Fifi - 1/4 engine

There is a very nice 29 at the muesum at Pueblo Co. in flying condition.

I wonder why we never see it out flying around.
 

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Tom - $$$$ :)

Fifi is being restored in Midland at CAF headquarters. I think the engines are being done up north, maybe in montana somewhere, and shipped to Texas.

http://www.cafb29b24.org/a/index.htm

Says there that engine 3 is almost ready to run.
 
The engines are being done by a pro shop. They are a "new" engine in that they are making a hybrid engine from the main and accessory cases of the best marks of R-3350's.

They have successfully completed one engine run. They sent the second engine to an alternate customer - Rare Bear, which needed a race engine.

I'm sure the CAF got well compensated for that deal, probably helping the cash flow on this upgrade.
 
tonycondon said:
Tom - $$$$ :)

Fifi is being restored in Midland at CAF headquarters. I think the engines are being done up north, maybe in montana somewhere, and shipped to Texas.

http://www.cafb29b24.org/a/index.htm

Says there that engine 3 is almost ready to run.
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The engines are being done by Precession Airmotive in Everett Wa (actually Marysville Wa.) the last big round engine rebuilders.
 
kyleb said:
The engines are being done by a pro shop. They are a "new" engine in that they are making a hybrid engine from the main and accessory cases of the best marks of R-3350's.

They have successfully completed one engine run. They sent the second engine to an alternate customer - Rare Bear, which needed a race engine.

I'm sure the CAF got well compensated for that deal, probably helping the cash flow on this upgrade.
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Actually there are quite a few 3350s in the system, and parts are avalible as new old stock.

Believe it or not I bought 4 new cylinders for an AD1 for $125 each.
 
Tom-D said:
Actually there are quite a few 3350s in the system, and parts are avalible as new old stock.

Believe it or not I bought 4 new cylinders for an AD1 for $125 each.
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I know someone who has a pressure carb for a 3350. The thing is almost as big as the engine in my taildragger. I wonder if they need carbs?
 
Tom-D said:
There is a very nice 29 at the muesum at Pueblo Co. in flying condition.

I wonder why we never see it out flying around.
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I've been there a few times and saw that 29. I didn't realize it was in flying condition. I don't think its been out of the hangar in many years.
 
Anthony said:
I've been there a few times and saw that 29. I didn't realize it was in flying condition. I don't think its been out of the hangar in many years.
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The old boy that we walked thru the building with said all their aircraft were in a state of preservation.

They have some neet stuff.
 
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Tom-D said:
The old boy that we walked thru the building with said all their aircraft were in a state of preservation.

They have some neet stuff.
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Yes they do. If memory serves they even have a Grumman Cougar.

Another good museum I visited recently is the Tennessee Air Museum in Sevieverville. EVERYTHING flies. Every plane has an oil pan under it. :)

Lots of round engines there.
 
If you have to ask.....:ihih:

btw, this is what it looked like

photo_02.jpg


Let'sgoflying! said:
I wonder what an OH costs (any opportunity to cheer up, y'know.)
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I went onboard FiFi when it visted Fort Wayne. They were working on the #2(?) engine by swinging the prop and did a test run. I figured it was hydraulic lock.

The most impressive thing was the 55 gallon drum of oil they carried in the bomb bay.
 
mikea said:
I went onboard FiFi when it visted Fort Wayne. They were working on the #2(?) engine by swinging the prop and did a test run. I figured it was hydraulic lock.

The most impressive thing was the 55 gallon drum of oil they carried in the bomb bay.
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Somewhere in my Dad's stuff, I've got a copy of the B29 "POH" equivalent and IIRC the engines hold more oil than my Baron holds fuel, something like 50-60 gallons per engine!

And FWIW, I got a personally guided tour of FiFi many years ago from Vic Agather (the person who named her) when it was in St Paul. I probably could have gotten a ride in it at the time if I'd only known enough to ask.
 
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