Postby BRIAN RAWCLIFFE » August 22nd, 2022, 1:19 pm
Elvington LMA show last week. Firstly I would like to thank everyone who helped to retrieve my Hawker Tempest after the loss of power which resulted in the model landing in the rough grass area, severely damaging the wings. Two pilots I would like to mention are Stewart Clifford, and Mick Butler, many thanks. Sunday morning I transferred the model from my car to the workshop, and I am relived to say that the fuselage, engine, and all associated equipment is in perfect order, no damage whatsoever. Checking the radial engine i removed the plugs one at a time, switched on the ignition and with one plug connected to it's lead the other four remaining in the engine, holding the prop I turned the engine over and got a full spark. I repeated this procedure until all five plugs were removed, all with a full spark. So no ignition problems. [However], when i was turning the engine over it gave a kick, it did it a couple of times and i thought it must be due to some residual fuel in the cylinders. The tank had been emptied although a small amount always remains. NOTE. When the model was retrieved i switched of all the rx switches etc, and then the transmitter which i put into the carry case. So all the switch settings were as the model landed. Wednesday in bed thinking as usual what happened, and then i remembered the engine kicking when i turned it over, and i thought it can't do that unless the engine is choked. So 2.30 am in the morning i got out of bed and went into my workshop, took the transmitter out of it's case and low and behold the servo operated switch was in the on position, and on checking the carb the choke was closed. I must have accidentally turned the switch on while flying. This would be the reason for the loss of power. What an idiot i am. Leon is making me a set of wing ribs etc. which i should have in two weeks time So i will be flying it again next year. Brian Rawcliffe LMA 042,
Victoria