Thanks for the advice. I'll have to find out if it's possible to get the ether here in the UK.

I was surprised how anti diesel the model shop owner, his customers, and shops I rang were. Not powerful enough and only good for vintage models with lots of dihedral was repeated several times. If that is the general view that's why they've disappeared I guess (along with the fuel).

At the end of the day I want to fly models so I might have to find alternative power sources. I won't give up yet but if running diesels becomes too much hassle mine will go into the cupboard on the shelf of 'things I used to use'.