.049 RTF plastic airplanes

I know that a good many of the members on here are not slavishly devoted to Cox engines alone! I, for one, have a reasonable collection of non-Cox engines, ranging from .049 up to .35.
I have a number of Wen-Mac/McCoy/Testors engines (name changed over the years!) but all basically the engine that you will have in your RTFs, good, usable, examples of all 27+ versions of these engines can still be bought for about the same price you would pay for a Cox Babe Bee.
If you can take photos of the engines in your planes I know that I, and many more members would be only too happy to give you advice on the best way to proceed. Should it prove that the engines you have are not usable (VERY unlikely) I'm sure we can help to get you airbourne! Your models may have what is known as the "Pipebomb" type of engines (So called 'cause they look like a length of pipe!) which are also quite easy to get.
Post photos and let's get you going!
Wilf

"I know I will be looking to re-engine these planes with a new Cox .049"

I suppose anything is possible if you throw enough time and/or money at it, but why not just get the original engines running?

The condition of these planes would determine their collectability (both of the planes are not very good flyers) if there nice, like new, you might want to just clean them up and set on a shelf. If they're used, beat up, go for it as they don't have much value.

I would remove engines from planes, partially disassemble them (at least remove head) and soak in lacquer thinner 24 hrs.
Clean off any dried up oil with stiff toothbrush. Dry off and use a blow dryer to heat up remaining caster oil inside engine BEFORE attempting to turn over.
Oil up with light machine oil and reassemble.

The four engines in the centre of this pic will be similar to the ones in your RTFs, the black one with a yellowish tank on the right is the "Pipebomb" type I was refering to, this may be the one in the model you describe as having zero mounting bolts, it was held by shaped sections in the nose



All of these engines have been bought off EBay for very little money, and all are in perfect running order, I have had to replace the odd starter spring and needlevalve, but these bits are easy enough to get.


Wilf

Suggest you do a "clean-up" of the existing engines and try get them running.

I note that the yellow Wen-Mac has a severely distorted elevator that needs to be corrected.

The local hobby shop (LHS) is all but a thing of the past driven out by on-line competition from major suppliers like Tower Hobbies but even the majors aren't much into 1/2A's. On the bright side there still are vendors that cater to fans of 1/2A's.

We could "link" you to some if you'd like. Just ask.

Don't think those are actually MMT's planes, Dave, I think they are examples that Mark put up

Mark:

What is your experience with old plastic planes that have sat stored somewhere for fifty or so years? Are they brittle from age and can they withstand the rigors of being flown?

I suppose it depends on the conditions under which they were stored.

The photo of the early Wen-Mac Corsair 'Yellow Jacket' is one of the more collectable Corsairs. This model also included a "FLEX-O-POWER RING" starter version, a low cost "rubber-band" starter, basically a large O-ring that would engage a small pin sticking out of the backplate, you'd be lucky to get two cycles out of it. Wen-Mac actually used it from 1956 to '61.

SuperDave wrote:Mark:

What is your experience with old plastic planes that have sat stored somewhere for fifty or so years? Are they brittle from age and can they withstand the rigors of being flown?

I suppose it depends on the conditions under which they were stored.

Hi Dave,

Sorry, I just noticed your post. I think most 1/2 century old plastic has held up amazingly well and shouldn't be a issue, other then a TD-3 or Wen-Mac which was some type of thin Styrene?

Thanks for the answer Mark.

(Yes, I slid that post in for one that I had previously deleted)

Hello,
Just found some replys to some of my post on RTF planes. Told you that I was new at this forum thing. Not even sure where this post will "land". I will figure it out. If I offended anyone, I a'm sorry. Please understand, when I was fooling with these RTF's 50 years ago the only resorce I had were the "freeflight" guys. They wouldn't give a kid like me the time of day. When I read some of the replys out of context I thought, oh crap, here I go again. Again sorry. For what it worth, I always intended to try to get these engines to work. I was just looking for a "plan B". It appeared that Cox Int. was the only game in town for new engines/parts.
Now, thanks to those who those who informed me that these engines may not the obsolete dogs I thought they were. Glad to hear that there is still parts out there without the "collector" price. This may open a new train of thought.
Guess I really need to work on this forum thing. LOL
Thanks,
MMT
















'

MMT:
As you read the forum posts for a week or so you'll learn how things operate. Plastic planes fall under the "Models and Modelling" thread. I certainly didn't take offense from anything that you have written.

