Went by Stead.....

[badman]

Re: Went by Stead.....

Rare Bear + 3x7121A+1990 = Gold victory and new race record.

1991 = New qualifying record
1991 = Gold victory and new Race record again
1992 = Another new qualifying record...

"boys...this program's not working, let's go back to the Aeroproducts..."

Sorry, not buying it...just my $.02

Joseph

My thoughts exactly. In fact I believe JP has said on this forum the 3-blader is definitely faster and I remember hearing Lyle talk in the pits at Reno 1990(ish) saying the 3-blader added 40mph to the Bear (some of the stats cited above seem to back that up).

Plus, as I recall Lyle and crew did some testing/comparison stuff in 1989-90 at Mojave on the 3 blader vs the Aeroproducts prop and decided the 3-blader was faster (but not in time for their 1989 record run). Are we now saying all that testing from 89-90 was bad and Lyle and crew didn't know what they were doing?

I suspect the rationale for switching back to the Aeroproducts prop was all about handling issues - not that the Aeroproducts prop all of a sudden became faster than the 3-blader.

I'm no engineer - just a fan so I have no formulas to prove the 3-blader is faster. For me the comments from those involved with the Bear and the increases in race and qualifying speeds after switching to the 3-blader convince me its the faster prop.

If they don't use the 3-blader for this year's speed run, maybe there's another reason?

[Lockheed Bob]

Re: Went by Stead.....

Maybe it creates too much bad air if you are following it during a race at high speeds? Bad air may have upset Jimmy?

[Dialtapper]

Re: Went by Stead.....

I have it on good authority that Rod Lewis did a one for one swap with Thom Richard. Precious Metal will have the 3-blade at Reno, and the Bear will be running the Shackelton setup for the 3km.

Jusssayin'.

Damn, wish I had the inside track just once.

But if you read it on the net it must be true.

[Big_Jim]

Re: Went by Stead.....

Damn, wish I had the inside track just once.

But if you read it on the net it must be true.

You know I've always got your back, dude. :-)

[W J Pearce]

Re: Went by Stead.....

Wasn't there an R-2800 built with a contra rotating prop setup for a prototype of some sort?

Yes, but the set-ups probably don't exist anymore.

The XP-56, XP-60C, a P-47, and a pair of F4Us all flew with contraprops. That would be fine for Argo and Czech Mate, being the only R-2800 powered (non-stock) racers.

The Bear and its R-3350 have fewer options. I believe the Curtiss XF14C and XP-62 were the only R-3350-powered contraprop aircraft.

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Went by Stead.....

I have it on good authority that Rod Lewis did a one for one swap with Thom Richard. Precious Metal will have the 3-blade at Reno, and the Bear will be running the Shackelton setup for the 3km.

Jusssayin'.

Damnit Jim.... you just couldn't keep the secret could you.........

[flyingjibus]

Re: Went by Stead.....

I have it on good authority that Rod Lewis received a large amount of money to keep the 3 blade prop off the bear in order to hold it back. The checked was signed by someone named "Grampi"

[jarrodeu]

Re: Went by Stead.....

Well, I thought I remembered hearing that the 3 blade was faster too. See link below.

http://www.aafo.com/hangartalk/showthread.php?p=98095#post98095

Jarrod

[Desertdawg]

Re: Went by Stead.....

I know what is said here - stays here.

Heres a pictures of the new special prop.

[C_roundy]

Re: Went by Stead.....

I have it on good authority that Rod Lewis received a large amount of money to keep the 3 blade prop off the bear in order to hold it back. The checked was signed by someone named "Grampi"

Thanks Flyingjibus!, made me laugh so hard that my whole day has to go better!

[1:1 Scale]

Re: Went by Stead.....

Where is Thom going to get one that spins the other way

He's not, just going to turn the seat around and change the configuration to the worlds first canard pusher 15-P

[tjyak50]

Re: Went by Stead.....

I swear that an announcement of the return of the 3-blade Bear would lead directly to more attendance at Reno.
Win, lose or draw.. It would be a real treat.

[jarrodeu]

Re: Went by Stead.....

1. A Fast airplane and Race pilot..... with the following caveats:
*You have to be able to clearly see the course or you"ll cut pylons
* Systems management needs to be simple (Auto spray bar etc)
* Easy to decipher instruments with critical instruments at the upper
left quadrant of the instrument panel, telemetry
* All race related switches in one spot; IE upper right of panel
* Aircraft Flight quality on the course; IE big propellers/lots of power
make for poor handling and you cant get in tight on the pylons or
close in formation. Ask Matt how Rare Bear flew with the 3 blade,
its faster on the straight line but slower on the course.

http://www.aafo.com/hangartalk/showpost.php?p=75811&postcount=2

I knew I had heard the 3 blade was faster. see above

Jarrod

[Box A35]

Re: Went by Stead.....

I think it was in Lyle's book, but he wrote that setting the 3km record was the most challenging/demanding piloting that he had ever done. To that end, I would think that with the maneuvering required to stay inside the allowed "box" of airspace, they would want to set it up to handle as well as possible/not fight against the pilot even if it does have to give up a knot or 2, or ?

It sounds like setting the record is anything but a straight line maneuver.

[Cloudchaser427]

Re: Went by Stead.....

Where is Thom going to get one that spins the other way

Wasn't there an R-2800 built with a contra rotating prop setup for a prototype of some sort?

Those engines have different a spline size 50 & 60, plus no nose cases for that swap.