Classic British Flight Sim

The C47 engine start proceedure contains, among other things, engaging the starter and "counting the blades" ?
So why are we counting the blades and how many?

You want to check that the engine has gone through, I can't recall if it is one complete revolution (three blades) or one full four stroke cycle for each cylinder (six blades).

This is to ensure that you do not get a hydraulic lock with oil in any cylinder with another cylinder(s) actually under power; which was a very efficient way of bending con rods

This might be of interest to you:

http://www.douglasdc3.com/prop/prop.htm

Thank you Marijn
I'd seen footage of air crews hand turning on their way onto their aircraft, did not know about the rope pull start option.
Another fact learned today.

Thanks Marijn. That was really interesting. I frequently use the MAAM SIM DC3/C47 etc in FS9. Unfortunately they don’t seem to have provided a rope pull through option! EricT