Spitfire "coupling" - ???

[Larrythepilot]

Calling Engineman

Our museum has this part (see pictures) that our president thinks is from a Spitfire, and is a part in the train that goes from the output shaft of the Merlin engine to the propeller hub. We have several questions.
1. Is it really from a Spitfire? If so, which model Spitfire?
2. If it is not from a Spitfire, what is it from? Or is is used on several different aircraft?
3. There is apparently a shaft that slides down inside. What part is it that goes inside?
4. Is there a drawing available that shows this part, as well as the adjacent parts, so we can understand the whole assembly?

Thanks for your help, Eng.
Larry

 

[Engineman]

Hi Larry,

It does remind me of a Rotol prop cylinder. However, I have not got really detailed info on Spitfire props but, I will have a look around. I think some others might be able to help here.

Cheers

Eng

 

[Engineman]

Back again,

Yes, it certainly looks to be a Rotol 4-blade hydraulic operating cylinder, you can see the four larger holes for the pins that move the blades, and the central connecting rod looks as if it is there. Now you need the specialist with the numbers, the RA 6262/5 looks like a clincher.

Cheers

Eng

 

[Wurger]

Yes.. I agree, the 4-blade prop used with the Mk.IX and possible later marks ..

for the 3-blade prop it was different ..

the pic source: the net.

 

[Larrythepilot]

Thank you Eng, for your initial assessment, and thank you Wurger for your confirmation, and for the excellent pictures that show the placement of the various parts. Now we (the museum) know the correct terminology of the part ("hydraulic operating cylinder"; forget "coupler"). We have a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, and a Spitfire prop hub (but it's 3-blade). I'm not sure how this display will come together, but you have helped us a lot with added knowledge about the parts we have. This is indeed a wonderful website, populated by wonderful, knowledgeable people.