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John Vormbaum
Joined: 21 Aug 2006
Posts: 273
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
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 Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2007 11:01 am Post subject: Random thoughts on Merlyn Products conversions |
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Merlyn products makes some great conversions. There are a couple being
flown around here, including a 320-hp converted 500B and one of the
original 350-hp 500B's with the 4-blade props. I've flown in both, and
have PIC time in the 4-blade version. The 4-blade makes a very different
sound than my stock 500B (of course, the props spin at 2,700 on takeoff,
I think) and its efficiency really doesn't shine until you're up in the
teens. The 320hp conversion feels like a stock 500B, except you can make
48" of MP on takeoff, like the 350hp. Being a low-compression engine, it
also doesn't really show you what it's got until you're up over 10,000'.
I think I might prefer the Merlyn 300hp conversion, which is a
turbonormalized application (like my rayjays) on the IO-540-M1C5
(wide-deck) engines. This would give me most of the zip of the 320hp up
high, but between 3,500 - 10,000, where I do most of my "local" flying,
I wouldn't suffer any of the inefficiencies (think fuel consumption)
that the boosted engines would. Plus, I still would get a gross weight
increase.
Hugh (at) Merlyn really knows what he's doing. His single-turbo/mechanical
wastegate is far, far better than the rayjay setup that I have in my
airplane. You just push the throttle levers to the MP you want, whenever
you want it. It also has a very nice blow-off valve to prevent you from
overboosting the engine. All this in a package that is MUCH simpler than
the rayjays it replaces; there's tons of room in the aft nacelle to
still get at accessories & oil filters, unlike in my airplane with all
the rayjay plumbing in the way.
At some point I'm sure I'll buy one of Hugh's STC's for my airplane,
although, with fuel the way it is, I'd like to see a diesel (jet-A)
option for our airplanes. Maybe the Century 4.0 engine might be a
potential retrofit, although I've heard that neither Century nor Twin
Commander have expressed *any* interest whatsoever in supporting an STC
effort...
/J
nico css wrote:
[quote]
Mike,
I visited Merlyn's website and found many interesting things, which answered
some of my questions. I am going to contact these folks for more information
and permission to publish some of their material on our website.
It appears as if these STC's are existing and flying mods. Perhaps if Bilbo
had known about these, he could have had his 500A dressed up in one of
these.
Thanks for introducing me to them.
Nico
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Jim Addington
Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 62
Location: Denton, Texas
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| Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 9:19 am Post subject: Random thoughts on Merlyn Products conversions |
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What happened to F. Lee Baily's 500B project where he was putting on the
TIO-540s?
Jim Addington
500A
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barry.collman(at)air-brit
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 3:39 am Post subject: Random thoughts on Merlyn Products conversions |
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Hi Jim,
Good question!
I think this project was dubbed the "Hoover Hornet" and possibly involved a 500S Shrike, Serial Number 3253.
As N808AC, this received an Experimental-Exhibition certificate on November 2nd 1995 (TT3,529.30) while owned by Palm Beach Roamer Inc., of West Palm Beach, Florida.
Palm Beach Roamer Inc is owned by F Lee Bailey or his son, if I recall correctly.
It was returned to Standard-Normal & Utility category on November 21st (TT3,538.30), but was again placed in the Experimental-Exhibition category on June 13th 1997 (TT3,713.00) although the aircraft had been sold to Aircraft Trading Center Inc., of Tequesta, Florida, on April 9th 1996.
The Experimental Certificate was renewed on August 13th 1997 (TT3,719.40).
In March 1998, the Shrike was sold in St Vincent & Grenadines as J8-VBE.
However, the last time I checked the FAA records for this aircraft, there was no Form 337 covering a change of engine, but Hartzell HC-C3YR-2UF/FC8468-6R propellers were installed on July 22nd 1995 under Twin Commander's Custom Kit 67.
I have earmarked this Shrike or a review of the records when I visit the FAA Records Center after the Fly-In.
In the meantime, if anyone can add anything ..........
Best Regards,
Barry
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