When it became clear that the Hercules 230 that I originally acquired could not be got back into running order I decided to acquire another engine but this time to be sure that it there was a high probability that the engine could be got running. In the event a Hercules 264 was acquired from Keith Smith. The Hercules 264, which has a two speed single stage supercharger, was designed for and only fitted to the RAF's Varsity training aircraft which was designed to fly at high altitudes for bomb aimer training. This engine had been the property of Francis Machin of Gamelow Manor who died in 2007 and whose significant collection of aero engines, including a Merlin, had been put up for auction. During a pre auction viewing it had been found possible to turn the engine by hand directly on the hand turning shaft without the handle. Also acquired from the auction was a cut down for bladed De Haviland propeller of the type fitted to RAF Hastings aircraft and built under licence from Hamilton Standard of the USA. Whilst the Varsity was normally fitted with a Rotol propeller the De Haviland propeller is smaller and neater and more appropriate for ground running. |
