6 engines running
10-16-2011, 12:22 AM
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6 engines running
Finally I have managed to run the engines for the Arado on the test bench with the associated panels and all the wiring and plumbing is now correct. I can now fit the panels to the plane permanently. I have been asked how long it will take to start the 6 engines as I am doing so manually one at a time. Well I now know that it will take 5 minutes or so. The running we did was curtailed by 2 thermocouples being out of position and the small tank I used running out of fuel. I can leave the fuel station plugged into it and top it up as required. The engines all have their own tanks in the plane but I will need to use the tank as a wing tank while starting the engines on the plane.
Sorry I did not have a run to full power of all 6 engines to show, but the main part of the exercise was to check the wiring and plumbing was ok and what starting technique to use.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpTkS3xElFw[/youtube]
John
Sorry I did not have a run to full power of all 6 engines to show, but the main part of the exercise was to check the wiring and plumbing was ok and what starting technique to use.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpTkS3xElFw[/youtube]
John
10-16-2011, 12:52 AM
#5
RE: 6 engines running
Well done John, big achievement just to get where you are. I remember a 5 engined (diesel) CL flying wing and my father laughing saying the first will run out before you get the last started!
Do you not think two people working each side would help reduce that long start time. With my manual start MW44 Me 262, sometimes Trevor Skedge would start the second motor and we had the pair running within a few seconds of each other
Dw
Now looking at the pictures you have a sequence box for the starting.
Do you not think two people working each side would help reduce that long start time. With my manual start MW44 Me 262, sometimes Trevor Skedge would start the second motor and we had the pair running within a few seconds of each other
Dw
Now looking at the pictures you have a sequence box for the starting.
10-16-2011, 01:00 AM
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RE: 6 engines running
Mick
I shall have the minimum possible number present when we fly, it is nerve wracking enough!!
Dave
Yes it would be quicker but would I trust them not to make a hash of it. If I make a mess of it and overheat the airframe it is my fault then. It is definitely a 2 handed job as it is and will be worse when we are grovelling on our hands and knees with the wing in the way.
The plane is the Arado 555
John
I shall have the minimum possible number present when we fly, it is nerve wracking enough!!
Dave
Yes it would be quicker but would I trust them not to make a hash of it. If I make a mess of it and overheat the airframe it is my fault then. It is definitely a 2 handed job as it is and will be worse when we are grovelling on our hands and knees with the wing in the way.
The plane is the Arado 555
John
10-16-2011, 08:19 AM
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RE: 6 engines running
Well done John, fantastic achievement, there are few of us that have jets with more than one engine but to have one with six that you have built yourself is quite something.
Just looking at the glow plugs....looks like they are kero burners?
Rob.
Just looking at the glow plugs....looks like they are kero burners?
Rob.
10-16-2011, 08:42 AM
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RE: 6 engines running
Rob
They are some ceramic plugs that I made up. I was concerned that I did not want a plug to fail just as I had 5 engines running! They light gas well on a 7.2 v Lipo and only need a brief touch on them. I cannot hear the gas light with any engine running so I have to get reliable ignition and have to see the temperature rise on the display.
John
They are some ceramic plugs that I made up. I was concerned that I did not want a plug to fail just as I had 5 engines running! They light gas well on a 7.2 v Lipo and only need a brief touch on them. I cannot hear the gas light with any engine running so I have to get reliable ignition and have to see the temperature rise on the display.
John
10-16-2011, 09:59 AM
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RE: 6 engines running
John
I am sure you are already doing this but if they all have their own tank cant you just connect all 6 breather pipes to one sizable wing tank and then this will fill the tanks as you light each one up.
Dennis
I am sure you are already doing this but if they all have their own tank cant you just connect all 6 breather pipes to one sizable wing tank and then this will fill the tanks as you light each one up.
Dennis
10-16-2011, 12:14 PM
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RE: 6 engines running
John
Very well done. That is a masterpiece, not many people can say that they built the aircraft and the Turbines.
I cannot wait to see it flying at the club
Chris
Very well done. That is a masterpiece, not many people can say that they built the aircraft and the Turbines.
I cannot wait to see it flying at the club
Chris
10-16-2011, 11:43 PM
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RE: 6 engines running
John, superb as usual, just saw the 'auto start' video - wow that was smooth and quick - excellent job all round.
