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Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 8:40 pm
by Air Hog
New project.

Have just bought a R1200 BMW (with 7000km on the clock) motor to fit to the Thunderbird. Start stripping this Saturday.

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 10:25 pm
by Boet
I know where you can get an engine already modified, gearbox et al. PM

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 9:53 am
by t-bird
Great project please post photos.

I have started my flying on a Thunderbird with a 618.

They are awesome little airplanes.

The BMW would make it more affordable.

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 3:38 pm
by Air Hog
Hi T-bird
Will post some photos as we progress, at this stage, I have just started stripping.

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:22 pm
by Oupa-G
Good luck with the project


Oupa-G

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 5:44 pm
by Air Hog
Update

Because of Project at work this project was delayed for about 6 weeks. Now, it is full steam ahead.

I have decided to go the Belt reduction route. Much lighter and more affordable. This should be ready by end of next week latest. After that we can finalise the engine mounting. Everything else is ready and waiting.

Getting exited to feel this one flying.

Fly safe

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:07 pm
by Rudix
Air Hog wrote:Update

Because of Project at work this project was delayed for about 6 weeks. Now, it is full steam ahead.

I have decided to go the Belt reduction route. Much lighter and more affordable. This should be ready by end of next week latest. After that we can finalise the engine mounting. Everything else is ready and waiting.

Getting exited to feel this one flying.

Fly safe
Great stuff! More and more alternative engines are taking to the air!

Looking forward to seeing the results, I am seriously considering a BMW......

Please tell us more about your belt reduction, is it locally made?

Fly safe,
Rudi

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:29 pm
by Air Hog
Rudix wrote: Please tell us more about your belt reduction, is it locally made?

Fly safe,
Rudi
Hi Rudi, the belt reduction is based on my own design with input from a engineer friend of mine. The belt drive connect to the crank through a rubber coupler, the belt is 85mm wide which is a little over designed, but rather safe than sorry. The coupler/belt should also sort any vibration problems.
The design hp it can handle is just over 200 horses. Will post pictures once finish.

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:40 pm
by Rudix
Air Hog wrote:
Rudix wrote: Please tell us more about your belt reduction, is it locally made?

Fly safe,
Rudi
Hi Rudi, the belt reduction is based on my own design with input from a engineer friend of mine. The belt drive connect to the crank through a rubber coupler, the belt is 85mm wide which is a little over designed, but rather safe than sorry. The coupler/belt should also sort any vibration problems.
The design hp it can handle is just over 200 horses. Will post pictures once finish.
Sounds like a good option, I know some guys run huge power on belt reductions.

I am looking at a similar setup for my Zodiac 601, will watch your project with interest!

Thanks for the info (^^)

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 6:34 am
by Lieb Liebenberg
Hi all,cant wait for the project and photos.Please keep all of us posted.This will be a nice plane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:00 am
by Low Level
Air Hog wrote:The design hp it can handle is just over 200 horses. Will post pictures once finish.
Rudi - ek dink daar moet bietjie koffie gemaak word by Rosslyn as daai redrive klaar is. Dan spring ek en jy en Big Mac oor die berg om te gaan kyk. :wink: Hy het alreeds 'n BMW wat in sy garage lê en wag.

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:04 am
by Rudix
Low Level wrote:
Air Hog wrote:The design hp it can handle is just over 200 horses. Will post pictures once finish.
Rudi - ek dink daar moet bietjie koffie gemaak word by Rosslyn as daai redrive klaar is. Dan spring ek en jy en Big Mac oor die berg om te gaan kyk. :wink: Hy het alreeds 'n BMW wat in sy garage lê en wag.
Dit klink goed! Ja, ons kan gerus gaan kyk en leer.....

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 5:59 pm
by Air Hog
Daar is altyd koffie by Rosslyn Microflyers. Altyd welkom :) ##

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 8:55 am
by Big Mac
Ja ldel dit klink goed wanneer Air Hog reg is moet hy net se dan kan ons gaan kyk en leer en natuurlik n koffie saam geniet vhpy

Re: Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 6:49 pm
by Air Hog
At last, found all the parts for the Belt drive. Should be in SA by Wednesday next week, then it is full steam ahead. It is taking so looooong.