Oly

I'm just curious, does anyone know if a model rotary engine has ever been used in an RC airplane? I thought it would be cool, but have never heard of anyone ever doing it.

If you know of such, please post with any info. Pictures would be awesome.

Thanks,

Oly

Iflyglow

My Feedback: (79)

Sure, OS is currently on the 49P111 model. It is a .30 displacement. They have been selling a Rotary for 25+ years.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXPVE3&P=7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LhmB...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb_J-...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ7o1mUwhH0

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

OS makes one. It's a .30 sized rotary engine called the Max 49-PI Type III Wankel

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXPVE3&P=7

While it's a neat idea, $499 for a 30 sized engine is a bit steep just to have something cool!! IMHO

Ken

skypupmut

I have 2 of the OS in a Top Flite DC3, GREAT MUSIC IN THE AIR
THEY ARE .30 DISPLACEMENT, POWER OF A .40 AND DRINK FUEL LIKE A .60
BEAUTIFUL ENGINES

Oly

Thanks for the response, guys. I've got to apologize, as my question was not worded very well. I am aware of the OS Wankel rotary. What I meant to ask about was a Gnome style rotary, like the Sopwith Camel and other WWI fighter aircraft used.

I've never heard of or seen a production Gnome style rotary (model sized) from a manufacturer, and I was wondering if any skilled machinists had ever produced one and used it in a model aircraft.

Sorry for the confusion,

Oly

carrellh

When I first started reading RCU I remember seeing a link to a web site that had pictures and a video of a Gnome style engine. It was a one-off custom creation at the time. I cannot remember the details but it took multiple years to build it and make it work.

OS, Saito, and others make radial engines in the more modern design.

Iflyglow

My Feedback: (79)

Replica engines still produces a fully functioning 1/4 scale example.

http://www.replicaengines.com/about.html

Iflyglow

My Feedback: (79)

The one you are refering too, was advertised by Replica Engines, and is still available.

http://www.replicaengines.com/about.html

Oly

Thanks for the info! Boy, It sure would be fun to have a Replica Engine's Gnome rotary to play with.

I may contact them and see if they know of anyone who's put one in a model and flown it.

Oly

foodstick

Can you imagine the insane torque and takeoff issues with one of these fixed crank radials !!

Montague

At least one model was built with a scale Gnome. No clue if it flew or not

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eXIYiKVGXI

Kmot

My Feedback: (24)

I'm positive I have seen a video of a model flying with one. In the meantime:

TFF

The video and the Morane are the same guy and I think he did an Avro also. I have also heard of a Pup done too. The 2 problems with the engines are the precession and weight. Precession acts 90 degrees to rotation so right rudder will make the plane tuck and up elevator will make the plane go right and so on. The models done seem to be the more stable ones from WW1 to keep this at a min. The weight of these engines are 10+lbs for 1/4 scale so they are not light weights. Because of the weights they are more ground running engines. I want a Camel with one, but there are some big problems to overcome. On the RCSB board, a guy bought the 1/4 Gnome to put in his Eindecker but has backed out on it for right now but has run the engine. There are a bunch of videos on Youtube of these engines running.