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.46LA, shown above right, is closer to your first choice.

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 nitro methane! (although a small amount of nitro methane 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.

Visit this page for information on  2-Stroke glow RC  Model Airplane Engines,

See here for information on 4-stroke glow RC plane engines,

For information on Model Airplane Fuel, visit this page.

THE GASOLINE  POWERED ENGINE.

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

Visit this page for information on Gas Powered Model Aircraft Engines,

RC JET ENGINES SIMPLIFIED.

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!

Read here about RC Jet Engines.

THE RC FIELD BOX FOR USE WITH RC GLOW PLUG ENGINES.

The Great Planes Master Caddy is a good flight box with a lot of great ideas, and you buy it in a finished state.

For full information, visit the RC Field Box.

Here you will find information on RC Airplane Engines.The Support Equipment Required.

This page will show you how to Install RC Engines

Visit this page for details about RC Airplane Propellers.

A Scale RC Model Helicopter, the Blade Huey UH-1 RTF.

This scale RC model helicopter, is an accurate replica of the Bell Iroquois, from the Viet Nam era. Easy to fly, this collective pitch, remote controlled helicopter is complete and truly ready-to-fly.

Return from RC Model Airplane Engines to RC Airplanes Simplified.