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Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/4/2008 9:58 AM   
John Cole


 

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A few folks have asked about these particular Cox engines. This example is new. They were not produced very long at all, one of the theorys is that they often leaked fuel.

John

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/4/2008 3:23 PM   
Dan Vincent


 

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Status: offline 		John,

Thanks for posting those pics.

That's a pretty rare bird and I'd love to see what that would bring on Ebay. I think a lot of people would be shocked.

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/4/2008 3:47 PM   
RocketRob



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Status: offline 		I agree Dan, And the leaking just adds to the mystique and adds character....kinda like Harleys?

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/4/2008 4:10 PM   
digital_trucker



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Status: offline 		Holy cow, that is new! I'm astounded it looks to be inperfect condition including the packaging.

When you run it, be sure to give us the skinny on it's performance

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/4/2008 4:18 PM   
ptulmer



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quote:

ORIGINAL: digital_trucker
When you run it, be sure to give us the skinny on it's performance


Before he does that, he should change the prop. It might be collectible .


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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/4/2008 4:45 PM   
MJD



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quote:

ORIGINAL: John Cole

[image][/image]

A few folks have asked about these particular Cox engines. This example is new. They were not produced very long at all, one of the theorys is that they often leaked fuel.

John



Man, I'd never run or even open that - it begs to be left as is and ogled. You can always run an SS in it's place.

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/4/2008 4:57 PM   
cortacesped


 

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Status: offline 		Thanks for sharing this image with us. I wouldn´t know what to do i your place. Keep it in that condition or make it run, even for one time only.

Regards

Claudio

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/4/2008 5:26 PM   
Dan Vincent


 

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Status: offline 		No No, don't open or run. There are plenty of other similar Cox engines you can play with...that one is "RARE" and goes for a bunch when you can find one.

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/4/2008 7:20 PM   
gcb



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Status: offline 		John,

It looks esentially like a Space Bug Junior with a metal, stunt vented tank front. Can you see whether it has one or two transfer ports?

George



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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/4/2008 7:45 PM   
John Cole


 

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Status: offline 		Glad you guys enjoyed the pictures. George, I can't tell if it has two ports or one. I've never had this engine out of the 'box', and it's possible it's never been opened. It's not because I'm not curious, because I AM!!... But.. the clear plastic bubble box top has shrunk a little over the years, and it's sort of clamped itself in place over the lower tray. To open it would probably split or break the top, so I just leave it alone. I've noticed this shrinkage on other old Cox packaging too.

eBay, yes it would be a shock I'm sure. My brother has it at the moment, I did an exchange for his new TD-1. Those are such cool c/l models!!

John

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/5/2008 2:17 AM   
catracer343



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Status: offline 		Yah, I'd hang onto that one...you could probably put a kid through colidge in a few years with that lil' puppy!

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/5/2008 6:11 PM   
gcb



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Status: offline 		Found the answer. It has two bypasses and the older narrow plug. They used the Space Bug piston/cylinder which gave high performance with less cost. Also, the tank was made to be used clockwise or CCW. I thought they used the SB Jr. backplate but it had the pickup molded in the be used only CCW. SB tank was also cast for only CCW use.

There is a possibility that later ones used the newer plug since the Strato-Bugs were produced during the time of transition between the narrow and wide plug. Check this out:

http://www.mh-aerotools.de/airfoils/cox_frameset.htm

George

Edit: Looked at the pictures above again. Note that the tank back IS like the SB Jr. (note the needle valve location). Perhaps the backplate was changed during its production cycle, otherwise, the one shown in the online pic I referenced has been rotated by someone.

< Message edited by gcb -- 4/5/2008 6:17 PM >

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/5/2008 8:01 PM   
John Cole


 

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Status: offline 		George, THANKS for the link to that great site. I had forgotten about it. The photo gallery is really something, wish I knew who the people were.

John

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/6/2008 6:58 PM   
gcb



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Status: offline 		It's hard to speak in absolutes when it comes to Cox because they would tend to mix and match sometimes. Combine that with the idea that some folks mix and match parts, and that you can install a Sure Start cylinder on a 1952 Space Bug, then you can begin to comprehend how hard it is to understand authenticating a Cox.

