Empress Engine Trouble

[BillB48]

[quote name='chengkp75']It is via reduction gears, for two reasons. The engines turn at around 400-800 rpm, which is too fast for a propeller, so gears are used. Each engine has a clutch to the reduction gears, and the reduction gears combine the output of the two engines to the one propeller shaft.

While not technically correct, this speed range for an engine is considered "medium speed" (the actual classification depends on piston speed not rotational speed).

The only direct drive engines are the "slow speed" engines that run at a maximum of 130 rpm, and most at 98 rpm.[/QUOTE]

Chief, would you happen to know if the Empress has variable or fixed pitch propellers?

[chengkp75]

[quote name='BillB48']Chief, would you happen to know if the Empress has variable or fixed pitch propellers?[/QUOTE]

She has controllable pitch propellers. Some plants like this will run a constant speed and only control the pitch, some will use a combination of variable speed and variable pitch throughout the power range.