Yes, the original Dooling .61s were spark ignition, but they ran fine on glow after that came in. My dad's was one of those.

Speed was evolving rapidly at that time and if you read the old magazines you'll see that the record went up almost monthly. Pylons weren't always used, and in the immediate post-war period whipping was still legal and I've even seen an article by Harold Debolt explaining how to do it!
The techniques of fuel blending and matching fuels to atmospheric conditions were still in the future for most guys. There was a fuel additive called "This is It" which turned out to be 30% nitro and a few brave souls used it straight. Some of the engines wouldn't take it.
It was an interesting time, when ordinary modelers could compete. Things like propeller selection and fuel tank design were still the hot tweaks and the real pros hadn't yet figured it all out and pushed the amatuers out of contention.
The early days of a new event are always the most fun!