Back in the 50's my brother and I got a 1/2A u-control plane kit that included an engine fitted with speed control...the first I had seen. The engine was fitted with a small rubber bellows, and a plastic tube ran out with the control lines. It terminated in a rubber bulb, which could be squeezed to operate a venturi clapper and an exhaust throttle.

The plane itself had a profile fuselage and it had tricycle gear. As I recall, the outline was somewhat similar to a T-28.

The engine started and ran well, and it was fun to fly. The only problem was that the plastic tubing had a huge amount of drag, causing it to belly out.

Can anyone tell me what this was? The only ones I ever saw were those belonging to my brother and me. I'm guessing that they weren't on the market for long, and I wish I had kept mine, darn it!

Ron

It was probably a jim Walker Firecracker with an AJ 065 motor. The motor was really an Anderson Spitzy 065 with a vacuum throttle. You had a plastic line to the bellows and a squeeze bulb in your hand. It kinda worked but like you said the drag was more then the throttle effect was worth. The plane and motor in pristine condition today would bring tears to your eyes and a sizable chunk of change to your pocketbook.