Watched a DC-7 taxi out with 3 engines running, one static. I asked an old time standing there if he was going to go on just 3 engines. Just watch he said. The pitot began his run and the prop on no. 4 began to windmill. Then a belch of white smoke and a decelleration. He taxied back to the end of the runway and took off with all 4 running. The starter was inop on number 4. What grand days those days were.
A friend of mine flew fighter jets during Vietnam. I want to say an F-100, but not positive. It was drilled into him to avoid a flame out in training, so he was completely dumbfounded when he hitched a ride in a prop powered cargo plane going somewhere, and he wasn't sure how to adjust the mixture during cruise. The pilot in command simply leaned it out until it quit, then added a bit of fuel back in. It was a totally foreign experience for the jet pilot.
I flew home on what I think was a DC7 back in 1961 I was an infant at the time but I do remember watching the engines warm up seems there were guys with fire extinguishers
Love these old airplanes, but this is not a DC-7, this is a DC-6 or more accurately a C-118A. DC-7s had 4 blade propellers. But I still love the sound those big radials make.
There's an easy explanation for that. Unlike other V twins, Harley engines are configured with fork and blade connecting rods, basically like 2 cylinders of a radial engine.
Yup, very familiar with the internal workings and is one of the nicest sounds to hear. Nice lumpy shovel or pan idle...the new ones don't sound close at all. I do appreciate you taking the time to reply.
