At 2:27 when they show the engineer's station (forgive my terminology) what is the small gauge in the middle of the three smaller gauges with the twirly things in it? Is that used to determine if the different engines are running at different speeds or ??
Very, very cool video and aircraft by the way, thanks for posting.
@realvanman1 You are correct! It is called a synchroscope. The "twirly things" represent the engine RPM of engines #2, 3, and 4. They move in relationship to the #1 engine. The synchroscope is used in flight to assist in sychronizing the RPM of the engines. So, after reducing power to say, 160 BMEP and 2000 RPM, the RPM will be approximately 2000; however, #1 might be at 1990, #2 at 2020, #3 at 2010, and #4 might be turning 1950. The synchroscope helps the F/E make the final adjustment.
@barthoedemaker Original fuel recommended: 100/130 for R3350-BA series and -BD series engines; 115/145 for R3350 CA, CB, DA, EA series and their military equivalents.
@Propliner1955 I think on earlier planes it was so, like a B-17... does the Connie have P&W 4360's? Just had a story on tv of 50th anniversary of a connie crashing here in Richmond with over 70 new ARMY recruits killed, two crew survivors... they had mismanaged the fuel flow
@irish89055 Permit me to say that, before asking a question as you did on the engine type installed on a Connie, it is best to do a slight bit of research--such as Wikipedia or even looking at earlier posts. Otherwise you stand to create a little embarrassment for yourself. As to the Richmond accident, yes, the student flight engineer and his instructor mismanaged the fuel system. Then, the co-pilot's actions sealed its fate.
Company was Imperial Airlines, and it was an 049 series Connie.
@nathanamorley For several reasons. On the Constellation, the brakes obtain system hydraulic pressure from #3 and #4 engines. On the DC-4/6/7, the brakes obtain system pressure from the #3 and #2 engines (Sorry, I don't know about the B-377). Hence, starting #3 engine will always provide brake pressure. It's desireable to start the port engines last because it allows maximum time for the entrance doors on the left side to be accessible. I formerly flew as F/E and F/O on DC-4/6/7s and Connies
No dislikes so far. Good. First person who dislikes this video will get his face stuck 2 inches from the flaming exhaust pipe. Nobody disses the Connie!
not a problem man, just happened to be checking my email when you posted...and just a bit further clarification reading back on what I posted a bit ago, there are three PRTs per engine, one for each stack. Each one boosts the total output by roughly 300 hp. and again the flame on takeoff, the engines are pulling 51 inches manifold pressure and that is a lot of fuel to be sure. the flames are normal. Be in touch if you want to know more!
@vintagepropguy . On 115/145 fuel, each PRT produces 150 BHP, or 450 BHP per engine, at 3250 BHP take-off power, more at 3400 BHP. On 100/130, figure about 132 BHP each. Each PRT is fed by six cylinders (18 cylinders divided by 3 PRTs=6)
@Propliner1955 thanks for the clarification on that, I am more a nut and bolt type of guy, I do understand the role of the PRT's, and can explain them more on laymens' terms. I am really excited to see this kind of discussion on propliners, by all means be in touch, and that goes to all here!
@ROCKSTARCRANE World Samplers operated two L-1649A Starliners. First was N7301C, which was replaced a few months later by N7321C. They both were originally delivered to TWA.
actually both of you are half right, the R3350 has what is called a power recovery turbine, which reclaims the energy of the exhaust gases, not unburnt gas. In other words, as the exhaust rushes out of the stack, it spins basically a turbocharger that is connected to the main crank, boosting hp. The oil does pool which creates the smoke that you see on startup, but you will notice it clears out pretty quickly, the raw flame you see is simply exhaust
What a wonderful sight. Obviously there aren't as many still airworthy as classic airliner fans like myself would hope to see but, thank God, there are a few still flying and the Save-A-Connie is a fantastic example of that. On behalf of all of us who love that era of commercial aviation, thanks to all the folks who helped restore this plane AND who continue to treat people at airshows with her beaty and grace. And thanks, too, for this post.
The Connie is one of the most beautiful airplanes in the world! My concern is that that engine appears to be running lean at full power and the flickering flames indicate a possible carburetor problem. I have seen these color flames on other Connies on take-off and feel they may be running too lean.
But what a powerful aircraft!! A true sky hot rod!
@CaptJackSpeed I'm pretty sure if they had her fueled up with 115/145 octane avgas,as it was originally designed to use, you'd see a nice purple flame. I'm pretty sure they're only running 100/130 low lead which means they can't use full super charger boost. They're probably loosing 600 hp per engine running with those settings and fuel. The R3350 engines on this aircraft are direct fuel injected not carburetored.
