Bald Eagle Aviation

Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:40 pm

Nice one! Congratulations to all involved.

Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:43 pm

Well done! That is one beautiful aircraft; the bubble canopy, five bladed prop and big rudder and very nice paint scheme. It must perform like a dream in that cold air!

Sun Dec 21, 2008 10:03 pm

The Rotol prop is wood isn't it? Any special maintenance issues or comments pertaining to it ? Great thread! Thanks.....John

Sun Dec 21, 2008 10:08 pm

jbell wrote:The Rotol prop is wood isn't it? Any special maintenance issues or comments pertaining to it ? Great thread! Thanks.....John

Only the individual blades are made out of wood with a steel bearing shank on the base where it matches the hub. They are covered with a resin coating and this set was made by Hoffman. All other parts are brass, steel or alum.
The maint issues will hopefully be minimal as this is fresh out of overhaul.
Rich

Sun Dec 21, 2008 11:48 pm

Congrats to everyone who got this Spit in the air! I expect video soon, you know!

Sun Dec 21, 2008 11:52 pm

51fixer wrote: They are covered with a resin coating and this set was made by Hoffman.

So, I take it this is a new build prop then or was it made from NOS parts?

Just curious, how expensive are those props? I know at least 10 years ago, they were going for about $ 100,000. Have they gone up any since then?

Which is more expensive, an original prop or a newly manufactured one?

Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:53 am

warbird1 wrote:
51fixer wrote: They are covered with a resin coating and this set was made by Hoffman.

So, I take it this is a new build prop then or was it made from NOS parts?

Just curious, how expensive are those props? I know at least 10 years ago, they were going for about $ 100,000. Have they gone up any since then?

Which is more expensive, an original prop or a newly manufactured one?

The propeller is from the original rebuild undertaken in the 1980s.

As it was stored complete as a whole unit and not taken apart it went to hoffmans in germany for total overhaul,via skycraft their agent in the UK.

The propeller is one of the most expensive parts of the restoration,the figure you mention is now a bit more than that.Hubs and pitch change units are now very hard to find. The blades can be made new.

Fred

Last edited by bentwingbomber on Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:55 am, edited 1 time in total.

Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:53 am

warbird1 wrote:[So, I take it this is a new build prop then or was it made from NOS parts?

Just curious, how expensive are those props? I know at least 10 years ago, they were going for about $ 100,000. Have they gone up any since then?

Which is more expensive, an original prop or a newly manufactured one?

The hubs cost a fortune - £25, £30k easily. But there have been some new production hubs in the 80's (four blade type) but most are refurbed originals. On the other hand most blades are new with a few refurbed NOS still flying here and there. So if you have a good hub and original excellent conditon blades, happy days, just the inspction/overhaul costs to pay. If you have nothing, well a five blader like Jims, in the UK, is going to costs close to £80k, possibly more (I am a bit bnehind the times with new Spitfire prop prices).

Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:56 am

Fred, my sincere congrats to you. You have put your heart and soul in to this aircraft. It shows, its magnificent.

Jim - enjoy it, it was put together with love (despite the odd expletive I expect)!

Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:36 am

This is a fantastic thread! Keep up the good work. Love the photos.

Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:50 am

Got back home this morning, a great trip , made some good friends ,enjoyed the hospitality of like minded people, and even managed to get the spitfire flying as well.

I hope you guys get a chance to see the spitfire flying at shows next year.

Thanks to all at chester county airport and of course Rich and Jim, who made the whole trip so special.

Happy Christmas and new year to you all.

Fred

Tue Dec 23, 2008 1:43 pm

Rich and Jim,
yous guys have gone the distance in the almost year since I've had the pleasure to meet both of you!

Have very much enjoyed, and look forward to reading of your very educational entries!

Just want to warn you that I may soon be climbing the gate out your way.

Keep up the great work, and I wish you and yours, a very Merry Christmas!

Be safe!

Gary

Tue Dec 23, 2008 4:51 pm

GARY HILTON wrote:Rich and Jim,
yous guys have gone the distance in the almost year since I've had the pleasure to meet both of you!

Have very much enjoyed, and look forward to reading of your very educational entries!

Just want to warn you that I may soon be climbing the gate out your way.

Keep up the great work, and I wish you and yours, a very Merry Christmas!

Be safe!

Gary

Gary,
Look forward to a return visit. I'll even let you in the gate unless you require spy type entry.
And to you a Merry Christmas as well.
Rich

Tue Dec 23, 2008 5:55 pm

ahh, I found the video version over at airshowbuzz:

http://www.airshowbuzz.com/videos/view.php?v=91bfa4fa

You guys do a great job of sharing. Thank you, and congratulations!

Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:43 pm

I was forced to open a Christmas gift early this year. A friend of mine makes chairs out of used hockey sticks and I guessed it was one of his chairs but I was accusing my family of stealing the one the Hockey Director has at the rink where I coach.

I was quite surprised at what was under the wrapping paper.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
Rich