The Barracuda Project

[Renegadenemo]

One thing I noticed in the photos of the Barra being craned out of the boggy pool where they found it is that it appeared to have wooden prop blades. That Merlin outside the Ruskin also has wooden prop blades. Was there a mass-producer of wooden blades in WWII?

[Mike Bull]

There were no end of wooden props used during WW2, so I'm not surprised to hear that the Barra also had them. Should be a thriving community of companies out there servicing the prop needs of the world's warbirds, anyway.

Here's a photo of mine showing another example of a wooden prop from WW2- the Hurricane wreckage displayed at the RAF Museum, Hendon. (Their wrecked Halifax also has wooden props)

hurricane1.jpg

[f1steveuk]

Many years ago, in my museum days (but after Filching) I worked for a company that sourced warbirds for collectors to restore. I went to Syberia (no, I wasn't sent there) to look at a Ju87, which turned out to have landed vertically at about 400 mph, and we were flown out into 'no where land' in a Mil Mi2. That had wooden rotor blades, and that worried me no end!!! Apparently quite common (the blades, not being worried).

[klingon]

Was there a mass-producer of wooden blades in WWII?

The blades on the Barras (The wheels on the bus?) were made "in house" by Fairey-nearest prop restorer for warbirds is in Germany now-ironic or what?

[JackTheGeordieLad]

So will there be a spot for me on this Project then, Gaffa??

CV: 1) Previous restoration experience,
2) Almost got the hang of making the tea,
3) Have a taste for the music on the "alpod",
4) Don't mind cleaning.
<--- me in my professional 'Brainy Specs'

[Renegadenemo]

We'd gladly find a job for you, Youth. But soon you'll lose your virginity and develop a taste for beer when you reach the legal age and that may be the end of your desire to hang about with middle-aged gents... Time will tell.

[Mike Bull]

I'm sure Youth would be welcomed by all when we've moved on to our next project. In fact by the time we've finished the boat, he'll be done with his fancy schooling and will probably swan back in and try and tell us how it's all done! But as long as he doesn't say 'it's quicker with a hacksaw' like one spectacularly useless individual once said, he'll be fine.

[Renegadenemo]

But as long as he doesn't say 'it's quicker with a hacksaw' like one spectacularly useless individual once said, he'll be fine.

You had raw steak for breakfast today, or what?

The poor man was only trying to make up the time he lost by being inept with a file.

[bluebirdsback]

Check that c.v of Youths Bill. Still no where near with my tea im afraid. The training aids are available so there is no excuse. As for losing virginity and getting the taste for beer, its never stopped me taking part. As long as he doesnt combine the three he should be fine, The touch of a good woman may even make him a bit more gentle with the milk bottle when he makes my bloody tea.

[Jordangbr]

Maybe a Ronseal wood stain chart is required Rob.