Oh man I would have sat here for the hold 10 minutes it took for all those cylinders to start firing! I'm nerdy like that! Plus I have a soft spot for watching engines come to life like that. First on life support power like this, then gaining strength is more and more cylinders start kicking off. It's like watching an animal rise from hibernation.
Why does it take them so long to start? As in what is actually happening in the engine that changes over time to finally allow it to begin running "smoothly"
They usually turn the engine on the starter motor for a while so that all 18 induction/exhaust valves get a chance to gently open and close before switching on the ignition. It lets any oil settled in the bottom cylinders drain out. If the spark-plugs fired while there was still (non-compressible) oil in the cylinder, the result would be a bent conrod, and nobody wants that.
I used to fly a Yak-52 with a radial engine. Because in that aircraft, you couldn’t hit the starter without spark, we had to turn the engine by hand for 6 full revolutions to achieve the same effect. The B-29’s engines being bigger and higher off the ground, it’s easier to use the starter motor.
Serious question. Why do they still fly these memorable pieces of history? Not just this plane, but in general. I mean no snark but it seems like every few years or so one of them crashes and yet another beautiful piece of history is lost. I believe in preservation so the future can see beautiful things like this.
I would like to, but not sure if I'll be able to make it. Just got the plane repainted, new panel and interior, so would surely love to be there to show it off 😋
The Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone is an American twin-row, supercharged, air-cooled, radial aircraft engine with 18 cylinders displacing nearly 3,350 cubic inches (54.9 L). Power ranged from 2,200 to 3,700 hp (1,640 to 2,760 kW), depending on model. Developed before World War II, the R-3350's design required a long time to mature, and was still experiencing problems with reliability when used to power the Boeing B-29 Superfortress
Space--Buckaroo@reddit
Where's the rest of the video? I don't think it was fully started.
backyardspace@reddit (OP)
The frame rate on the camera has a lot to do with it. The props look much slower here, and the sound really doesn't pick up weĺ.
cnc59@reddit
Is that Doc?
danit0ba94@reddit
Oh man I would have sat here for the hold 10 minutes it took for all those cylinders to start firing! I'm nerdy like that! Plus I have a soft spot for watching engines come to life like that. First on life support power like this, then gaining strength is more and more cylinders start kicking off. It's like watching an animal rise from hibernation.
gretafour@reddit
Why does it take them so long to start? As in what is actually happening in the engine that changes over time to finally allow it to begin running "smoothly"
Kotukunui@reddit
They usually turn the engine on the starter motor for a while so that all 18 induction/exhaust valves get a chance to gently open and close before switching on the ignition. It lets any oil settled in the bottom cylinders drain out. If the spark-plugs fired while there was still (non-compressible) oil in the cylinder, the result would be a bent conrod, and nobody wants that.
I used to fly a Yak-52 with a radial engine. Because in that aircraft, you couldn’t hit the starter without spark, we had to turn the engine by hand for 6 full revolutions to achieve the same effect. The B-29’s engines being bigger and higher off the ground, it’s easier to use the starter motor.
gretafour@reddit
Great explanation! Thanks
RS5na@reddit
This is fantastic - the footage of P51s starting is always great as well.
avi8tor@reddit
vertical filming engine start.... facepalm
styckx@reddit
Serious question. Why do they still fly these memorable pieces of history? Not just this plane, but in general. I mean no snark but it seems like every few years or so one of them crashes and yet another beautiful piece of history is lost. I believe in preservation so the future can see beautiful things like this.
backyardspace@reddit (OP)
There are a few of these in museums but showcasing them every year brings them to thousands and thousands of people to enjoy.
Slungus_Bunny@reddit
Like Tiger day.
your_mom3445@reddit
I think I must've been right next to you when you took this. I have a video from basically the exact same angle! It was so cool.
backyardspace@reddit (OP)
It was! Are you going there this year?
your_mom3445@reddit
I would like to, but not sure if I'll be able to make it. Just got the plane repainted, new panel and interior, so would surely love to be there to show it off 😋
BadAngler@reddit
The Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone is an American twin-row, supercharged, air-cooled, radial aircraft engine with 18 cylinders displacing nearly 3,350 cubic inches (54.9 L). Power ranged from 2,200 to 3,700 hp (1,640 to 2,760 kW), depending on model. Developed before World War II, the R-3350's design required a long time to mature, and was still experiencing problems with reliability when used to power the Boeing B-29 Superfortress
From Wiki.