Does anybody have any experience with RCV engines. I`m particularly interested in the RCV 60-SP, the model that looks as though it has the prop shaft coming out of the glo hole.

They look like interesting engines and would suit a tightly cowled model. Probably a little on the high side price wise, but interesting nevertheless. I`m considering a pair for a Martin Mariner I`m putting together.

"www.rcvengines.com" The SP versions turn huge props at one half normal rpm and have the cylinder pointing straight forward and the cylinder turns the prop, the CD series has the cylinder in the normal position and turns props at normal rpm. The cylinder rotates in both series. They are fine, totally reliable engines. 10% nitro and 15% lube are recommended. A Hangar 9 Super Plug will let them idle like a clock. I have run 15% nitro with 18% lube in mine with no difference in performance. WildCat fuel in both instances.

I saw one of our members flying his plane with RCV60-SP before.
I remember it was interesting, but was noisy. Mechanical noise.
And a hex starter shaft is needed to start it like a heli.
He never uses it again.

Tsutomu Mabuchi

You don't actually need the starter wand but I prefer it because it's easier and safer and they are only noisy for about 15 minutes.

I'm completely happy with mine, runs just like the MFG said it would. That scale diameter prop is just awesome to look at both on the ground and in the air. I have a video of my RCV on my website during break in if you want to hear it run. I was only breaking it in so the video is of it running in my test plane at 3000 RPM. As hobbsy says, it's only noisey in the begining. Once you have a little time on it, you just hear a nice 4-stroke sound and a little gear whine.

Thanks for the help so far.

Any advice on the cooling? For example, is it as critical as the manufacturer says? It will be cowled in my application, and I can probably tailor the cowls accordingly since it is scratch built.

The 2:1 gearing is particularly appealing as I want to swing 13 X 13 props, four bladed, for scale looks.

Any further input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to hear that the noise will get away soon.
I will tell my friend about that.
Then I understand the reason you recommend RCV SP.

Tsutomu Mabuchi

the only really noisy ones are the mark 1 sp's,they had straight cut gears,the mark 2 has helical cut gears which are much quieter but sap a little power,they can still swing a huge prop though.

JapanFlyer,

I believe cooling in the cowl will be important. You will definately want to provide ducting (as described in the manual) to get air moving accross the fins to keep it cool.

Kent