Piers, thanks for your interest and insight.
Let me give you my view. I'm an Aeronautical Engineer who received a
BSAE in 1951. My initial work was with the USAF, then spent most of the
remainder of my career as an engineer and manager at a government test
facility. I spent only about six months working in the aircraft
industry. In college, we were trained in basic fluid mechanics,
aeronautical principles, the supporting physics and thermodynamics of
that period. Slide rules were the norm. Mechanical desktop calculators
were sometimes available.
From my observations, the last two generations of engineers have
migrated to the wonderful world of computers and supercomputers. They
are experts at developing computer codes to solve complex flow problems,
and can produce wonderful CADCAM designs. But, they have limited
knowledge of the fundamentals.
I've been retired for 27 years. Most of my co-workers are retired or
deceased. One or two of the serious young engineers who worked for me
still call me for aid in recalling details of things that happened
before they arrived on the scene. Their complaints have to do with all
of the knowledge that has "gone out the gate" as the older guys have left.
I suspect this is also happening in the aircraft industry as a whole.
Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA
On 4/26/2019 11:18 AM, Piers Hemy wrote:
Jim, let me join the cacophony of appreciative voices here and on the LUG. The detail shots of
the engine are full of interest (and yes, Chris, I thought it was moiré too), while
overall, I am reminded of how Douglas "knew" how to build aircraft....
and how that knowledge was diluted after McDonnell arrived....
and how that knowledge seems to have been purged from Boeing .... after
McDonnell arrived.
It must be a series of unhappy coincidences, no?
Piers
-----Original Message-----
From: olympus <olympus-bounces+piers.hemy=gmail.com@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> On
Behalf Of Jim Nichols
Sent: 26 April 2019 16:43
To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [OM] IMG: Some Engine Details
Hi John,
The airplane in the photos is indeed a Douglas DC-3, with a storied
history and deeply loved by the skydiver community. It has been parked
at our airport for a number of years following the failure of the left
engine. It is known as Mister Douglas by its fans.
In an effort to get the airplane back in the air, the fans have, for
several years, been accepting donations. In the past couple of years,
they have located and purchased two overhauled (zero-time) engines, and
are in the process of installing the engines and making other necessary
repairs to the airplane. Since the engines were purchased following
overhaul, I must assume they were cleaned using the usual commercial
cleaning techniques.
Thanks for your interest.
Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA
On 4/26/2019 10:25 AM, john hudson wrote:
I'm late to this thread so have to ask whether this plane is is a Douglas DC3.
The engine looks to be remarkably clean. How are they cleaned? With a water
pressure washer or with chamoix leather cleaning cloths a la every proud HOG
person on the road ?
jh
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On 04/26/19 12:13 PM, Jim Nichols <jhnichols@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Thanks, Chris. They installed the cowling before a storm front came
through yesterday afternoon, so the engine is now hidden. Our local
fiber optic system has a pole camera viewing the airport, so I can keep
an eye on them without making a trip out there.
Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA
On 4/26/2019 9:25 AM, Chris Barker wrote:
They are lovely views, Jim – great machinery.
Chris
On 25 Apr 2019, at 19:33, Jim Nichols <jhnichols@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
For those interested in details, here are two more images from the Mister
Douglas restoration.
First, the details usually hidden by the engine cowling:
http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20190424-DSCF7223-2.JPG.html
<http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20190424-DSCF7223-2.JPG.html>
And the Pratt & Whitney Eagle, symbol of a long line of great airplane engines:
http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20190424-DSCF7224-2.JPG.html
<http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20190424-DSCF7224-2.JPG.html>
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