Long forgotten plastic planes from the attic can be made to run and fly given some cleaning and preparation. Plastic RTF (Ready To Fly) planes aren't particularly good flyers in my experience because they were often designed as "disposeable" toys of the "crash and trash" variety. For example, kids would get them for Christmas, try to fly them, crash them then toss them in the trash.

I can see one as a valueable "learning experience" for you but only as an introduction as in learning to fly come the inevitable crashes. You'll probably want to move on from there exploring the many dimensions of model aviation.



Keep reading the forum in the meantime.

HI,
To SuperDave, just saw you post. Man, you are spot on. You understand (I think), what I am tring to do at this time. The RTF's are all I know from when I was kid. Somewhere in la la land (internet forums) I posted that when I decided to get back into powered airplanes, I bought a costly RC elect. airplane. Flew it 2 times, put it back in it's box. There it sits. Not what I was looking for. Want a "gas" engine airplane.
Now to the RTF's, I know something about them. Simple, basic, and cheap. If I (crash & trash), and may very well, not much lost. Did that with the big block Chevy Opel GT project I have posted about somewhere. Only lost time & a few months in the hospital over that project (I can laugh about it now). Not funny then. Thankfully, I won't be in these planes when the "ugly" happens.
Thanks people,
MMT
P.S. Think I am getting a little better at this forum thing.

MMT:

For most people modeling is a series of progressive steps from the simple to the complex. Start with a control line model and later move up to radio control if you so desire.

In flying CL you'll learn the essentials of engine operation and fundamentals of flight. Build on your successful experiences and the associations that you will make within our hobby. Modeling, to me, is most enjoyable when done in association with like-minded friends.

MMT wrote:

P.S. Think I am getting a little better at this forum thing.

Nothing wrong with your posts MMT, better than many I have seen!!

Wilf

Yep...you're there ! Now, "On with the experimentation" !

Hi all,
Thank to all who have replyed to my post. Please keep them coming. I don't know how to respond to all post at this time other than a new post. Am not looking to increse my post count. Just looking for information. My present knowlege is 50 years old & and I am dealing with obsolete equipment. What you good folks think I should know on this subject, trust me, I don't. Hay, I just found out how to set the needle vavle to try and start a Wen Mac/Testor engine. Small things, big help! Yes, I can do the internet search thing but too time comsuming and upseting. Searchs lead to websites wanting to sell me $3,000,000 airplanes, toaster ovens and the like. Not interested.
If anyone wants and has the time to inpart info., please do. Please mark post (RTF models) so I can find them. My email is mmt9876@yahoo.com. Thanks again,
MMT
P.S. Remember: As Shultes said "I know Nooothing!" LOL
P.P.S. I am taking notes.

You are responding the correct way.

What fuel are you using?

`Greetings,
I have been asked what fuel I am useing. The only one I can find at this time. Brand: Hobbico super 1/2a fuel. Nitro continent: 25%. Marked: special oil to protect and cool engine. Am not sure what "special oil" is. Hope it is casteroil.
Plan to use it to try to start the Wen Mac & Testors motors. If it is the wrong fuel and things go badly, oh well, not the first time. I am working on a "learning curve" anyway. At least it is marked 1/2a fuel.
Any comments?
Thanks much,
MMT

MMT:



Hobbico 1/2A fuel is REALLY expensive. $5 for a HALF pint (one cup). It has a blend of Klotz syntheic and caster oil oil as lubrication. (Castrol is automotive oil used in full sized road vehicles)

Locate a vendor of SIG fuel and you'll find better prices and fuel composition. I use SIg 25% and 35% nitro with good results. I get it directly from SIG.