smcouch77

I have a question about the SE5a cockpit. On some of the planes there's a tube that extends up from the front of the cockpit floor to just under the compas. It's not the airpump for the fuel system. That's on the instrument panel above the altimeter. Here are a couple of pics of the gadget.

BobH

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If I can find my windsock data file (!!!!) I'll try to see what that part is.

rcsruss

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The tube is the oil reservoir for the Constantinesco C.C. syncronizer gear. This per World War I Aero Publishers,Inc,Vol 1-No.6.Hope that helps

Russ

smcouch77

Thanks Russ. I had read that there was such a resivour, but it didn't say where it was. Thanks for your help.
Steve

abufletcher

I'm wondering why such a reservoir would have a valve/stopcock on one end. I don't doubt that that's what it is, just wondering how these things worked. Was the pilot able to do anything with this? You would assume so since it is so prominently canted up so that it would be readily assessible.

rcsruss

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Good question.The reservoir does not always show up in cockpit photos or in all drawings. Perhaps different engine options called for other locations.
I have read every reference I could find over the years(this is my all time favorite airplane)including pilot reports and autobiographies
and don't recall any mention of its use. Maybe there was a way to pump up the hydraulic pressure manually if combat damage occured? Or maybe it was the best place to put it for service?
A service manual for the Constantinesco system from the period might shed some light on this.

Russ

abufletcher

From Wikipedia (on "interrupter gear"):

Eventually all British aircraft were equipped with the superior Constantinesco synchronization gear (or "CC" gear, invented by Romanian engineer George Constantinesco) which used the impulse on a column of liquid instead of a mechanical system of linkages, though it still relied on a cam to initiate the impulse.

smcouch77

Russ, I came across the following while doing a search on Constantinesco.
"Before starting a flight, the pilot would ensure there was no air in the system by opening an air release valve while the Bowden control was pressed. The high pressure piston rod would then sink. When all the air was expelled the air release valve would be closed and the high pressure piston rod would be pulled up again as far as it would go. Sometimes this process had to be repeated until all the air was expelled. Then the gear was ready for firing."
Sounds like our gadget.
Steve

abufletcher

That sounds like the explanation! Apparently since the interruption was caused by a liguid the firing rate was limited only by the RMP of the engine and the speed of the gun.

TFF

PBS has been airing aviation shows lately, and the first episode they hooked an interrupter Vickers setup from a military museum in England with a electric driven dummy prop, and demonstrated it. They mentioned it was liquid operated in the show. Cool stuff.

Tom

abufletcher

SM, by the way, that's one VERY impressive looking model you've got going there! I'm only be doing a "minimal" cockpit on my Snipe but I admire you types who include every last detail.

smcouch77

Tom, Thanks for the info about PBS. I'll check it out.
Abufletcher, Thanks for the compliment. I've been building for 20 years, and this is my first shot at really detailing a plane. I've started a thread for the rest of the build, with more pics if your interested.
All Forums >> RC Radios, Engines, Batteries, Clubhouse & More >> Control Line >> SE5a 1/6 Scale
Steve

abufletcher

This is a CONTROL LINE model???? Wow, now I'm really impressed! That helps explain how you are able to add all that cool detail up front of the cockpit.

And DUDE your build thread DEFINITELY belongs over here on the Scale Forum!!!

abufletcher

Oh, and you might want to check out my thread on tricking out WB wheels to look more like the Palmer Cord Aerotyre used on British aircraft (like the SE5a). For my money, stock WB wheels just don't cut it on a model as detailed as yours.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_17.../anchor/tm.htm

rcsruss

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Abufletcher,
Great work on the wheels.
Steve,
Let me add my compliments on a truly outstanding model! As for the C.C. gear, it would seem that the procedure to prep it is pretty important and coupled with fact that most of the cockpit photos I've seen are of restored aircraft which wouldn't need a working gun,I humbly submit that the C.C. reservoir was present in all SE5As in combat service.

Russ

BobH

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You're doing a really nice job on your plane. Should you ever decide to go RC you here's a picture of my Duncan Hutson SE5a which is RC.

smcouch77

Abufletcher, Thanks again for your kind words. And , yes, this one's a C/L model. I built a 1/6 scale Top Flite model which can be flown either C/L or R/C with about a half hour of work to switch controls. The truth is, C/L is harder to set up right and fly than R/C. At least for me.
Great job on your wheels! Mine aren't finished yet, but you can see the hub extensions for the scale spokes in the pics. Great minds think alike
Russ, Thanks for the compliment. You are probably right about the CC gear.
Hi Bob. I went to your build thread at RCSB. I read all 166 pages, took notes, and downloaded all of your pics! Thanks, my friend, for sharing all of that info. You and your plane are an inspiration to us all!
Steve

BobH

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Thank you much!! I think your plane is going to be just as outstanding maybe even more so.. You are doing an excellent job and your dedication to your craft shows!..
FYI I have a new thread on RCSB in the Mick Reeves Forum.. Two Camels.
Thanks again.

abufletcher

C/L is definitely one of the "different strokes for different folks" things. I get dizzy just thinking about it. But then I also can't visual how it's possible to do a loop on a C/L or fly combat. Just out of curiousity what sorts of things does one have to worry about in terms of "set up?"

smcouch77

Thanks Bob. I'll definetly check out your new thread.

Abufletcher, So as not to get to far off the subject of this forum, I'll be glad to post an answer to your question in my C/L thread.
Steve