Originally Posted by
tonytales
The DC-4./6 and 7 and the Connies, L-049 to L-1649 all performed 3 engine ferries. First time I prepped an L-1049 for 3 engine ferry I was handed a hollowed-out spark plug with a length of clothesline threaded through it. Small knot at end sticking out.
What use? Remove a spark plug, put cylinder on Bottom Dead Center (BDC). Insert plug and feed clothesline into cylinder. Stuff in as much as you could.
Why. Prop was in feather for ferry flight. However, Ham Standard props could be caused to rotate by sideslips of aircraft. Governo. if it managed to get up a bit of a spin would take prop out of feather and start it rotating. You could use feather button to cage it but how many times?
Clothesline packed in a cylinder provided a soft cushion to prevent rotation.
Later, Ham Std fitter feather locks on prop domes to stop this.
Can't remember what we did on the Bristol Battleship, Britannia I mean but we certainly ferried a lot back to Mexico City after compressors corncobbed by "Bump Stalls".
Never prepped an Electra for ferry but we did put fan blade locks on JT3D engines for ferry prep. Long time ago now.
Fascinating
Who was the Britannia operator in Mexico City ?
Last edited by stilton; 11th Dec 2023 at 00:04.