Found! Obi-Wan Kenobi ANH Lightsaber Emitter

Originally posted by Serafino@Oct 6 2005, 08:47 PM
Gosh, you mean it might be STEEL?  :D
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Any college materials lab with a spectrometer could provide a metallurgical analysis of the type of alloy used.

For replicas, however, I'd go with standard SAE 1020 low carbon or 1040 medium carbon steel because it's cheap (compared to stainless steel or titanium), easy to cast & machine, it's naturally gray, and it would weather and rust nicely, while aluminum is just too white.

Example of 1040 steel:

Housing_3lb.jpg


- Gabe
 
I can't get page 21 to open...what am I missing there? I see above that the piece is steel...do we know that for a fact?
That was my question...what's it made of?

I am just still astounded...

Deep breath.
:lol
 
Originally posted by Sporak@Oct 6 2005, 01:33 PM
I can't get page 21 to open...what am I missing there? I see above that the piece is steel...do we know that for a fact?
That was my question...what's it made of?

I am just still astounded...

Deep breath.
:lol
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Sporak we're just speculating at the moment.
 
Time for the Daily Update:

My contact has found the exact part number for this piece, but isn't certain it's the exact variation we're looking for. For clarification, the whole assembly seen in the book diagram is the "interconnector", the emitter piece specifically is properly called a "balance pipe".
He says:
>>...it is clear that this is only one of TEN different interconnector "balance pipes" as it calls them, some labelled "small", some "large", that were fitted either as contemporary alternatives to each other, or as product improvements or "Mods". (I do have the manual listing such mods but haven't had time to check it yet). I'll know more by tomorrow, as I need to make sense of the different parts, but I have a strong feeling given the possibilities this opens up, that my rationalisation regarding there being two rings of holes one on top of the other, could quite easily be incorrect. <<

Even if it isn't the exact one he is determined to find the correct one. Since he has access to a manual listing these modifications we may know all of the possible differences soon. I believe the one we want is the "small" variety which should cut the possible variations to 5.
I'm holding onto the part numbers for now. No need to jump the gun on this until we're sure of the exact variation.
Also he's looking into other sources and I don't want to impede his efforts. He is in a better position than any of us to deal with any historical aircraft part sources.


If the one he's found that I've shown is not the exact one, it's darn close.
Some measurements for the comparison to begin:
>>The dimensions of the part I was sure was the emitter; 53.5mm outer diameter and 29.5mm max height. The inner diameter for the inner pipe is 26mm, and the inner diameter of the outer pipe (the shorter one from which protrudes the inner) is 36.8mm. This may be of little help until I discover more.<<

This matches up with my Gav emitter pretty nicely, but I'll leave the detailed measurement comparisons to others.


Other good news, the museum has another Derwent in parts right now for the first time in 30 years. It's going to be reassembled and stay in the museum, but he will check the "emitter" parts to see how they compare with the one found. If those are more correct then we will have pics and measurements for any needed modifications (or know of a variation we want to steer clear of).


IG-88's head is an ongoing tale as well, but this thread is already pretty crowded. I figure I'll wait until I have new pics to share and solid info to start an IG-88 head thread.


Regarding the "scrap" Mark 8 that's been located.
He said:
>>As to the value of the Derwent, I can't offer valuations as such because of our status as a charity and public institution, but £5000 seems a little much for what sounds like a scrap engine. Have you told them that you want it for parts?<<


He plans to report back with "a SAFE model of Derwent {the one we would want specifically for SW parts}, which SHOULD be the Mk.8 since the 5 is clearly different and the 9 had a different ignition system."
BTW - At this point it's still unknown if a full engine would yield 9 exact emitters and 9 exact heads. He has reason to believe that 2 of the 9 heads may be slightly different. (unknown if that means 7 good heads and 2 slightly off or vice versa, OR the variations may be superficial, removable and of no consequence to us).
 
MATERIAL

He says:
>>As to materials, it's some variety of steel alloy, and the one I have here has that matte grey coating, almost like anodisation. Which is another reason I'm not convinced it's the one; the prop appears to be bare metal, and if that is some sort of powder coating, it would be unlikely to disappear completely.
 
But, we shall see.<< 
 
The face of the emitter flange shows a very similar texture though.

Great stuff again Chris..

Originally posted by lonepigeon@Oct 6 2005, 02:15 PM
MATERIAL

He says:
>>As to materials, it's some variety of steel alloy, and the one I have here has that matte grey coating, almost like anodisation. Which is another reason I'm not convinced it's the one; the prop appears to be bare metal, and if that is some sort of powder coating, it would be unlikely to disappear completely.

