OT: Looking for The Book on WWII piston engine specs

[SolarEagle]

I've looked high and low for detailed WWII engine data and simply have not found what I'm looking for. Most importantly I'm looking for power figures and specifically curves for tq/hp, but also max boost and rpm, engine limiations, compression, bore/stroke, and even testing/design reports.

I'd like this data on a wide range of engines, but if that is not available I'll even settle for a book on just Allison or P&W engines, for example.

Can anybody recommend something, if such a book exists? I have found a number of books on amazon.com, but it's not clear which ones might have the power curves I'm after.

[Henry]

I know Fliger 747 swears buy this one
http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Hundred-Thousand-Production-Fighters/dp/0764300725
H

[SolarEagle]

Hmm, had not even seen that one, though it looks like the best book ever produced on US warbirds. Thanks for pointing that one out, I'll buy that one for sure!

If there are any other "best of the best" or really standout books on WWII fighters I would also be interested in those as well.

[Cazzie]

Here's two I swear by and use on model aircraft:

http://www.amazon.ca/Major-Piston-Aero-Engines-World-War/dp/1840370122

http://www.amazon.com/Allied-Aircraft-Piston-Engines-World/dp/1560916559

Caz

Will be happy to scan any info you want and email to you.

[SolarEagle]

I was considering Allied Piston Engines. Can you tell me if it has any data on power curves? Charts are best.

[lucas81]

British piston Aero-engines and their aircraft. By Alec Lumsden.

[Cazzie]

I was considering Allied Piston Engines. Can you tell me if it has any data on power curves? Charts are best.


Not really SolarEagle,

In that aspect, the first book linked would be a better option, but it is not inclusive on power curves.

As a modeler (plastic), Allied Piston engines was better, because it had more cut-aways and detail photos (B&W) than Major Piston Engines.

But Major Piston Engines covers more of the engineering aspect and less cut-aways and photos.

Caz

[dswo]

While people are recommending books, where's a good place to start for the IJN?

[Wozza]

Hi
Found this site a few mths ago
http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/
Whilst its not a book you can hold,they do have a lot of PDF format data I havnt been able to find elsewhere,there is even an aircraft data base
Cheers
Wozza

[Cazzie]

Yozza Wozza!

Been there about since its inception. led there by a modeling mate. Great website, stocked, highly recommended for one to register and gain full access.

Caz

[huub vink]

I have bought this book a while back in a second-hand book store. Recommended!

http://www.zenithpress.com/Store/ProductDetails_26261.ncm

Cheers,
Huub

[fliger747]

I have a 760 page book on just the R2800. The best place to find individual power curves is from the Aircraft Flight Manuals, many of which are available as reprints form places such as Zeno's.

The power of any given engine was highly dependent on the individual instalation, model and super/turbo setup.

America's Hundred Thousand does have some good information as to tested max HP and also speed values vrs altitude. The P&W R2800 book (Published by SAE) is good for an understanding of how these engines operated and a good rundown on the installation particulars of this great engine.

Cheers: T.

[SolarEagle]

Thanks for all the input guys. These are the ones I settled on for now in my attempt to keep the price down, as the two I'm passing on would have added another $100.

It was a toss up between the Allison V-1710 and the Allied Piston Engine books, but the Allison one was cheaper and seems to have an engaging story, plus extensive comparison with the Merlin.

America's Hundred Thousand: US Fighters of World War II ($44)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764300725

Vees For Victory!: The Story of the Allison V-1710 ($44)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764305611

Merlin Power: The Growl Behind Air Power in World War II ($15)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1840374365

Development of Piston Aero Engines ($15)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1852606193


These are the ones I passed up on for now. Both look awesome but they were adding up fast!

Allied Aircraft Piston Engines of World War II ($60)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1560916559

British Piston Aero Engines ($44)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1853102946