Glow Fuel Question
 

Tower Hobbies TOWER Trainer 40 MkII ARF .40-.46,62" (Plane That I have Chosen)

Hello Everyone,

I am new to site and I have myself a question. Since I am new to the hobby, with the exception of flying a few park gliders, I do have a question about a plane that I saw reccomended to another newbie in the hobby. The plane, Tower Hobbies TOWER Trainer 40 MkII ARF .40-.46,62", is glow powered. Now does that mean it runs off of glow fuel? And if so what is in glow fuel? And do I have to make the fuel? Or does it come in a container? If making the fuel is the answer I'm afraid to use the internet as a resource because you never know if the person posting is an experienced RC pilot. From what I have read I trust this site. [8D] If answering the question is a problem, than a website URL would be fine also.

Best luck flying!

MarineWithWings :D

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

That's a glow fuel engine, Methanol-Nitro Methane blend with a blend of castor and synthetic oils.

I've been using a 15% nitro content fuel for several years now. The oil is pretty much standard for these trainer aircraft at 20%. This fuel is available at pretty much all of the hobby shops that support RC flying.

That's a great trainer, by the way. Reasonable price and is a good and reliable aircraft to learn on.

CGr.

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

Glow fuel is methanol, you can mix the lubricants yourself if you want, or buy it, in this country it has a touch of nitromethane added for better idle and a bit more power, it comes in gallon or quart sizes pre bottled. If you are lucky you can find a local hobby shop that sells it. You can easily order it online, but there are hazmat charges with larger orders. This is an example of what I consider a good fuel. Quart size http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXA298&P=ML You will hear many opinions about fuel and lubricants as you delve deeper into the hobby. Welcome to the addiction, and RCU really is the best resource I can find.

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

Very intresting guys, thanks for all of the advise!

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

Glow fuel has that name because it requires a glow plug to operate. When starting the engine, you add heat to the glow plug. The added heat and the compression in the cylinder cause the fuel to combust. The glow plug is designed to retain some of the heat from the combustion, and also has a catalyst (platinum) that causes a chemical reaction also assisting in the combustion process.

Glow fuel is mainly methanol. Oil is added for lubrication, and nitromethane is added as an oxidizer, allowing more fuel to be burned with less air in the combustion chamber and also helping the user find the proper fuel to air ratio (tuning).

Glow fuel is available from local and online hobby shops. The most important thing for us is to be sure it has the proper oil content, usually around 18% oil. The difficulty with buying glow fuel is the shipping cost. It is a hazardous material, so buying gallons of glow fuel cost quite a bit extra. Some places will sell quarts without the Hazmat charge. Either way it always seems to be that finding a 'local' store, even if it is a few hours away, is the best method (unless you are buying A LOT).

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

Welcome to the addiction Brother,

Bob

Semper Fi

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

gaRCfield is right on with his answer....for most engines 15% is a good mix.....welcome to the wonderful word of RC
Marine wing 73-86 OOOOHRAH Brother

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

I've always used 10% and found it to run just fine. It's usually a little more economical compared to 15%. Not trying to cause a controversary, but maybe save this guy a few bucks.

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

Yeah, Tom, you are probably right. But at our LHS, he has 15% and some high nitro for other aircraft. $18.00 vs about $35 for a gallon, so I use the 15% (the only game in town...).

Now, with that said, I was sort of weined on S&W 15% nitro so that's what I bought. In the early Spring, a few members drive up to S&W in Pennsylvainia and pick up fuel by the case. So, I often get four cases, 16 gallons, and pay about 12 bucks for it that way. And, it's 15% nitro. So, that's not bad.

But, I guess everything is going up now. I have not bought fuel thisyear yet, I still have about two gallons left, so I'll use that up and then either work with the guys and get a couple of cases or just bite the bullet and get it at the LHS.

CGr.

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

Shipping is a problem with glow fuel.

It is usually cheaper with glow fuel to make a direct exchange sale. (Purchase and take immediate possession personally) This can be at a Hobby Shop or Swap meet or hobby show or flying club.

The problem is Hazmat fees with UPS. If you buy by the skid or more of fuel and have it shipped as freight the shipping cost is not so bad.

The shipping costs for quarts is not as bad as gallons but is still not cost effective

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

Yeah, that's why we make the trek to S&W each year and buy it by the case.

A few of the pattern folks make the run and buy it by the drum. They are always asking for our used plastic gallon jugs... :D

CGr

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

My club buys 1-2 drums of 15% airplane fuel from S&W every year, and sells it to the club members for about $10-12/gallon. The club makes a few bucks on it, and the members get a great deal on fuel.

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

I've been buying my fuel at the Toledo hobby show for the last 10 years. I buy a yrs woorth at a time

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

MarineWithWings, here are a few links to fuel manufacturer sites.
Of course, every one of them is "the best." Ask any of them and they'll tell you how great they are.
In reality they are all good and you can really buy based on price and availability as long as the nitromethane and oil content is suitable for your engine. The manual for the engine should have these recommendations.

I have personally used the following brands with no issues at all
Cool Power http://www.morganfuel.com/cp_main.htm
Magnum http://www.magnumfuels.com
Omega http://www.morganfuel.com/omega_main.htm
Power Master http://www.powermasterfuels.com
Ritch's Brew http://www.ritchsbrew.com
Wildcat http://www.wildcatfuels.com

Fuels I've never used, but would use if locally available for a good price:
S&W http://www.s-whobby.com/fuel.html
Cooper http://www.cooperfuels.com (web site says the fuel is now sold through S&W)
Byron http://www.byronfuels.com
SIG http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmar...FV4.html?E+Sig look under 'Field Equipment'

My list is not complete. It's the sites I have bookmarked on my computer at work. Lunch break is almost over...

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

I've used all these at one time or another and they are all good.

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

This may be a stupid question but since Hobby Lobby sells planes on their website do you think they sell glow fuel in their actual stores?

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

Here this one should be close to home for you, and will carry fuel and have info about local RC clubs. Hobbytown USA‎
1188 NE Douglas St, Lees Summit, MO‎ - (816) 554-2850‎

RE: Glow Fuel Question
 

they do