@aussiepaul44 Yes. Would be helpful if the 145 was still out there. My dad said it was once available at the gas station. It will be a sad day when 100/130 disappears. That will make things tough for us roundy round lovers. Hopefully there will be an equivalent offered. I love the TC-18 R-3350 and have begun to study it in depth. Was a great engine. More than likely, the summit of piston engine development. The lower power setting probably dont affect them too much. I bet they fly pretty light.
That's the Super Connie from the SAC in Kansas City, Mo., if I'm not mistaken. Been on her. Beautiful restoration! They found her in Australia, I think, got her flight ready and flew her back to KC for the restore. Just a beautiful job!!!
@xcitidwlr The Airline History Museum (what was Save-A-Connie) Super "H" Constellation was purchased in Oct., 1985 at auction by Mr. Paul Pristo, a Phoenix-based real estate entrepreneur, in Mesa, Arizona, U.S.A., not Australia. I flew on her three times from K.C. downtown to Glenview NAS (near Chicago, IL) and back and from DuPage Airport (St Charles, IL) to K.C. Downtown. All in the 1990's. And yes, they did do a beautiful job on the restoration!
This is priceless footage. Thank you for shooting it. I live in St. Louis...I've had the pleasure of making several trips to Kansas City to see this bird. Well worth every trip.
The Flight Engineer had to have "the touch" to light those big radials off without blowing a jug or setting one on fire. Those things burned purple gas, 115/145 octane. They don't make that stuff anymore. Those airplanes were a real challenge to fly. Jets are boring. Those were the glory days of aviation, and the Connie is arguably the most beautiful airplane ever built.
Excellent video, I came across the factory booklet on those engines. It claimed that the compound turbos were returning 1200 hp to the main engine which is amazing
Is that fire out the exhaust supposed to happen? wasn't the wright R 3350 designed to throw unburnt fuel back into the system? Correct me where I'm mistaken please
Hi Kylemontanaro...this is normal for the Connie R3350 radial engines..in fact normal for all radial piston engines. Fuel & oil can collect in the lower cilinders and fuel lines and can come in contact with the hot exhuast creating flames.
A OK! that's new : ) Thanks very much... I did hear something similar when it comes to those aerobatic aircraft, to inject diesel oil in the exhaust to create that cool white smoke.
@mprophet100 read the comments re the turbo-compound stack flames, that's correct. This is only normal though, for that engine. The Pratt & Whitney R-2800's of the DC-6's and Convairliners did not flame like this. In fact, if they did, there's a problem, starting with a fuel mixture that was too rich.
Wonderful, clear video shots and radial engine sounds! I flew on the "Save-A-Connie" 1049H three times between the Chicago area and K.C. (NAS Glenview and DuPage) back in the 1990's. Each time I was always impressed with how well the four engines would fire right up just as this video demonstrates.
At 2:27 when they show the engineer's station (forgive my terminology) what is the small gauge in the middle of the three smaller gauges with the twirly things in it? Is that used to determine if the different engines are running at different speeds or ??
Very, very cool video and aircraft by the way, thanks for posting.
realvanman1 1 month ago
@realvanman1 You are correct! It is called a synchroscope. The "twirly things" represent the engine RPM of engines #2, 3, and 4. They move in relationship to the #1 engine. The synchroscope is used in flight to assist in sychronizing the RPM of the engines. So, after reducing power to say, 160 BMEP and 2000 RPM, the RPM will be approximately 2000; however, #1 might be at 1990, #2 at 2020, #3 at 2010, and #4 might be turning 1950. The synchroscope helps the F/E make the final adjustment.
Propliner1955 1 month ago
Fire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SivlE85 3 months ago
What's the original fuel ron recommended for these engines in that era? 115?
barthoedemaker 4 months ago
@barthoedemaker Original fuel recommended: 100/130 for R3350-BA series and -BD series engines; 115/145 for R3350 CA, CB, DA, EA series and their military equivalents.
Propliner1955 4 months ago
@Propliner1955 thanks
barthoedemaker 1 month ago
The Constellation I think is one of the most beautifully designed propliners ever.
reneecalling 4 months ago
Why do these propeller planes usually start the number three engine first?
nathanamorley 4 months ago
@nathanamorley I belive that is where the generator is..
irish89055 4 months ago
@irish89055 EVERY engine on a Connie is equipped with a generator.
Propliner1955 4 months ago
@Propliner1955 I think on earlier planes it was so, like a B-17... does the Connie have P&W 4360's? Just had a story on tv of 50th anniversary of a connie crashing here in Richmond with over 70 new ARMY recruits killed, two crew survivors... they had mismanaged the fuel flow
irish89055 4 months ago
Comment removed
Propliner1955 4 months ago
@irish89055 Permit me to say that, before asking a question as you did on the engine type installed on a Connie, it is best to do a slight bit of research--such as Wikipedia or even looking at earlier posts. Otherwise you stand to create a little embarrassment for yourself. As to the Richmond accident, yes, the student flight engineer and his instructor mismanaged the fuel system. Then, the co-pilot's actions sealed its fate.