My first Cox was a used Thermal Hopper, then a used Space Bug (both small plug). Next came a new Space Bug Jr.(small plug), new Babe Bee (large plug) then a new Thermal Hopper (large plug), and finally a Pee Wee. Those were all in the nineteen fifties.

It's easy to understand how someone who did not live through those days could get confused about what came with what.

Even the wrenches becomes confusing. The early engines used a narrower exhaust opening than later ones, so the newer wrenches used to remove an older cylinder tends to knurl the cylinder...etc., etc.

Sorry for rambling.

I agree with others that you should keep the Strato Bug in the package and not use it. I also would not tly the TD-1 if it is in new condition. I have heard that the plastic they used hardens and becomes brittle over time (probably UV damage). Good luck with both.

George

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 4/7/2008 8:41 PM   
John Cole


 

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Status: offline 		George, thanks for the info and insight. Good stuff.

I won't be flying the TD-1, it will be displayed only. Great conversation piece when we have company over to the house. I have however assembled a Cox Chaparral and Ford GT-40 from old used spares that I intend to run.

John

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 6/20/2010 1:21 AM   
mobydentist


 

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Status: offline 		HI THERE!  WOULD YOU CONSIDER SELLING ??

REGARDS   MURRAY FRASER


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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 6/23/2010 1:48 AM   
ajcoholic



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Status: offline 		I searched for a long time before I finally grabbed a nearly new Strato bug at Toledo MECA Collecto about 9 years ago. IIRC I paid $40 US for it. AFterwards, I sold my extensive 1/2A collection to finish paying off my student loans. I think I sold it for nearly $300 US. But at that time I could get almost $400 for an RR-1 which were much easier to get.

I think the Strato bug is the rarest old Cox to get your mitts on. I have only seen two... and everything else is pretty common.

I have a copy of the operating instructions somewhere... but since I recently moved it would be in a box yet.

AJC


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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 12/8/2012 6:27 PM   
mobydentist


 

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Status: offline 		 Hi there. I am a serious cox engine collector.  How much would you be willing to sell the stratobug for?

Regards Murray Fraser


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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 12/9/2012 12:27 AM   
MJD



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Status: offline 		In the days when that engine hung on a peg behind the counter at the LHS, there were actually young folk that would save up money to buy one and think it was the greatest thing. Any Cox in the package is eye candy to me.

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 12/9/2012 4:27 AM   
jbirnsch



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Status: offline 		Being NIP I would say the sky is the limit.

Here is what a yellow one fetched not long ago.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-Rare-1955-Cox-Thimble-Drome-Strato-Bug-049-C-L-FF-Model-Airplane-Engine-/130768083652?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e72629ac4

And a red one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-Rare-1955-Cox-Thimble-Drome-Strato-Bug-049-C-L-FF-Model-Airplane-Engine-/150895858763?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item232218144b&nma=true&si=LzVkzpxQstrRD4gQ1fQXhELWsDY%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 12/9/2012 3:47 PM   
MJD



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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 12/11/2012 5:26 PM   
brickwoodward


 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: RocketRob

I agree Dan, And the leaking just adds to the mystique and adds character....kinda like Harleys?



Hey now, my Harley resembles that remark.........hahahahahaha

it's a 91 and runs like a rented mule!!!!

Merry Christmas, bill

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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 12/11/2012 9:12 PM   
Silvaire



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quote:

ORIGINAL: jbirnsch

Being NIP I would say the sky is the limit.

Here is what a yellow one fetched not long ago.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-Rare-1955-Cox-Thimble-Drome-Strato-Bug-049-C-L-FF-Model-Airplane-Engine-/130768083652?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e72629ac4

And a red one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-Rare-1955-Cox-Thimble-Drome-Strato-Bug-049-C-L-FF-Model-Airplane-Engine-/150895858763?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item232218144b&nma=true&si=LzVkzpxQstrRD4gQ1fQXhELWsDY%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557


I think there's a lesson here...

If you're looking for a deal on something special, keep your nose to the ground and beat the bushes locally.

If you post your exotic wants here, someone is likely to chime in and let everyone know what they're REALLY worth!


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RE: Strato-Bug! Here's what they look like... - 12/14/2012 2:43 AM   
jbirnsch



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Status: offline 		I don't think there is much hiding prices any more as you can search ebay for recent auctions. Sometimes local sales can yield real deals if the seller is uninformed.

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