Hi,
I put all the info on Gas/Glow operation consolidated into two posts on this page here in the forum:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8009384/tm.htm
Yes, the engines easily hand start. For some reason even easier than a CDI spark ignition engine!
BTW, I would also use a belt drive system over a chain in a reduction drive.
AV8TOR