andrew b

I took a trip down to the local autojumble today, more as a socialising event to meet up with my brother and friends. Wandering around the stall I spotted a few aircraft motors, mostly tired looking Thunder Tigers and Enyas when I spotted a real gem in the pile....... an unscratched, unmarked ED Racer, red head, red spinner, all complete, the fella wanted £30 for it and I walked away with it after an offer of £20. "walked" is an understatement, I felt like I had stolen it !![8D]

Got it home and it fired up after half a dozen flicks, turning a nylon 9 X 4 @ 9800 RPM on 33/33/33 fuel.
Engine data is RM 431 53, which I think makes it a Racer (webbed type crankcase) made in December 1953.

Hobbsy

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Andrew, while I am not familiar with that engine congrats on a find that is obviously a good one.

andrew b

Hi Hobbsy, I found these pictures and information to identify the motor.

http://modelenginenews.org/cardfile/...ed3v_racer.png

http://modelenginenews.org/cardfile/...net_am5310.jpg

gossie

Well done. The best model IMHO.

downunder

Great find and if memory serves me correctly they have a magnesium crankcase so I'd be careful with how you clean it.

andrew b

Thanks for that, I don't intend to clean it that much. I will just use an old toothbrush, parraffin and elbow grease. My problem is finding the plans for a suitable model to put it in.

Jim Thomerson

A knowledgeable friend recommended WD-40 for cleaning magnesium crankcases I flew the hound out of one of that model Racer on a control line airplane. For my application an 8x6 prop was the best. I also tried a Super Racer on the same airplane, and it did not perform quite as well.

andrew b

Thanks Jim, I gave it a rub over with WD and a toothbrush, followed by a good blowing with compressed air. It looks a bit cleaner but still has a desirable "patina".

The model (or type) I was thinking of is an "FAI F1 pylon winged / endurance" type that seemed to be popular in the 50's, I am going to put a lightweight 2 channel radio aboard, so something like a 30 second motor run and then dawdle about it the sky

http://www.theaerosmith.com/images/4f3111_408x500.jpg

gossie

That model looks very much like a Westener. FF model from the '40s. Good flier too.
There are many FF models from the era of the ED 2.46 you could build for it's size in correct original size.......Swiss Miss, Dream Weaver, Creep, Buskell's Slick Stick, San De Hogan, Jaded Maid, Fifteen, Zoot Suit, Sky Rocket, etc etc.
Mike Woodhouse in the UK could supply you plans and also Pelaero in OZ.

andrew b

andrew b

Aha, I bought a "short" kit for the Zoot Suit (1953) R/C from the "Nats" a couple of weeks ago and have just started building it.

I would like to cobble up a throttle for the ED because I think it's a bit too powerful. I was thinking of a PAW throttle hung on a rubber inlet stub, I would just remove the ED needle and slip the rubber inlet tract over the holes.

Does it seem feasible?

downunder

Strangely enough I was just given an ED Racer but the crankcase was looking a bit below par. Luckily though about 35 years ago I'd also been given a crankcase in reasonable condition so I swapped the parts over into it. With some ATF for lube it feels fantastic so now all I need is some fuel to ty it out.

gcb

WOW! Both of you guys are very lucky! Wasn't the ED Racer out in the early/mid fifties? Unfortunately, I do not have any ED's.

George

Edit: Forgot to ask...is an autojumble similar to what we call a flea market?

andrew b

An auto jumble here in the UK is like a flea market but mostly full of machinery of all scales and types, ranging from nearly new to completely worthless.
Motorbikes, cars, old parts, old garage equipment, spanners, bust motorbikes, antique piston rings, spark plugs, aero engines, lathes, traction engine wheels, ploughs, tyres, wheels, it's a case of sorting out the good from the *rap and negotiating the price