Super Constellation engine failures.

**kevinfarr** · 08-05-2012, 11:38 AM

I have tried 4 different versions of the super constelation but at around 10,000ft some or all of the engines run down. Plenty of fuel and auto mixture selected. Any ideas how to keep them running?
Kev.

**torkermax** · 08-05-2012, 11:52 AM

Fuel mixture needs to be leaned?

**Davecook** · 08-05-2012, 01:12 PM

Notwithstanding the need to lean with altitude (you say you are in auto-mixture so this should not be a problem), on the Connies that I fly there is a turbocharger on the flight engineers panel which needs to be engaged at altitude. Take a look to see if you have it too.

**InsyleM** · 08-06-2012, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Davecook

Notwithstanding the need to lean with altitude (you say you are in auto-mixture so this should not be a problem), on the Connies that I fly there is a turbocharger on the flight engineers panel which needs to be engaged at altitude. Take a look to see if you have it too.

Connies were Turboed? I thought they were Naturally Aisperated with Power Recover Turbins to deliver HP from the Exhaust to the crankshaft?

**NMLW** · 08-06-2012, 11:37 PM

Kev, Don't know what Connie you are flying. Mike Stone made a fine model some years back that flew very nicely. Although the model was well done, it didn't require such careful Map, prop RPM and overall engine adjustments to keep it in the air. I did a screen shot post of Mike's Super Connie in Northwest colors back in 2009. It was a fun flight in the old "Golden Rectangle format. A subsequent software change here doubled up some of the frames, but it's still viewable at: San Francisco Intl. to Chicago Midway . . . . . 1959

I suspect you are flying one of Manfred Jahn's superb Super Connie models and that you are referring to the "Super Charger" switch. At ten thousand feet you level off, throttle back each engine as prescribed and switch the blower to high before resuming your climb. You need to pay close attention to the reference section of the knee board for each part of the flight and adjust the MAP and Prop RPM figures for the weight of your aircraft. You must also keep an eye on the fuel tank selections. The auto-mixture selection should work fine if you choose not to make it manually. A right click on the knee board icon provides all the info you need to insure you have engine adjustments in tune with the mode of flight you are in, i.e. takeoff, climb, cruse, descent, etc. I've flown a number of Manfred's Connies and they all perform superbly IF you read and comply with the knee board instructions. Take the time to do it and you will be rewarded with a wonderful flight experience - just make sure you have the most current versions.
And, yes there is a turbo version of the Connie also by Manfred Jahn and team. It's the YC-121F or R7V-2 in U.S. Navy and Air Force liveries. My last screen shot post of the Navy livery can be found here: http://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showth...B-Tripoli-1960
I like to narrate my flights, but to see the larger version of the shots you may have to double click the first frame to see them better.
Good luck and keep flying those Connies.

**InsyleM** · 08-07-2012, 12:25 PM

Now I'm confused Wikipedia said they were supercharged?

**kevinfarr** · 08-07-2012, 12:36 PM

Thanks guys for all that info. I'll pay more attention to the Engineer's panel in future.

Kind regards. Kev in the UK. (Retired RAF Flight Systems Techie) I should know better !!!

**jimrandazzo** · 09-12-2012, 09:36 AM

The California Classics Connies all have one button on the engineers panel that sets the mix and turbos to the proper setting for whatever altitude. Helps as this AC can be a handfull.