Rolls Royce R37 Bluebird Engine

[GaryParticipant @gary]

I understand this engine will be on display at the Goodwood Revival 14-16 September and I need some help with Hi-Resolution photographs

I wish to build a model of the Bluebird K-3 and would like to include this engine with everything reproduced, nuts bolts wiring tubing etc. Unfortunately most images online are not clear enough to prepare drawings from.

Any help would be most appreciated.

[GaryParticipant @gary]

Help required with photographs

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hello Gary

I have had a look through my Bluebird specification details but to no avail as all of my information relates to the hull and frame.

However I do know that the engine in Bluebird was an adapted Meteor (the Meteor typically has blue rocker covers) a brief look on the interweb found a few images of this Merlin variant so there could be something there that might suit your needs.

Hope this helps

Paul

[GaryParticipant @gary]

Hello Paul,

I am building the Blue Bird K-3 as she was in 1937 on Lake Maggiore, at that stage the configuration was different from today and they had the larger Rolls Royce R engine installed.

All a bit confusing, because the boat has had two configurations.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

That explains it, I did wonder.

Have you tried Rolls Royce themselves as they must have all the specifications in their archive, failing that you could try the Garwood archive as I think Garfield Wood used an R37 in one of his boats.

Paul

[GaryParticipant @gary]

Hi Paul,

Contacted Rolls Royce and it appears no drawings have survived of this particular series of engine.

Gar Wood actually used Packard Engines.

Cheers Gary

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Gary

Perhaps the RAF or one of the historic aircraft societies will have some information in the form of technical manuals, after all someone has to maintain these engines.

Paul

[GaryParticipant @gary]

Paul,

Managed to get some photographs of the R engine taken at RAF museum Hendon. Thanks for your help.

Did you ever manage to get suitable drawings for John Cobb's crusader? The photograph you posted of the model looked most impressive.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Gary

I couldn't find any suitable drawings but I had enough basic information to enable me to produce a new set.

Paul

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