enginehistory.org

[wallan]

Just got my latest copy of Torque Meter, and only managed a quick glance. Excellent photographs of the Bugatti/Breguet engine. Readers might like to know that the side-by-side 16-cylinder engine was developed for an aircraft for an attempt on the World Airspeed Record, and a bunch of enthusiasts in the Bugatti Airplane Association are attempting to build a replica, and fly it. They have an excellent website,

http://home.uni-one.nl/bugatti/baa/

and their links to users and manufacturers, including pictures, of Bugatti aero engines is also first class.

http://home.uni-one.nl/bugatti/revue3/rev3-3.htm

I know some guy cast full-size Bugatti engine cases, for 8-cylinder cars, and some modeller made replica 16 cylinder engine models, so hopefully we will see a full-size working engine in the future. Maybe Bill Gates would like to commission a 32-cylinder version! After all, Paul Allen paid for two copies of Babbage's engine. (different type of engine, I know)
Finally, if you can read French, or just like looking at pictures and wishing you did read French, Docavia published two books on the history of French aero-engines. I can put the details up on the forum, but apart from the copies I have, I've never seen them come up for sale second-hand. They really are excellent. (variable compression engine with rotatable offset big-end bearing, is my favourite entry)

[wallan]

A pair of the Docavia engine books are on

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=8054275471&searchurl=kn%3Ddocavia%26sortby%3D1

For just over 400 US dollars.

My mother's French translation tells me they are in good condition with jackets faded and yellowed slightly.