Thunderbird - BMW R1200 Engine

[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.

[Boet]

I know where you can get an engine already modified, gearbox et al. PM

[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.

[Air Hog]

Hi T-bird
Will post some photos as we progress, at this stage, I have just started stripping.

[Oupa-G]

Good luck with the project


Oupa-G

[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

[Rudix]

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

[Air Hog]

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.

[Rudix]

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

[Lieb Liebenberg]

Hi all,cant wait for the project and photos.Please keep all of us posted.This will be a nice plane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Low Level]

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. Hy het alreeds 'n BMW wat in sy garage lê en wag.

[Rudix]

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. Hy het alreeds 'n BMW wat in sy garage lê en wag.

Dit klink goed! Ja, ons kan gerus gaan kyk en leer.....

[Air Hog]

Daar is altyd koffie by Rosslyn Microflyers. Altyd welkom

[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

[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.