Quote:
Originally Posted by Za Rodinu
The trouble with handed props is that it means different two terminal reduction gears in the same plane, in fact two diferent power eggs in the same plane. All engines are created equal (wow!), only they turn the prop this or another way depending on reduction gear - a prop turns at much lower RPM than the engine. So if in a say B-25 you need to change engines you just pick one from maintenance stocks, in case of a P-38 you have to have right- and left-handed engines in stock, two different sets of gears, etc.
A complication for little benefit, something that is easily corrected by application of some rudder pedal on take off.
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See - THIS response demonstrates two different things simultaneously
1) How cool this forum is
2) How stupid I am - I thought they were completely different engines, and that one of them just turned the other way
So, they were identical engines on each wing, and the difference was in the reduction gearing, which would make for a lot more commonality amongst the parts bins.
So, I'm gathering two main bits of information from this thread.
1) 'Handed' reduction gears were used on the P-38 (and probably few other aircraft), but the results weren't deemed worth the added complexity.
2) Judging by the lack of response from across the pond, the Brits seem to agree that they truly ARE pissy!
-whatever
-Lou