Chimbu chuckles
Sorry for the confusion. The 'other' with props was a Beverley, not a V bomber, which had electric prop control including reverse and auto coarsening.
Following the use of a couple of props in reverse for smooth stopping during taxying it was SOP for us TPs to finally check, before a take off roll, the 4 stupid "Doll's Eyes" which normally indicated props in forward thrust.
Don't know whether the squadron check lists included checking props in forward for take off.
Early Beverleys props had plastic electric brush housings which had a propensity to breaking allowing the electrics to interact and go haywire. A common fault was uncommanded feathering and to remain in reverse without essential indication. Hence the odd take off roll with one prop in reverse. The roll had to be aborted in one hell of a hurry!
Yes flew Lincolns but they did not have reverse although I discovered there was a way to reverse a Lincoln using a combination of one wheel brake and lots of power on an outer.
Last edited by Milt; 7th Dec 2006 at 23:16.