GREAT stuff on the big V-12s...

[AirDOGGe]

Air & Space Smith. has an excellent multi-page article on the big 'VEE' aircraft motors, and more (click link):


Masters Of The V-12

http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/cit-wilkinson.html?c=y&page=1

.

[xmh53wrench]

Re: GREAT stuff on the big V-12s...

Great read.....thanks

[MerlinV12]

Re: GREAT stuff on the big V-12s...

What about roush they do stuff for merlin v12 engines

[airtj]

Roush Aviation

http://www.roushaviation.com/

[AirDOGGe]

Re: GREAT stuff on the big V-12s...

I don't believe Roush Aviation qualifies under the title of "Masters" of the V-12. Specializing in automobile engines and road racing (and very good at it too), they've only been working on the big Merlins for a dozen years or so. I'm sure they hired some qualified people to do the work and they do it well, but still...


The experience of the skilled folks mentioned in the A&S article go back several decades, some to the 50's or earlier! They've pretty much learned all the secrets of the beast.

[Coyote Chris]

Re: GREAT stuff on the big V-12s...

"In the ’60s, acres of Los Angeles were carpeted with Merlins and Allisons owned by a speculator who had bought them for pennies a pound. When land prices shot up the engines were sent to Japan, melted, and recycled."

[Mike51]

Re: GREAT stuff on the big V-12s...

What about roush they do stuff for merlin v12 engines

The article is now 10 years old! Several of the engine builders quoted in the article are sadly no longer with us.

[AirDOGGe]

Re: GREAT stuff on the big V-12s...

Yes, that's the sad aspect of it.

Still, for those who haven't read it yet, there's really good stuff there, including several little Merlin details I had no idea of. So good that I wish the article were the beginning of a 300 page book!

[440_Magnum]

Re: GREAT stuff on the big V-12s...

Yes, that's the sad aspect of it.

Still, for those who haven't read it yet, there's really good stuff there, including several little Merlin details I had no idea of. So good that I wish the article were the beginning of a 300 page book!

I started reading and began thinking, "This is all very familiar...." then I checked the date. I've got a copy of the printed article from way back but its nice to find it online. Too bad they didn't include the photos that go with the story.