren't exactly top priority for him right now. Fertile Myrtle will require a complete rebuild to ever fly again.

2. Our goal is to have FIFI flying by Airsho 2009 (late September '09). It's going to be a difficult goal, but it could happen if all goes well. We plan to start the tour in 2010.

3. The FAA has had nothing to say about the ride program. We already have an exemption letter to allow it, so there will be no changes there.

4. I've been fortunate enough to work on some pretty cool old airplanes and engines, and I can say, without a doubt, that the original firewall forwards on the B-29 are the sorriest setup I've ever personally messed with.


Sorry for the delay on answering your questions. I hope that helps clear them up.

Gary

[Michel Lemieux]

Tks for the info Gary.....

Anything planed or needed with the props ?

Since you are there ?

Just curious

[retroaviation]

Tks for the info Gary.....

Anything planed or needed with the props ?

Since you are there ?

Just curious

Props will have the A.D. performed on them and I will likely have the prop shop repaint them, like we did on the B-24.

Gary

[warbird1]

Thanks for the replies Gary. I'm sure that I speak for everyone here when I state that we all would absolutely love to see a thread devoted to FiFi's engine change, like you did for Ol' 927.

[Rod Schneider]

Thanks for the replies Gary. I'm sure that I speak for everyone here when I state that we all would absolutely love to see a thread devoted to FiFi's engine change, like you did for Ol' 927.

YES! X2

[retroaviation]

I'll see what I can do.

Gary

[262crew]

Where are the engines being built? Is it Precision in Everett, WA? And what are the plan (if any) for a national tour? Is Bob Hammer involved?

[retroaviation]

Where are the engines being built? Is it Precision in Everett, WA? And what are the plan (if any) for a national tour? Is Bob Hammer involved?

Um, not no, but H3LL NO on the Precision question.

I haven't spoken with Bob Hammer in a while, but he's sure a great source of great and helpful information. Great guy.

Gary

[engguy]

I know there is alot of talk about the ridding us of leaded av gas. Whats going to happen to the flying warbirds when it finally hits?
I'm sure once they get an eco wacko in the white house we will be ridded of lots of stuff.
So Gary are there anyother special updates that will be done to the engines? Are you going to have a prelube setup on the aircraft?

[b29flteng]

We had a pre-oil setup on the old engines, and I'm sure on the new engines.

[retroaviation]

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