Rivers Silver Arrow 3.5cc Diesel
12-12-2016, 02:21 AM
#1
Rivers Silver Arrow 3.5cc Diesel
Finally got to run my "new" Rivers Silver Arrow today, 3.5cc (.21 CI) capacity. This one was from the estate of the late Dave Owens. Seems like it hadn't had much (if any) running at all. After I found the settings it settled down to start second or third flick. Monumental compression, which is why it won't start first flick. My wrist isn't that strong. It's going into a Peacemaker c/l model.
Information on the Rivers diesels.
http://modelenginenews.org/ad/rivers.html#t7
Information on the Rivers diesels.
http://modelenginenews.org/ad/rivers.html#t7
Last edited by qazimoto; 12-12-2016 at 02:26 AM.
12-18-2016, 02:56 PM
#3
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Are you going to enlarge the Peacemaker?
That's a lot of engine for a standard size one.
I'm still thinking about a plane for my Silver Arrow, probably end up being RC.
...but it's still fun to run on the bench in the meantime.
That's a lot of engine for a standard size one.
I'm still thinking about a plane for my Silver Arrow, probably end up being RC.
...but it's still fun to run on the bench in the meantime.
12-18-2016, 04:11 PM
#4
I've refurbished a mates old Peacemaker for it. Yes I'd expect that the performance would be "lively", so I'll fly it on 56' lines to see how it goes. Fortunately it'll fit into existing Oliver Tiger mounts, well almost with a bit of fettling so there's lots of other options including a Vintage B Team Racer. I have another nib that I've so far been able to resist running. Lovely old engines, it's a real pity that Rivers came to such a tragic end as a company and didn't go on to bigger and better things.
Last edited by qazimoto; 12-18-2016 at 04:14 PM.
12-18-2016, 06:24 PM
#5
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Ray
Is yours an early one or a later one (with a pressure take off point opposite the induction)?
I have never run my Streak or my Arrow. Each is a Mk 2.
Is yours an early one or a later one (with a pressure take off point opposite the induction)?
I have never run my Streak or my Arrow. Each is a Mk 2.
12-21-2016, 01:59 AM
#8
Well my two Silver Arrows seem to be mk2a's, with the larger diameter shaft but lacking the timed crankcase pressure takeoff plugs under the venturi.
See Adrian Duncan's excellent article at:
http://modelenginenews.org/ad/rivers2.html#t9
The Rivers with the prop is from the David Owen collection and has a serial number of B1201, which the article referenced above suggests is the last one of the Bxxxx A series. The other nib example is serialed as B1169. This was sourced in Canada a few years ago.
See Adrian Duncan's excellent article at:
http://modelenginenews.org/ad/rivers2.html#t9
The Rivers with the prop is from the David Owen collection and has a serial number of B1201, which the article referenced above suggests is the last one of the Bxxxx A series. The other nib example is serialed as B1169. This was sourced in Canada a few years ago.
Last edited by qazimoto; 12-21-2016 at 02:21 AM.
12-21-2016, 03:54 AM
#9
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Ray
Nice brace of Arrow's!
Would you agree with the oft made comment that the Arrow is, in smoothness and power, superior to the Oliver Tiger Major?
Nice brace of Arrow's!
Would you agree with the oft made comment that the Arrow is, in smoothness and power, superior to the Oliver Tiger Major?
12-21-2016, 11:52 AM
#10
Wouldn't be surprised if it was! The OT Major has the reputation of being a bit of an old clunker, whereas the RSA was designed for competition. The Arrow's I've seen running are exceptionally smooth. A clubmate has a "Works Tuned" version which is outstanding. He also has another with the rather odd backplate crankcase pressure "bleeding off" attachment. Apparently it was intended for instant engine stops in competition free flight models.
Last edited by qazimoto; 12-21-2016 at 03:29 PM.
12-29-2016, 12:16 AM
#11
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Glad you're happy with it, Ray. Of all the 170-odd engines we've sold so far from Dave's collection, that Rivers of yours would have to have about the best compression.
For anyone else who might be interested, I've found a couple more of them (with their boxes) to sell next year.
Steve
For anyone else who might be interested, I've found a couple more of them (with their boxes) to sell next year.
Steve
12-29-2016, 12:44 AM
#12
Steve, sounds tempting!
My other purchase from the David Owen collection was a McCoy .29. Not a diesel but an engine I've long been curious about. You said that it had a low compression. Some came back when I tightened the head screws, and it started right up on the running bench. I've bought a new ring from ebay, which I'll now fit. Might put it in a Vintage B Class Team Racer just for fun.
My other purchase from the David Owen collection was a McCoy .29. Not a diesel but an engine I've long been curious about. You said that it had a low compression. Some came back when I tightened the head screws, and it started right up on the running bench. I've bought a new ring from ebay, which I'll now fit. Might put it in a Vintage B Class Team Racer just for fun.
Last edited by qazimoto; 12-29-2016 at 03:34 AM.
12-30-2022, 08:01 PM
#14
I'm guessing that you mean me! Well six and a half years later I still haven't flown it with the Rivers. The motor just needs flushing, and the dust cleaned off the model to go. Maybe this year :-)
Last edited by qazimoto; 12-31-2022 at 04:11 PM.
