16/11/2013 No1 Engine Dropped for Inspection
We were all very grateful for rather milder weather than when we last removed an engine for routine inspection two winters ago!
Over the previous three weeks, the engine has been prepared for the main event by removal of air ducting, hydraulic feeds, throttle linkage, intake make-up pieces and electrical and fire detection connections to the engine.
Roger disconnects one of the firewire connections.
Image Copyright© Av Magill
Eric prepares to remove some of the piping.
Image Copyright© Av Magill
Once more we called upon the assistance of 150(City of Oxford) Sqn. ATC cadets to provide the muscle power to drop the engine, partly as good experience for them, and partly to save us "old codgers'" backs and arm muscles!
Not all of the electrical wiring can be disconnected whilst the engine is in its normal position. A couple of connectors can only be reached once the engine has been lowered a little, but great care has to be taken to disconnect them before the wiring gets broken.
Len removes the remaing electrical connections.
Image Copyright© Av Magill
Once the last of the connections was removed, the cadets could continue carefully lowering the engine, Eric supervising from the engine inlet to ensure the engine stayed level during the operation (His feet can just be seen at the top of the above photo).
The cadets continue to lower the engine.
Image Copyright© Av Magill
No1 engine almost safely on its engine stand
Image Copyright© Av Magill
Meanwhile, Av applies a fresh coat of paint to the end cap
Image Copyright© Len Hewitt