Company was Imperial Airlines, and it was an 049 series Connie.
Propliner1955 4 months ago
@nathanamorley For several reasons. On the Constellation, the brakes obtain system hydraulic pressure from #3 and #4 engines. On the DC-4/6/7, the brakes obtain system pressure from the #3 and #2 engines (Sorry, I don't know about the B-377). Hence, starting #3 engine will always provide brake pressure. It's desireable to start the port engines last because it allows maximum time for the entrance doors on the left side to be accessible. I formerly flew as F/E and F/O on DC-4/6/7s and Connies
Propliner1955 4 months ago
@Propliner1955I challenge you what's the start up sequence?
vexviper 4 months ago
@vexviper The normal start up sequence on a Connie (and DC-4/6/7) is 3,4,2,1.
Propliner1955 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
great video ! i like it
ryojitokyo3636 4 months ago
No dislikes so far. Good. First person who dislikes this video will get his face stuck 2 inches from the flaming exhaust pipe. Nobody disses the Connie!
SenorSpode 4 months ago
Awesome Vidoe! Thankyou
bobg7878 4 months ago
not a problem man, just happened to be checking my email when you posted...and just a bit further clarification reading back on what I posted a bit ago, there are three PRTs per engine, one for each stack. Each one boosts the total output by roughly 300 hp. and again the flame on takeoff, the engines are pulling 51 inches manifold pressure and that is a lot of fuel to be sure. the flames are normal. Be in touch if you want to know more!
vintagepropguy 5 months ago
@vintagepropguy . On 115/145 fuel, each PRT produces 150 BHP, or 450 BHP per engine, at 3250 BHP take-off power, more at 3400 BHP. On 100/130, figure about 132 BHP each. Each PRT is fed by six cylinders (18 cylinders divided by 3 PRTs=6)
Propliner1955 4 months ago
@Propliner1955 thanks for the clarification on that, I am more a nut and bolt type of guy, I do understand the role of the PRT's, and can explain them more on laymens' terms. I am really excited to see this kind of discussion on propliners, by all means be in touch, and that goes to all here!
vintagepropguy 4 months ago
Wonderful video. Thanks very much for sharing.
327409427 5 months ago
This is the last plane operating under TWA's colorscheme.
jetfreak4 5 months ago
Was that the Connie associated with the "World Samplers" club?
ROCKSTARCRANE 6 months ago
@ROCKSTARCRANE World Samplers operated two L-1649A Starliners. First was N7301C, which was replaced a few months later by N7321C. They both were originally delivered to TWA.
Propliner1955 4 months ago
God Almighty Himself must have helped design this airplane. There's never been a more beautiful flying machine.
ROCKSTARCRANE 6 months ago 2
actually both of you are half right, the R3350 has what is called a power recovery turbine, which reclaims the energy of the exhaust gases, not unburnt gas. In other words, as the exhaust rushes out of the stack, it spins basically a turbocharger that is connected to the main crank, boosting hp. The oil does pool which creates the smoke that you see on startup, but you will notice it clears out pretty quickly, the raw flame you see is simply exhaust
vintagepropguy 6 months ago
@vintagepropguy thanks for that clarification. Had no idea.
327409427 5 months ago
Excellent Vid. Thanks!
dave440c 6 months ago
A great video of the most beautiful passenger plane ever built...nothing compares, at all.
Thank you sir, for a fantastic trip back in time!
mr3gtp 7 months ago
this is my most favorite constellation vid on youtube!
RJfan 7 months ago
built in the day of "Emissions? fuck emissions" I miss em.
1949crewchief 8 months ago
I love the part where the fire comes out! :-D
concorde232 8 months ago
What a wonderful sight. Obviously there aren't as many still airworthy as classic airliner fans like myself would hope to see but, thank God, there are a few still flying and the Save-A-Connie is a fantastic example of that. On behalf of all of us who love that era of commercial aviation, thanks to all the folks who helped restore this plane AND who continue to treat people at airshows with her beaty and grace. And thanks, too, for this post.
MrRonnieG 8 months ago
Great video. What a plane!
twal1011 10 months ago
omfg, I would give anything to fly in a Constellation <33333
RJfan 1 year ago
The Connie is one of the most beautiful airplanes in the world! My concern is that that engine appears to be running lean at full power and the flickering flames indicate a possible carburetor problem. I have seen these color flames on other Connies on take-off and feel they may be running too lean.
