Jeff Findley wrote:


Supposedly they're robust engines (typical Russian over engineering). The
biggest problem with the N-1 seemed to be the use of so many engines without
a proper series of ground tests of the stages. Too many corners were cut in
the vehicle program...

They did do test firings of complete second and third stages, which used
basically the same engines. It was just the first stage that never got a
test firing in a completed form prior to the first launch.

Orbital will be flying refurbished NK-33 engines with updated US
electronics, so if anything goes wrong with the engine, hopefully the
telemetry will reveal the problem.

(cut to image of vodka bottle cap rattling around inside of the turbopump.)
Comrade! Alcohol calls, and another Russian falls!:
http://english.pravda.ru/hotspots/cr.../111878-beer-0

Pat