How about a small turbofan next......
marcs
How about a small turbofan next......
marcs
10-17-2011, 01:18 AM
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RE: 6 engines running
ORIGINAL: Jgwright
Finally I have managed to run the engines for the Arado on the test bench with the associated panels and all the wiring and plumbing is now correct. I can now fit the panels to the plane permanently. I have been asked how long it will take to start the 6 engines as I am doing so manually one at a time. Well I now know that it will take 5 minutes or so. The running we did was curtailed by 2 thermocouples being out of position and the small tank I used running out of fuel. I can leave the fuel station plugged into it and top it up as required. The engines all have their own tanks in the plane but I will need to use the tank as a wing tank while starting the engines on the plane.
Sorry I did not have a run to full power of all 6 engines to show, but the main part of the exercise was to check the wiring and plumbing was ok and what starting technique to use.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpTkS3xElFw[/youtube]
John
Finally I have managed to run the engines for the Arado on the test bench with the associated panels and all the wiring and plumbing is now correct. I can now fit the panels to the plane permanently. I have been asked how long it will take to start the 6 engines as I am doing so manually one at a time. Well I now know that it will take 5 minutes or so. The running we did was curtailed by 2 thermocouples being out of position and the small tank I used running out of fuel. I can leave the fuel station plugged into it and top it up as required. The engines all have their own tanks in the plane but I will need to use the tank as a wing tank while starting the engines on the plane.
Sorry I did not have a run to full power of all 6 engines to show, but the main part of the exercise was to check the wiring and plumbing was ok and what starting technique to use.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpTkS3xElFw[/youtube]
John
10-18-2011, 12:06 AM
#19
RE: 6 engines running
Brilliant stuff John, congratulations on an a really extraordinary achievement. With 6 to start I cant help feeling you need what we had on the V force Valiants (and Vulcans and Victors) the ability to start ALL engines at once, we called it Simstart, invented by a flight sergeant and halved our scramble time ! I guess you would need electric autostart for this to happen though.
Really looking forward to seeing this in the air !
Again, congratulations.
Regards,
David.
Really looking forward to seeing this in the air !
Again, congratulations.
Regards,
David.
10-19-2011, 05:19 AM
#21
RE: 6 engines running
IMHO get vector thrust to the outer engines to help towars rudder corections at low speeds or uneven engine acceleration..or baybe tilt the hole outer two engines if u dont like vector look.
..i would remove center engines(make them dummy) less heavy..will fly better.
just my 2c
...wish you all the best
cheers
..i would remove center engines(make them dummy) less heavy..will fly better.
just my 2c
...wish you all the best
cheers
10-19-2011, 09:38 AM
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RE: 6 engines running
ORIGINAL: DelGatoGrande
IMHO get vector thrust to the outer engines to help towars rudder corections at low speeds or uneven engine acceleration..or baybe tilt the hole outer two engines if u dont like vector look.
..i would remove center engines(make them dummy) less heavy..will fly better.
just my 2c
...wish you all the best
cheers
IMHO get vector thrust to the outer engines to help towars rudder corections at low speeds or uneven engine acceleration..or baybe tilt the hole outer two engines if u dont like vector look.
..i would remove center engines(make them dummy) less heavy..will fly better.
just my 2c
...wish you all the best
cheers
Removing the centre engines would loose 16 lbs of thrust............ Would that be a good idea on such a large plane
10-20-2011, 12:43 AM
#25
RE: 6 engines running
ORIGINAL: DelGatoGrande
IMHO get vector thrust to the outer engines to help towars rudder corections at low speeds or uneven engine acceleration..or baybe tilt the hole outer two engines if u dont like vector look.
..i would remove center engines(make them dummy) less heavy..will fly better.
IMHO get vector thrust to the outer engines to help towars rudder corections at low speeds or uneven engine acceleration..or baybe tilt the hole outer two engines if u dont like vector look.
..i would remove center engines(make them dummy) less heavy..will fly better.
Less thrust AND moving the thrust outboard ! Think of the B727, Trident, BAC 1-11, VC10, IL 86, HS125 etc. all trying to move the thrust towards the centerline to minimise the effect of yaw due to outboard thrustlines !
Just curious !
Regards,
David.