Thank goodness for the modern [light load] propellor, because this engine is too weak to run with just a Cox 5 x 3.
30 years ago the normal sized 1/2A combat plane [if you dig through the plans on Barry Baxter's site] was only 24 inches or so. I'd like to go back in time and try this 36 incher in competition to see if "following the herd" was wise or not. The extra span might have picked off more streamers without reducing the number of opportunities too much.
Around 1988 or so is when Larry had his HalfLite design featured in a 2 part article in Model Aviation [if I remember correctly].
this design was a little bit larger than most, 100% foam with wood spars and maple mount beams. Larry devoted quite a lot of room in his article to show how to make the TD .049 really run.
The only major detail missing from his engine prep back then was lightening the piston.
Last edited by combatpigg; 06-06-2015 at 01:23 PM.