But what a powerful aircraft!! A true sky hot rod!
CaptJackSpeed 1 year ago
@CaptJackSpeed I'm pretty sure if they had her fueled up with 115/145 octane avgas,as it was originally designed to use, you'd see a nice purple flame. I'm pretty sure they're only running 100/130 low lead which means they can't use full super charger boost. They're probably loosing 600 hp per engine running with those settings and fuel. The R3350 engines on this aircraft are direct fuel injected not carburetored.
aussiepaul44 8 months ago
@aussiepaul44 Yes. Would be helpful if the 145 was still out there. My dad said it was once available at the gas station. It will be a sad day when 100/130 disappears. That will make things tough for us roundy round lovers. Hopefully there will be an equivalent offered. I love the TC-18 R-3350 and have begun to study it in depth. Was a great engine. More than likely, the summit of piston engine development. The lower power setting probably dont affect them too much. I bet they fly pretty light.
CaptJackSpeed 8 months ago
@CaptJackSpeed 115/145 is produced in limited quantity each year for the Reno Air Race and, perhaps some other races.
Propliner1955 4 months ago
love this plane
sanyo51 1 year ago
That's the Super Connie from the SAC in Kansas City, Mo., if I'm not mistaken. Been on her. Beautiful restoration! They found her in Australia, I think, got her flight ready and flew her back to KC for the restore. Just a beautiful job!!!
xcitidwlr 1 year ago
@xcitidwlr The Airline History Museum (what was Save-A-Connie) Super "H" Constellation was purchased in Oct., 1985 at auction by Mr. Paul Pristo, a Phoenix-based real estate entrepreneur, in Mesa, Arizona, U.S.A., not Australia. I flew on her three times from K.C. downtown to Glenview NAS (near Chicago, IL) and back and from DuPage Airport (St Charles, IL) to K.C. Downtown. All in the 1990's. And yes, they did do a beautiful job on the restoration!
hudson501 8 months ago
Simply beautiful, thnx for sharing.
traveler08a 1 year ago
@neverboardproduction
These engines' power recovery turbines might be the major cause. Note that the flames are also visible at high rpm.
PeterNGloor 1 year ago
This is priceless footage. Thank you for shooting it. I live in St. Louis...I've had the pleasure of making several trips to Kansas City to see this bird. Well worth every trip.
jetfreak4 1 year ago
Hi motdk
THANKS.....cheers Mp
mprophet100 1 year ago
Awesome ... :-)
mortdk 1 year ago
The Flight Engineer had to have "the touch" to light those big radials off without blowing a jug or setting one on fire. Those things burned purple gas, 115/145 octane. They don't make that stuff anymore. Those airplanes were a real challenge to fly. Jets are boring. Those were the glory days of aviation, and the Connie is arguably the most beautiful airplane ever built.
1jetdrvr 1 year ago
Excellent video, I came across the factory booklet on those engines. It claimed that the compound turbos were returning 1200 hp to the main engine which is amazing
for their size and the excellent installation.
wazza33racer 1 year ago
Is that fire out the exhaust supposed to happen? wasn't the wright R 3350 designed to throw unburnt fuel back into the system? Correct me where I'm mistaken please
Still a very cool vid :D
kylemontanaro 2 years ago
Hi Kylemontanaro...this is normal for the Connie R3350 radial engines..in fact normal for all radial piston engines. Fuel & oil can collect in the lower cilinders and fuel lines and can come in contact with the hot exhuast creating flames.
mprophet100 2 years ago
A OK! that's new : ) Thanks very much... I did hear something similar when it comes to those aerobatic aircraft, to inject diesel oil in the exhaust to create that cool white smoke.
Anyway thank you very much :)
Cheers,
Kyle.
kylemontanaro 2 years ago
@mprophet100 read the comments re the turbo-compound stack flames, that's correct. This is only normal though, for that engine. The Pratt & Whitney R-2800's of the DC-6's and Convairliners did not flame like this. In fact, if they did, there's a problem, starting with a fuel mixture that was too rich.
Ms11565 1 year ago
@mprophet100 yea, if you don't see those flames, that means something's wrong
RJfan 10 months ago
@mprophet100 And it's Aviation poetry...
andresrodrigoescobar 3 months ago
@kylemontanaro it think my grandpa, who worked for TWA in the 50s said that all piston engines with cylinders have a exhaust flame
pwnedmodder 9 months ago
Wonderful, clear video shots and radial engine sounds! I flew on the "Save-A-Connie" 1049H three times between the Chicago area and K.C. (NAS Glenview and DuPage) back in the 1990's. Each time I was always impressed with how well the four engines would fire right up just as this video demonstrates.
hudson501 2 years ago
Nice vid man 8-)
jonathanctk 2 years ago