Blade count
Hi EW73. It is more than 40 years since I was starting R1830's, R985's or Bristol Hercules engines, so I will have to take your word for the number of blades counted before introducing ignition, however I suspect you are spot on. As has been written by others it was always a bit of a juggling act getting the cranking, counting, priming and ignition all "in step" to get a smooth start. I don't recall any particularly dramatic events such as exhaust fires etc being a regular occurrence.