Actually the Blenheim is extremely easy to fly if you stick to a few simple rules:
- Never go above around 80% throttle for more than 20 seconds or so, even on takeoff (with full flaps and a reasonable runway you can easily takeoff, even fully loaded, with only 80%)
- Straight after takeoff, reduce throttle to around 75/70% and reduce pitch slightly
- Might not be necessary, but I always keep both rads fully open unless, when cruising, the engines start to splutter, in which case, close them fully for around 30 seconds or so (and maybe throttle up a bit to introduce some heat to the engine quickly), then open them again just under half way.
- NEVER! use boost cutout for more than 20 seconds once you're up, especially with rads anything less than 100% open.The only time I ever use it (and full throttle) is to quickly recover from shallow dive-bombing runs to regain altitude and get away from the 'ack as quick as possible.
- Rads fully closed on landing and almost glide in on pretty much idle throttle. That way your engine will have the heat that if you need power quickly to abort the landing, the engines will have the temp to provide it almost immidiately, rather than being left powerless with spluttering engines.
I might be flying it totally wrong, but I don't care really. I never have an engine blowout any more and I love flying it, it's so rewarding to fly when you get it right, and following those rules I don't get it wrong anymore. Like I said, they probably aren't the most optimum settings to fly it on, but it works and it's a real joy to fly.
Either way, if you only follow one of those rules, have it be the 80% on takeoff rule. I read it somewhere on these forums, I can't for the life of me remember what the thread was now, but it works a charm. I used to use boost on takeoff and 100% all the time to try and get up before the engines overheated, but would get blowouts 50% of the time. With the 80% rule I am getting off the ground every time without ever having a blowout.
EDIT: I just realised that entire last bit sounds like some weird telesales ad
