South Australian Aviation Museum - Engine Run

Sunday 26th October 2008 5DME attended the SAAM Engine Run. There were several engine types on display with about 1/2 dozen being run.

• Rolls Royce Merlin Mk III
• Pratt & Whitney 1340
• Armstrong Siddley Cheetah IX
• Lycoming 540
• DH Gypsy Queen
• Gnome Rotary
• Armstrong Siddley Lynx
• P-3 Orion GTC85-72

It was great to see and hear these engines close-up. Our favourite was the Gnome Rotary with it's no throttle, full on or off method of control with the ignition being pulsed to maintain the required speed. Plus the fact that the cylinders actually rotate in this engine rather than remaining stationary like the radial engines.

After the engine run we toured the rest of the museum and took many photographs. A particular favourite was the Mc Donnell Douglas DC-3 which could be boarded and viewed inside. It felt strange to be on one of these aircraft again after not having been on one since childhood. What a peculiar feeling it was to board walking uphill and disembark without breaking into a run when going downhill :)

All the officials at the meeting were great and most positive and informative. Everyone I spoke to was very enthusiastic and helpful. 

The South Australian Aviation Museum is well worth a look even if you are not an enthusiast. If your are, it's heaven.

SAAM is located at Lipson Street, Port Adelaide.