23rd Feb
For those that couldn't be there...
The object of Saturday was to remove the front propeller from No 2 engine, fit some new bearing parts, fit the translation unit, and then re-fit the propeller again. With all the upheavals at Coventry, yet again this was all going to be done without the assistance of any kind of crane. Luckily we had a visit by Jocelyn, with a very capable friend along with her, and he dived right into the thick of things helping us greatly .
With a reasonable amount of manpower, this is not too difficult as despite its size and awkwardness the propeller is not too heavy, and with the aid of a couple of platforms it was soon safely off the engine. Then it was swiftly on to fitting the intershaft bearing inner race and retaining nut.
This is a part we've been waiting for for a while, as for some unknown reason the No 2 now fitted was the only one in our store missing this item, and at the time it wasn't noticed. Its just that rare for them to be missing! Chasing up and down the country for a suitable tool to remove one from another engine finally paid off, with one of our friends in Carlisle coming up with the necessary parts. This has taken a few months longer than hoped.
With that in place, the translation unit is next. This is an oil filled double bearing, produced by Martin Baker, and transfers the pitch of the front propeller to the back propeller, using several rack bolts. The loss of a rack bolt and subsequent break up of one of these was a contributary factor in the loss of the SAAF Shackleton in the Sahara in 1994.
Then it was back up with the front prop, and fitting the pitch change mechanism itself.
At the end of the day we were all very cold, but happy that we are six split pins and a small amount of wire locking away from running the No 2 engine.
The aim is to have WR963 taxying this year, while we raise funds and organise getting her a roof over her head - and if No 2 behaves in the next few days, the goal of taxying is not far off.
Regards,
Rich