But, we shall see.<<
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2.1" flange diameter is interesting. I think the flange on the shown part is proportionately smaller than on the prop. Could be distortion from extreme perspective of close up photography. Can't wait to hear the O.D. of the main tube. I put that at 1.55", can't wait to hear how close we came.
 
I agree on the material. The one he sent pics of looks very much like the prop especially that powdered look on the face of it.

The flange OD given matches the Gav emitter (or within .5mm anyway).
You're right, the distortion in the images we have makes it difficult for comparison.
I'll take new pics later of course :)
 
Originally posted by lonepigeon@Oct 6 2005, 11:09 PM
\

The flange OD given matches the Gav emitter (or within .5mm anyway).
You're right, the distortion in the images we have makes it difficult for comparison.
I'll take new pics later of course :)
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Gav must clearly be enjoying this.
:)
 
not to sidetrack with a what if, but what would you guys do if one of these contacts you were on the phone with was like, oh shoot son weve got tons of those useless things lying around.

i know i would be giddy as a schoolgirl, it aint gonna happen, but many years ago before the great graflex drought, there were alot of people who found boxes of em for nothin.

one mans junk...

i know its not gonna happen, but you know these things are out there in random arse places, and seeing what you guys can accomplish...

anyway, im just fascinated at your discovery like everyone else, and at work today that thought just crossed my mind.

but i wont be complaining with the replicas you guys will be able to create.

once again, awesome work. and a very exciting proccess to watch. keep the news a commin.
 
I've been coming to this place for 5+ years now and I must say that the greatest mystery (of my time here) has finally been solved. From sink drain to some obscure ignition system part in a Derwent aircraft engine... This is very symbolic of just how far this hobby has come. Congratulations to all those involved in discovering 'the titanic' of props, and congratulations to the entire community of prop collectors. :D

Now lets do what we do best..... replicate. (assuming we can't find a box of thousands of these parts)

I can't wait for more info... I can't believe this day has finally come. :cry
 
OK, I'm asking again... and this time with purpose. I received this email today:

Hello. I have lots of parts available for the Nene 10 Engine. I also have a complete RFI engine available. I also have lots of parts for the T-33 aircraft. Let me know what you need and include part numbers. Thanks.


:confused

So... ONLY the Derwent? Or are other Rolls Royce models candidates? I could be onto something if I can cough up a part #....

My PM box awaits. :)

KD
 
The Nene is a very close cousin of the Derwent, and might share common parts. Specify the part name and include a few photos and the cutaway diagrams of the interconnectors as they attach to the combustion chambers. If Chris can provide you with Derwent part numbers, all the better. :)

good luck.

- Gabe
 
Originally posted by Killdozer@Oct 7 2005, 12:33 AM
Indeed. OK... so is it a balance pipe? Interconnector assy? Size we want? :confused

KD
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Here's a Nene engine - it's almost identical to a Derwent unless you knew any better:

p_engine_rollsnene1.jpg


The engine was used on the Canadair T-33, which was a derivative of the American built Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star. The difference was mainly that the Canadians swapped out the American Allison engine for the more powerful British Nene.

Ask about the balance pipe, which is the outer part of our emitter, but since there are two emitters per interconnector assembly, ask for the whole kit 'n kabootle.

Give the dimensions Chris provided, but say you're looking for other models as well, photos appreciated. ;)

- Gabe
 
What about the rotating blades?

They didn't use the hero prop for that did they?

(I relize this may be a silly question for the OB1 experts here)
 
It just occurred to me that Master Replicas hasn't chimed yet in to congratulate us on the emitter discovery or the Han flash suppressor find.

:unsure

- Gabe
 
Originally posted by Prop Runner@Oct 6 2005, 09:30 PM
It just occurred to me that Master Replicas hasn't chimed yet in to congratulate us on the emitter discovery or the Han flash suppressor find.

:unsure

- Gabe
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Barry did post, I thought, in both threads?
 
Originally posted by Prop Runner@Oct 7 2005, 02:30 AM
It just occurred to me that Master Replicas hasn't chimed yet in to congratulate us on the emitter discovery or the Han flash suppressor find.

:unsure

- Gabe
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The followig is offered all in good-natured fun -- nothing else.


Top 10 MR responses to recent RPF discoveries:

10. Bastards beat us to it..
9. (Ala Tom Petty during a liver performace) Y'all gonna put me out of a job.
8.
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1. Congratulations guys. WELL done.

Someone else can fill in the blanks.
 
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