WIX Archives

Re: Luftwaffe Runners

Posted by JDK on Mon Sep 01, 2003 04:29:13 AM

In reply top Didn't the 190 used to run when it was at St Athan posted by jerry brewer on Sun Aug 31, 2003 06:08:42 PM

Indeed it did, along with the Me410 (now at Cosford) and a couple of others (Piston Provost). I saw them run myself on some rough days. I talked to a very authoritative RAF man responsible for the 'highest' Luftwaffe restoration of the last 40 years, and he said that the engineers at St Athan, to get them running had taken a lot of short cuts - cropping prop blades, and using household quality pipes etc on the Fw190. It's a question of swings and roundabouts; I'm very lucky to have seen 'em run, but what now?

Also to tie down, chock and run a W.W.I rotary (relatievly little fuel, hosepower, failure, fire and risk, compare to a 10 x more powerful W.W.II engine in the confines of the Hendon setup seems unlikely - my gues, and I'd love to be proven wrong. Also, while Hendon has great staff, they ain't the guys that run the a/c like some other places - such as the Canadian Av Museum who (I'm told) run their a/c on Canada Day.

Finally, without being rude, Fopp's a museum politicial. What he (or 'the museum') say and what they DO don't always tie in. All this is just my OPINION - so if anyone knows better, do pipe up!
Cheers
James

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