Bill Freeman wrote:

Paul,

Just got back from OSH, nastiest WX for flying in the last
20 yrs.  In any case, I was VERY impressed with the Mecanair
engine.  They could benefit from some of the things that we
have worked out here, most notably the external feed for the
oil injection pump, but the gearbox and esp the accy case are
very nice.  I would rather use coil-on-plug units compared
to his (expensive looking) spark-box unit with high voltage wires
but the triple spark timing sensors was nice, as was the dual
alternators.  Changing the belt on the front alt will be a
B*tch!!! tho.  Overall, seemed like an excellent engineering
job with some development time to go.

I talked with Freddy Rouge for some time this AM, and he says
they have built an articulated engine test stand with the intent
of swinging the whole engine-prop assy around to put in the
gyro loads for test purposes.  Impressive.  The gearbox housing
is magnesium, the gearbox uses 6 pinions and a specially designed
external ring gear that can flex slighlty to equalize the pinion loads,
which can add a lot of durability to a planetary box.

I liked the long intake manifold, the injectors far away from the
ports, decent turbo installation, good prop gov mount and
drive system.  Reasonbly robust prop shaft and flange, good
choices of alt and starter (size and wt -wise), water pump
looks good (apparently works, too) , etc, etc.

Freddy could not understand where the French website was
from.  He stated that HE created the only known web site and
that it was all in English and only known to a few.    ?????????
Fredy (Freddy?) says that he is retired from the
Swiss FAA.  Also says the designer was an engine builder
for Can Am cars - some Lolas, I couldn't understand the
name of the engines, but they were big block Chevys.

Sorry I missed you, landed at 2:35 pm Sat, left today at about
2:00.  Bad WX up, had to land and wait out the WX on the way up,
nearly got locked out for the airshow, had to wait 1.5 hrs under
the wing of the EZ for the rain to stop to leave, was good WX
from 30 miles SW of OSH to home.   168 kts at 10.5, smooth
on top of the few cu's, listening to Dylan and the Beach Boys.
Hard to beat.

What did you think?

Bill

I figured you got weathered in.
The turbo on the Mecanair engine is stock 89 through 91 Mazda.
The gear box does look nice. Scaled down PT6. Now all they need do is fly it a 
thousand hours and I will be ready to buy :-)

BTW guys John Moran is thinking of making a six pinion planet carrier
for the C6 that will fit most Ross and Tracy gear boxes.
How many are interested? I know I am if I go turbo. 50% more torque potential.

Did you make it to the Power Sport booth Bill? If so what do you think?

Paul Lamar
 
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