Nieuport 28 throttle problem

[Hot_Rod]

The problem is that the Nieuport 28 throttle will suddenly start repeatedly cycling back and forth between ignition mode position 3 and 4 (the quoted section below is from a post I made on the “Phantom Blipping” thread in the Flying Circus - General Discussion forum, and explains the issue in considerable detail.

 

This was in single player (QMB - Arras map).

Also, I’m using simple engine management.

 

(Quote)
“After running some tests in the QMB, I believe that this “phantom blipping” is a bug with the Nieuport 28 “throttle” function (I know - the Nieuport doesn’t really have a throttle, the engine speed is regulated by an ignition mode switch on the left side of the cockpit, that is tied to the positioning of your throttle device).

 

Normally, moving your throttle forward advances the ignition mode switch from position 1, to position 2, 3 and 4.  Moving the throttle back reverses this (position 4, 3, 2, 1).

 

I’ve found that if I fly with the ignition mode switch in position 3 for about a minute or so (as you would typically do to reduce speed in preparation for landing), the switch starts repeatedly cycling between position 3 and 4 (it sounds like the engine is being blipped, but it’s not really).

 

Reducing the throttle (even fully closing it) has no effect on the cycling.  Advance the throttle fully, and it will stay in position 4 (however, if you reduce the throttle again, the cycling will restart).

 

My assigned “blip” switch functions properly, but as soon as the blip switch is released, the cycling starts up again.

 

Needless to say, this makes landing the Nieuport pretty exciting!

 

I’ve found that - while coming in for a landing while the ignition switch is cycling - fully close the throttle, and keep the blip switch depressed enough to get your speed down, but keep the propeller turning (release it only for a fraction of a second at a time).  Continue to do this throughout the landing rollout, and when the plane has just about stopped rolling, you can release the blip switch - and now the throttle is functioning properly again!”

 

Edited May 3, 2021 by Hot_Rod
Removed statement: “but others have reported it in multiplayer.” The issue that other reported in multiplayer seems to be a separate issue.

[Hot_Rod]

10 hours ago, Jack59 said:

I remain convinced that that this engine/throttle behavior is a bug.

 

I recently received a copy of "Nieuport 28: America's First Fighter" by Theodore Hamady. It includes an appendix which is a description of the the Nieuport 28's airframe and propulsion system "derived from contemporary US Air Service and Royal Air Force documents", translated from the original French materials. Included is a section where the writer cautions the pilot not to use thinning of the mixture to control engine speed, as this can lead to piston and cylinder burn. Incorporated in this section is the following quote (Italics are mine): "Always set the throttle lever for the best possible mixture; that is, the mixture which will give highest possible speed at the altitude and under the weather conditions in which you are flying. To reduce the speed, use the selector switch; and do not hesitate to run for long periods with the selector switch in operation and the engine missing regularly".

 

So the official documents encourage running for long periods on switch positions less that 4. Accordingly, I find it hard to believe that it was in fact an engine fire risk. From what I've read, the two very real engine fire risks for the N28 were extended blipping and fuel line leaks caused by improper annealing of the copper lines.

Thank you for sharing this @Jack59

 

 

Rod

[-DED-Rapidus]

@Hot_Rod, what was the difficulty level when flying the game? normal or expert? if custom, what settings/helpers were enabled?

[Hot_Rod]

Hi @-DED-Rapidus,

 

Thank you for responding.

 

Here are some screenshots of my settings.

 

I have found that by unchecking “Engine Warmed Up”, that I can idle on the ground for an extended time (6 minutes +), and the engine does not start cycling between positions 3 and 4 - however if I then take off, gain a couple hundred feet of altitude, then level off and put the throttle into position 3, the engine speed will start cycling after about 35 seconds.

[-DED-Rapidus]

@Hot_Rod, switchoff "Engine auto control" and/or "Radiator assist" please.

[Hot_Rod]

Hi @-DED-Rapidus,

 

I unchecked the settings that you recommended, and flew a test Free Flight, but the engine speed cycling returned as it has been doing (after about 50 seconds in throttle position 3).

I then rechecked those two settings, and unchecked “Throttle Auto Limit”.

I then went for another Free Flight, and I was able to fly for over 20 minutes in engine position 3 with no problems at all!

 

This plane’s throttle/speed settings now perform the way I would expect them to.

 

Thank you for helping me resolve this issue!    ?

 

 

Rod

[-DED-Rapidus]

@Hot_Rod, watch the engine temperature, the automatic assistant specifically switched the engine to position 4 to "warm up" the engine, rotatives are very "cold" engines.