Bristol F.2b propeller

[Mutter1]

Morning all,

  Was wondering...the propeller on the Bristol, did all of their props have a metal leading edge?

[lcarroll]

    I took a quick tour through my 3 References (Windsock Data Files #4, #115, and their Special on the Bristol Fighter) and from the photographs that showed a pretty good view of the prop I'd have to say metal edges were not nearly as common as those without. Most common was the painting of the blades to varying lengths with a grey paint, whether this was for protection of the prop from chipping etc. or possibly an anti-glare measure I don't know.
   Hope this helps answer your question.
Cheers,
Lance

[Mutter1]

Hi Lance,

  Thank you for the response. When you say “ painted to varying lengths” is the paint only on the rear ward facing part of the blades?

       
Thanks
         Chris

[lcarroll]

Chris,
    Painted both sides of the blades, the coverage varying between 1/2 to over 3/4 of the length of the blade.
Cheers,
Lance

[Borsos]

If you should be planning to use a propeller made of real wood, I'd recommend to use Mr Surfacer 500 from the rattle can to paint those grey wingtips. That will cover up all the unwanted wood grain under the grey.
Borsos

[gbrivio]

From the special windsock on british propellers, many were covered with fabric to various lenghts then painted. I believe that Borsos suggestion of painting with surfacer will replicate this covering almost to perfection.
Ciao
Giuseppe

[lcarroll]

   Excellent point Giuseppe, now I need to go back and read that one, never thought of it earlier!
Cheers,
Lance

[Mutter1]

Thank you gentlemen! I am planning on using the kit blade for this build....