Warbird Information Exchange

I posted this in the existing Mr. McHenry thread but I wanted to put up a seperate one just in case someone who is interested isn't still following that one.

We will be running the Shackleton's engines for one last time tomorrow, Tuesday Dec. 18th at 10 A.M. This is almost certain to be the last time these engines will ever run so anyone in the Tucson region who would like to see it, this is your final chance. The aircraft is still parked in front of the museum in the overflow parking lot so you don't have to pay to get into the museum to see it. We did it today as as a test and it is a really impressive sight and sound. The run should last for 45 minutes to an hour.

James

Could be a profit earning thing to keep her running and have public runs??

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Cheers,
Peter

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We've considered the possibility of maintaining some running engines several times in the past. It has always come down to a cost-benefit analysis. Can we make enough money to offset the cost in time and resources that it would take to do the restoration and maintenance for something we might do two or three times a year? The engines would likely be on a test stand or at best on one aircraft. How many times will people pay to come out to see the same engine run? Thus far the mathmatics have always come down on the negative side of the analysis. Does the Shack change the numbers because the engines already run? Its hard to say because now you are talking about four thirsty, maintenance hungry engines instead of one. And the fact is that the Shack will never fly again so it isn't really a question of maintaining for some theoretical future flying career. If dozens of people show up tomorrow to watch the engine run, who knows, that might change the math again. Personally and unofficially I'd like to see these engines maintained in an operable condition and I think most of the other members of the collections staff feel the same way but right now it just isn't a likely option.

We should remember though that the plane sat for the last two years without the engines being turned over even once in that time as far as I know. It took less than a week for the maintenance and flight crew to get them ready for a long distance flight. They aren't going to freeze into a solid ball of rust overnight just because the plane isn't parked next to an active airport apron anymore.

James

I bet if you were to advetise it in local news and regional news you would get plenty of interest from expats from the UK as it is the only one in Noth America. You could even sell "seats" on an engine run!

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Cheers,
Peter

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James, will the plane be placed into one of the hangars or will it remain outside for now?

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

It will be displayed outdoors. We don't have any inside space for it, or a building with big enough doors to get it through for that matter.

James

This morning at Pima the engines were run, afterward it was towed back to restoration to get it ready for display.
bill word

Excellent pics! Was this run to use up as much fuel as possible and also will the engines be inhibited as well as all the systems?

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Cheers,
Peter

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The engine run was mostly just for fun. For now all we'll do is drain the remaining fluids and seal it up as best we can before it gets repainted and put on display.

James

James, just out of curiosity, will you guys be restoring the "End of an Era" stencil on the inside of the #1 cowling that Gary pointed out?

I hope somebody grabbed a video of it that they can share here. The pictures look like you were quite close to it with the engines running.

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"They done it, they done it, damned if they ain't flew." December 17, 1903

Yes we will repaint that stencil. We'll do a complete photo survey of every marking on the aircraft's exterior before we start any paint stripping.

James

I know there were several people out there taking video on both days we ran the engines. If I can get my hands on some I'll see about posting it on YouTube.

James

Great! It will be yet another reason to get out to Pima sometime in the next year or two.

The CAF Airsho DVDs for 2002 and 2005 have segments on the Shackleton ... engine starts (the wierd "dancing" blades), taxi, takeoff, flyby, and air-to-air. These can be ordered online at www.Airsho.org, with a money back guarantee ... if you don't like it, get a refund with no questions asked.