This is an enigmatic, but important motor. Its importance centres on the fact that some significant portions of the system are sectioned for one to view the interior. The enigma arises from the current lack of details about its origin. There is no manufacturer's plate on the casing of this motor. The four mounting rivets are positioned where one would expect, but the plate itself is missing.
However, the motor has a Bosch electric starter, so that would make this an "A-1" motor.
Currently, no documentation has been traced, so the provenance of this motor is unclear. However, the unit has several portions which are sectioned, so I suspect it has been used as a demonstration or instructional unit. However, whether it was brought to this country already in this condition, or was sectioned by engineers here, is not yet clear.
The Shuttleworth Collection has maintained a collection of engines for many years. When this motor was gifted to them, and from whom, is not yet known.
For a while it was on long term loan to the Rebel Air Museum at Earl's Colne Airfield in Surrey in England. However, when this museum was closed, the Walter Motor was retreived by the Shuttleworth Collection, in 1997.
The various parts of the motor were painted in a colour-coded scheme, as can be seen on the HWK 109-509.C at RAF Museum Cosford. However, Shuttleworth decided to bring the colour scheme back to a more muted style, and decided on an RLM 02 Grau overall. Shuttleworth Engineers Ken Hyde and Andy Preslent matched a paint sample to as close to RLM 02 as they were able, and with a mixed batch of paint, re-sprayed the motor to a more even colour.
As the HWK 109-509 is probably a type little known by visitors to the Shuttleworth Collection, volunteer Eddie Longcroft is in the process of building a wooden display "fuselage" to offer more of a point of reference for visitors to the museum, than the bare engine.
This motor is a well preserved example. Large sections of the pipework are complete, although there are the usual missing sections, unfulfilled connections etc.
This is currently the only example in the UK that features a sectioned gearbox, starter and C-Stoff/T-Stoff fuel pump.
Showing the basic starboard side of the motor, Eddie Longcroft's ongoing work is visible in the background.
In this view of the starboard side of the motor, one can make out the four rivets which should secure the manufacturer's plate - missing on this motor. Also, the sectioned pump can just be seen, and a piece has been removed from the thrust tube, showing C-Stoff/T-Stoff fuel pipes leading to the combustion chamber.
This is the most interesting view, the port side. Note the cut-away gearbox plate, and sectioned steam generator.
Close-up of the steam generator showing the multiple fuel spray nozzles and the wire mesh container for the rocks loaded with fuel decomposing catalyst.