RC MODEL AIRPLANE ENGINES.

THE TYPES AVAILABLE AND THEIR APPLICATIONS.

The range of  RC model airplane engines available today is huge! It can be very confusing, to the newcomer to the hobby, when he or she is faced with having to make a choice. The prime purpose of these pages is to explain the differences, and hopefully make your decisions easier and pass along a few tips, picked up, over the years.

By the way, the O.S. Diamondstar, shown above, is not recommended as your first model airplane engine! Maybe the O.S.46AX, shown above right, is closer to your first choice.

Both the Diamondstar and the 46AX are available from our Merchant Partner R/C PLANET. Please click here for more details and possibly purchase the O.S. 46AX.

Click here for more information on the O.S. Diamondstar and to possibly purchase one.

So, let us make a start, at explaining what this part of the hobby is all about.

THE GLOW ENGINE,2-STROKE AND 4-STROKE.

So named because it uses a glow plug, for ignition. Also known as "Gas" engines or "Nitro" engines. Both are misnomers! The fuel used in all glow engines, is neither gasoline nor nitromethane! (although a small amount of nitromethane is generally used.)

  Glow Plug.                                                      

Glow engines have a simple ignition system that does not require a spark plug-so there are no points, coil or magneto. It does need a battery operated glow igniter for starting only. The igniter makes the element, in the glow plug heat up to a high enough temperature to cause combustion. Once the engine is running the igniter is removed and the heat of the combustion keeps the element hot and thus the engine continues to run.

Note that the starting procedure is accomplished at low throttle. To ensure longer plug life do not run at high throttle with the igniter attached.

For further information on  2-Stroke glow rc model airplane engines, click here.

For more information on 4-stroke glow rc plane engines, click here.

For information on Model Airplane fuel, click here.

THE GASOLINE  POWERED ENGINE.

This is the genuine "Gas" engine! No glow plug here, but a real spark plug (although a miniature size!)

For information on Gas Powered RC engines, click here.

RC JET ENGINES.

The modern, model turbine engine is a marvel of engineering and technology! It is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced! you must have superior hand/eye co-ordination and a deep wallet!

Foe information on rc jet engines, click here.

For information on "RC Airplane Engines. The Support Equipment Required"  click here

For  information on "How to Install RC Engines" click here

For information on 'RC Airplane Propellers" click here.

To move from this page-"MODEL AIRPLANE ENGINES" to the home page-"RC AIRPLANES SIMPLIFIED", click here.

PLEASE NOTE.

Many (if not all), of the links mentioned in the text above, are not yet active! Please be patient!-This is a NEW site and I have not yet written those pages! Check back often, to see my progress.