G'day Arthur. So you did get my pm. I was expecting some form of notification that you'd answered but didn't receive any. I found your reply by chance after I'd had the thought that I might have saved my pm somewhere. Anyway, thanks for you response. If my memory serves me correctly, your comments many months ago were along the lines that you liked the long nose, good for C of G etc. That's all I can remember. Getting back to your reply. I have stayed away from differential drives because of the weight being so far forward, besides which, I can't visualize the setup. I am aware of the Cozy side by side engines and have taken that as a start point. My idea to mechanically join the two blocks was to circumvent the 'no 2 engines' rule. On this point, how does the 95.10 rule apply? I've looked but the RAA site just confuse me. I also have worries about 2 engines, running at different rpms and the resultant effects on both props and airframe. Choice of engine really comes down to cheap experimental items, besides which, the VW is low revving and therefore no weight penalties for reduction gearing. Inlet and outlet manifolds shouldn't be a problem as I used to work in the auto exhaust industry and still have contacts to get new headers etc professionally made. I agree that cooling might be a problem due to the small cooling air intake area. Additional intereior cooling fans may be needed but power losses would have to be minimal. Heat build up at the 'flywheels' is a problem but I thought an oil bath below the lower engine could be utilised (both flywheels fully enclosed) Extension shaft bearings are also of concern. I know there are many high speed, prepacked bearings available. How would they last at lower speeds but with the loads that the props would add. How do I work that out? So many questions in my head but I won't bother you with them at the mo. Any help/advice you can give me is really appreciated. Cheers my friend, Doug PS You didn't answer an earlier question re the SR-71 Blackbird. Did it fly?
