avatar_Scotaidh

Up-engined DC-3

Started by Scotaidh, June 11, 2026, 03:32:22 AM

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Scotaidh

I just had a brainwave ... Everyone knows about the triple turbo-prop DC-3 abortion, but other than that - has anyone re-engined a DC-3?  I was thinking specifically of swapping in a couple of Hercules engines from a Beaufighter - 1500hp vs 1200 hp ... should either increase gross take-off weight, or top speed, or both ... as well as reducing range.  ;)
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Martin H

#1
That would make it the Airspeed AS63. Proposed licenced version for empire use.

Airspeed had a licence to to build DC2 and DC3 airframes but the war got in the way.......
I always hope for the best.
Unfortunately,
experience has taught me to expect the worst.

Size (of the stash) matters.

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Dizzyfugu

There was the DC-3S, with more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2000 or 1,475 hp (1,100 kW) Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines. AFAIK five completed by Douglas for civil use, using existing surplus secondhand airframes.
There also was a Soviet "upgrade", called TS-82, with with 1,650 horsepower (1,230 kW) Shvetsov ASh-82 radial engines due to shortage of American engines in the Soviet Union.

kerick

There is the twin turbo prop version
" Somewhere, between half true, and completely crazy, is a rainbow of nice colours "
Tophe the Wise

jcf

LOT had two Pegasus engined DC-2.

You cannot view this attachment.

perttime

For turbine conversions, there's the Basler Turbo Conversions BT-67:
"The conversion includes fitting the airframe with new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R turboprop engines (1,281 shp (955 kW) each, with 5 blade propellers), lengthening the fuselage, strengthening the airframe, upgrading the avionics, and making modifications to the wings' leading edges and wingtips."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basler_BT-67

You cannot view this attachment.

There were other turbo prop conversions.

TomZ

I would go for something more radical.
If you replace the one radial engine with the other, most people won't see the difference.
Why not go for RR Merlins?

Now there is an idea. An RAF Merlin engined C-47 Gunship. I know I have a DC-3 in the stash. Now where can I get two cheap merlin engines.........

TomZ
Reality is an illusion caused by an alcohol deficiency

Pellson

Griffons from a FROG Shackleton would probably fit..
Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!

Gondor

Campbell Patterson is currently building something similar to the ideas here. He is fitting a pair of Bristols to his DC-3/C-47, that's Hercules engines, not boobs  :rolleyes:
My Ability to Imagine is only exceeded by my Imagined Abilities

Gondor's Modelling Rule Number Three: Everything will fit perfectly untill you apply glue...

I know it's in a book I have around here somewhere....

McColm

Quote from: Pellson on June 11, 2026, 11:39:49 AMGriffons from a FROG Shackleton would probably fit..
They do. I built a 1/72 maritime version using the Griffons.

McColm


Weaver

Quote from: McColm on June 11, 2026, 08:10:39 PMWhy not four engines?

Four Twin Wasp Juniors to blow more of the wing.
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Rick Lowe

Quote from: Gondor on June 11, 2026, 12:14:50 PMthat's Hercules engines, not boobs
Quote from: Gondor on June 11, 2026, 12:14:50 PMCampbell Patterson is currently building something similar to the ideas here. He is fitting a pair of Bristols to his DC-3/C-47, that's Hercules engines, not boobs  :rolleyes:

Quote from: Gondor on June 11, 2026, 12:14:50 PMthat's Hercules engines, not boobs


Dammit!

Tease...  ;)

Gondor

My Ability to Imagine is only exceeded by my Imagined Abilities

Gondor's Modelling Rule Number Three: Everything will fit perfectly untill you apply glue...

I know it's in a book I have around here somewhere....

Old Wombat

Quote from: Rick Lowe on June 11, 2026, 11:19:02 PM
Quote from: Gondor on June 11, 2026, 12:14:50 PMthat's Hercules engines, not boobs
Quote from: Gondor on June 11, 2026, 12:14:50 PMCampbell Patterson is currently building something similar to the ideas here. He is fitting a pair of Bristols to his DC-3/C-47, that's Hercules engines, not boobs  :rolleyes:

Quote from: Gondor on June 11, 2026, 12:14:50 PMthat's Hercules engines, not boobs


Dammit!

Tease...  ;)

So disappointed he had to say it thrice!  ;D
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