What did I buy here?

I have no experience with U/C combat models.. but I think I can say that those "wings" will likely fly the best for stunt-training.. even with a reed-valve engine. Don't underestimate the power of a Cox .049 reed valve engine. When in good-tune, they can turn 20K+ rpm all day.. if you have a day's-worth of fuel..

I would have bought them.. if I saw them for sale. Let us know please; when and if you build one to fly! Thanks!!

Those are 1/2a Lil Hackers from Phil Cartier of Core Works who's web site is non op for some reason
they fly fast on 35 to 42 foot line with good fast engines. Easy to build and fairly durable except in a nose in crash the engine rips off the firewall. Two up streamer chase ...have fun

Roddie, you read my mind!

My intention for the planes is to use them as stunt trainers. I can try all kinds of new and inadvisable things without fear of crashing. Not because I won't, but because they should bounce pretty good, and I got plenty.

My fingers are crossed that they fly OK.

Thanks for the ID, Fred.

there are some posts in the vendor section of Stunt Hangar.com

https://stunthanger.com/smf/core-house/

the latest being from December, and has Phil's phone number in the signature.... maybe worth a call?

I say fly em!

duaneh wrote:Roddie, you read my mind!

My intention for the planes is to use them as stunt trainers.  I can try all kinds of new and inadvisable things without fear of crashing. Not because I won't, but because they should bounce pretty good, and I got plenty.

My fingers are crossed that they fly OK.

Fred knows what they are!

Post a reply Empty by fredvon4 on Mon Feb 28, 2022 8:20 pm
Those are 1/2a Lil Hackers from Phil Cartier of Core Works who's web site is non op for some reason
they fly fast on 35 to 42 foot line with good fast engines. Easy to build and fairly durable except in a nose in crash the engine rips off the firewall. Two up streamer chase ...have fun

The Cox .049 dual-bypass (#1) cylinders bring nice power! You can still find them if you know where to look. Watch for auctions that list model/Cox engines.. and look for "parts-engines". The older (1st series) Cox "product-engines" were .049 reed-valve engines which had plastic (Delrin-grade) back-plates (a combination venturi/needle-valve assy. and reed-holder). The models utilized an external fuel-tank. It was a modular set-up to fit multiple Cox models of that time.. but had no means for mounting the engine in any other non-Cox models. This would "orphan" many an engine.. if it was lucky enough to escape being thrown away... along with the crashed/irreparable/broken plastic airplane that it came with. Lucky for us; there were 100's of 1000's produced due to their popularity.

Look for these (images below) engines when you search auctions.



These engines are usually worth investing in. They are often in very good condition.. and the piston/cylinder "fit" was a precision-operation, which is what set Cox apart from most other 1/2A size glow-engines of the period. They have affectionately been nicknamed "Postage-Stamp" engines.. because of the "shape" of the backplate.  

You may find some that are "locked-up/seized".. but the application of a heat-gun or hair-dryer will usually loosen them-up. These would need to be totally disassembled and properly cleaned before attempting to run.

The above photo shows two of the engines which have the (red) Delrin backplate/carb. These almost always have a superior fine-threaded needle-valve assy. which is well-worth salvaging.. if you ever want to try running a pressurized (bladder) fuel delivery.

The "reed" is usually of the copper/beryllium "star-shaped" type.. having a circlip-type retainer.

Goldberg models produced a "mount" for these engines.. making it possible to use them in non-Cox models (mainly model-airplanes..) and you can still find those too.. (see image below)



The crankcase/cylinder-assy. adapts seamlessly with the 2nd-series Cox product-engine "Horseshoe"-style backplate/carb.. so there's no worries there.

I mentioned the above engines for the benefit of all who read this thread. It's exciting to me; your scoring the deal on those "Lil' Hackers".. because I know that you're gonna' have some fun with them!