I occasionally build small batches of diesels like the GB 5cc and I am completing some 2.8cc engines at the moment. Back in 2002, I designed a couple of smaller engines and made up prototypes.
One of these I call the Owen 99'er and it does show some promise. It is 1.0cc and quite light. It is has a longish stroke, so it will be very easy to start and handle and is designed to run on larger props such as 7x4/ 8x4 sizes. Notice it is self-contained with its own fuel tank and a simple radial mounting.
If produced, the 99'er would have an exhaust collector to keep the noise and mess to a minimum and it would be available with an R/C throttle. The prototype has not been tested with these additions at this stage.
A small diesel like this would be most suitable for sport R/C fliers who like a bit of quiet, relaxing flying with larger, slower flying models around the 40-50” range.
I like this little engine very much, but no decision has been made to go ahead with the 99’er and I’m sure all will understand that orders cannot be accepted.
I am only posting this now to gauge the demand for an engine of this type and at what price range it would be of interest to diesel enthusiasts. Bear in mind that specialist diesel engines like this of small-scale production cannot be sold at 049 glow prices.
Please comment.
with regards
David Owen

Looks very interesting to me, David. Do you have any idea what the cost would be per engine?

Good luck and keep us posted here on this diesel lovers web site!

Ron Brown

Thanks for your response, Ron. I was beginning to think it was all a waste of time!
No price at this stage, but will let you know when and if I decide to build the 99'er.
Would you like a shot of the engine I'm building at the moment?
regards
David

OK, I admit I was lurking waiting to see what else popped up... Probably a few others are as well.

I think you'd sell these to the usual gang of Oz SAM suspects, and I would have thought given the engine capacity, and that it's not really for competition use, that a price of around A$200-300 would be about right. I'd put myself down for one at that figure.

regards,
JVB

I suggest that a price of about $1,200-00 would be about right.
Then, if he sells enough, David may approach the rate of a local tradesman.
Peter