How do you start-up in the Br.20M please?

[xvii-Dietrich]

The Italian Fiat Br.20M Cicogna bomber startup procedure (full cold dark) used to be:
 

• 5-10% throttle
• Magnetos 1+2
• Prop 100%, Mix 100%, Carb heat 100%
• Radiators 0%

Start. Then wait 10 mins for the warm up.

 

I've been trying this (multiple times), and haven't managed to get it to warm up the engine in any reasonable time. It is taking 20-30 mins to get to even 120 deg C and oil temps stay low. If I open up the throttle more than about 15%, the engines cut out immediately, so taxiing is not possible.

 

What am I doing wrong? Has the procedure changed? Are there any notes I can check?

 

Thanks!

 

 

PS: I have managed fine with the Fiat G.50 (which has a similar procedure). Likewise I've no problems with the Ju 88 (although this is a totally different procedure).

[69thSpiritus]

Hey Dietrich are you still having issues with the br20?

[Sokol1]

Maybe this tips help: https://theairtacticalassaultgroup.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27361&p=294948&viewfull=1#post294948

[xvii-Dietrich]

Maybe this tips help: https://theairtacticalassaultgroup.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27361&p=294948&viewfull=1#post294948

 

Thanks, but no luck. The warm up time quoted for the Br20M is:

BR20 :- Throttle :- 10% Time :- 4:15 mins

I do not get this whatsoever.

 

 

 

Hey Dietrich are you still having issues with the br20?

 

Definitely. Here is my exact procedure:

 

• Spawn in on the ACG Public Server
• Select Tramecourt airfield
• Select BR20M, set the loadout to 50% fuel
• Spawn in

Then...

 

• Set magnetos to M1+2 for Engine #1
• Set magnetos to M1+2 for Engine #2
• Throttles 10% (ten percent)
• Mixtures 100% (full)
• Water radiators 0% (closed)
• Oil radiators 0% (closed)
• Carb heat 100% (on)
• Select Engine #1
• Ignition (it kicks into life within a couple of seconds)
• Select Engine #2
• Ignition (the same)
• Start waiting...

Now the engines are both on and ticking over. But the warm up is extremely slow. I charted the different temps, there is Engine Temperature (cylinder heads 1-6 for each engine), Engine Oil Temperature (engines #1 and #2), and Engine Carburettor Temperature (again both engines). The cylinders are all roughly the same and the engines are the same. Here are the temperatures I get sitting waiting.

 

Help?

  Time : Eng. Oil Carb.
 0m00s :  30  14   25
 4m00s :  30  16   25
 8m00s :  47  23   43
12m00s :  64  32   59
16m00s :  80  43   59
20m00s :  95  53   59
       :
30m00s : 127  73   59
32m00s : 132  79   59

I tried starting the engine just after 20 mins, and it puttered out as soon as I raised the throttle to about 19-20%. I set the throttle back to 10% and re-started it. It kicked into life immediately, and it sat idling again.

 

I tried to throttle up again just after 32 mins and got the same effect. Even though the cylinders and oil are warm and the carb temperature is stable at 59 deg C.

[69thSpiritus]

Once I get done with my other job and get home I'll try to replicate your issue. I'll follow exactly what you posted above and let you know the results, give me more than a few hours though to get home and try it out. 

[xvii-Dietrich]

Once I get done with my other job and get home I'll try to replicate your issue. I'll follow exactly what you posted above and let you know the results, give me more than a few hours though to get home and try it out. 

 

Thanks Spiritus.

 

However, I've found the problem.

 

After the pre-determined warmup time, you need to slam the throttle to maximum. (Make sure those chocks are in first!!)

 

It has to be immediate and fully open. If you don't do this it "coughs-out" on the way  (typically 20-30% range). I was raising it up, but simply not fast enough.

 

Once you get it at full revs, you can then ease it back down to about 40-50% and it should hold.

 

Then release the chocks, but be ready to stand on the brakes. This should be enough to get you taxiied to the runway, and in position to take off.

 

 

At least I'm airborne now. I am still fiddling about with the settings though, so any additional pointers would be greatly appreciated!!!

[69thSpiritus]

Good to hear, I'll still take a look. 

[xvii-Dietrich]

Thanks!

 

Thanks also to @Philstyle for helping me figure it out. He and I went through the Br20M procedures last night trying to work out what was happening.

 

On a more general note, the Br20M documentation on the official Clod Blitz wiki is incorrect. I've also checked the Ju 88 A-1 and G.50 (the other two aircraft I've tested extensively) and they are also incorrect. I think the documentation reflects the old v4.312. It would be good to bring the Br20M documentation up to date. Certainly going through the exact procedures listed there for every aircraft would help.

[69thSpiritus]

I believe the manuals will be getting an upgrade soon.